PolaTour The 17 Fountains of the Contradas of Siena

A Unique Way to Explore Siena: The 17 Fountains of the Contradas Tour

If you’re planning a visit to Siena, Italy, and want to turn your sightseeing into an engaging adventure, the PolaTour The 17 Fountains of the Contradas offers a fresh take. For just $71.08 per group (up to 5 people), you get a flexible, self-guided experience lasting from one to four hours. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll explore the historic Contradas of Siena, discovering fountains, stories, and secrets sprinkled throughout the city’s charming streets.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it combines local storytelling with instant photography, allowing you to create a personalized album of your journey. Second, it’s designed to be family-friendly and flexible, perfect whether you’re traveling with kids or friends, and eager to explore at your own pace.

On the downside, during Palio days (June 29 – July 2 and August 13-16), this route is unavailable, replaced by a special Palio-focused tour. So, if your visit coincides with these dates, you’ll want to plan accordingly.

This experience is ideally suited for curious travelers who enjoy history, art, and authentic local stories, and who want to add a creative, interactive twist to their Siena visit. If you’re keen on making memories and capturing them through instant photos, this tour fits perfectly.

Key Points

• Authentic exploration of Siena’s Contradas and fountains, with engaging storytelling.
• Instant photography creates a tangible souvenir and personalized album.
• Flexible duration allows you to enjoy at your own pace, from a quick walk to a half-day adventure.
• Family-friendly activity that appeals to all ages, especially those interested in history and fun.
• During Palio days, the route is replaced with a Palio-specific tour, so check your dates.
• Private experience tailored to your group ensures intimacy and personalized attention.

In-Depth Review of the 17 Fountains Tour in Siena

If you love discovering a city from a local’s perspective, this tour really hits the mark. It’s not just about visiting landmarks but about uncovering stories behind Siena’s districts and fountains. The tour is designed around the Contradas, the neighborhoods that make Siena so unique, each with its own history, traditions, and, of course, fountains.

What’s Included and How It Works

The core of this experience is a mobile-guided route that takes you through Siena’s historic center. Your guide, or more precisely, your Polaguide, provides narratives about each fountain—from their origins to amusing anecdotes, making each stop a mini storytelling session.

The tour is also a photography adventure—each stop offers a chance to snap a photo with your instant camera. You can choose to rent a camera with 10 or 20 films, in mini or square formats, which adds a tactile, fun element not often found in typical city tours. We loved the way this creates physical memories that you can wave, touch, and attach to your personalized album.

The Itinerary

Starting at Peace & Road Siena, you’ll head into the Centro Storico, the heart of Siena. The tour guides you through various districts, focusing on each fountain’s history and stories. The 17 fountains are spread out across the city’s neighborhoods, and each offers a glimpse into Siena’s history, art, and local lore.

One review highlighted that the tour is quite long, suggesting it could take half a day if you want to do it at a relaxed pace. The well-made map ensures you won’t lose your way, which is a huge plus for those unfamiliar with Siena’s maze of streets.

The Photography Element

The inclusion of instant photography is a standout feature. Travelers can immediately see their photos develop, transforming a simple walk into a creative activity. The comments from past travelers reinforce that this approach makes the experience particularly fun for families and even adults who love a bit of nostalgia. One reviewer joked that even as an adult, she found it “a lot of fun to prepare the album.”

Authentic Stories and Local Color

What we appreciate most about this tour is the balance of education and entertainment. The guide’s anecdotes—ranging from the fountains’ origins to their role in the Palio—bring Siena’s streets alive. As one traveler put it, “the tour and the guide allow you to see the city and discover many interesting anecdotes about Siena’s history.”

Who Will Love This?

This experience is perfect for families, small groups, or solo travelers looking for a less conventional way to explore Siena. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy storytelling, photography, and local culture. Perfect as a half-day activity or a relaxing afternoon in Siena’s streets.

Duration and Value

While the tour can last from one to four hours, the flexible timing allows you to tailor the experience. The price of $71.08 for a group of up to five people offers remarkable value, especially considering the personalized nature and interactive elements.

Practical Tips

• Book in advance, especially during busy seasons, to secure your preferred timing.
• Consider renting the instant camera with 10 or 20 films depending on how many photos you want to take.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as Siena’s streets are cobbled and can be hilly.
• To avoid the Palio route changes, check your dates if you’re visiting during those festival days.

Why This Tour Matters

For anyone who’s enjoyed walking through Siena’s historic streets, this tour adds an extra layer of personal connection and fun. Instead of just looking at sights, you’ll be engaged in a storytelling journey that makes history come alive through both words and images.

The interactive nature — combining walking, storytelling, and instant photography — makes this experience especially memorable. It’s a way to turn your visit into a creative project, creating tangible souvenirs you’ll cherish long after leaving Siena.

Who Should Consider It?

This tour suits adventurous travelers, families with kids, or anyone who appreciates authentic local tales and hands-on experiences. If exploring new cities with a camera in hand sounds appealing, this is a perfect choice. Conversely, if you prefer guided bus tours or more structured sightseeing, this might be too informal for your taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long does the tour last?
  The duration ranges from about 1 to 4 hours, depending on your pace and how much time you spend at each fountain and taking photos.

• What is included in the price?
  The fee covers the self-guided route, the Polaguide, and the option to rent an instant camera with films. The tour is private for your group only.

• Can I do this tour during Palio days?
  No, during June 29 – July 2 and August 13-16, the 17 Fountain route is replaced with a dedicated Palio tour, so plan accordingly.

• Is the tour suitable for children?
  Yes, many reviews mention that kids enjoy taking photos and listening to stories, making it a great family activity.

• What kind of camera do I use?
  You can rent a polaroid-style instant camera with either 10 or 20 films. The photos come in mini (46×62 mm) or square (62×62 mm) formats.

• How do I receive the guide?
  The mobile guide is delivered via a mobile ticket, accessible on your device during the tour.

• Is the route easy to follow?
  Yes, the well-made map and the interactive guide help you navigate without hassle.

• Can I cancel this experience?
  Yes, full cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

• What if I want to extend the tour?
  The experience is flexible—if you want to spend more time photographing or exploring, you can do so at your own pace.

• Is it accessible for service animals?
  Yes, service animals are allowed.

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking an engaging, authentic, and enjoyable way to explore Siena, the PolaTour The 17 Fountains of the Contradas offers just that. It combines local storytelling, hands-on photography, and a relaxed pace, making it ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers who want more than just a sightseeing checklist.

The experience’s personalized touch ensures you’ll leave with deepened knowledge, lovely photos, and memories you can hold in your hands. While it may not be suited for those looking for a traditional guided tour, it shines as a creative exploration suited for the curious at heart.

In short, this tour is a fantastic way to see Siena differently — combining history, art, and fun in a relaxed, memorable package that fits a variety of travel styles. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or just want to add a personal touch to your Siena trip, this adventure is worth considering.