The 17 Fantastic Animals of Siena

If you’re visiting Siena and want to keep children engaged while soaking in the city’s charm, The 17 Fantastic Animals of Siena offers a playful, interactive way to explore. For $73.52 per group (up to 5 people), this 3-hour journey guides you through Siena’s iconic Contrade districts, focusing on fountains and hidden animals, all while capturing the moment with instant photos.

We love how this tour balances a relaxed pace with educational fun—especially the way it invites kids to become little explorers, each photo capturing a special memory. The tour’s emphasis on authentic districts rather than typical tourist spots** makes it perfect for families eager to see Siena from a local’s perspective. Plus, the instant camera rental adds a creative twist that keeps everyone involved.

A small consideration: this tour is not available during the Palio days (June 29-July 2 and August 13-16), as the itinerary shifts to focus on the Palio’s key locations. So if you’re planning around those dates, be sure to check the schedule.

This experience suits families with children who enjoy stories, puzzles, and hands-on activities, and those who want a flexible, memorable way to see Siena beyond the usual landmarks.

Key Points

• Family-oriented: Designed to entertain children while exploring Siena’s neighborhoods
• Interactive: Uses riddles, photos, and scavenger hunts to keep everyone engaged
• Authentic insight: Focuses on the Contrade districts, fountains, and local stories
• Flexible pace: You can take your time, making it suitable for all ages and energy levels
• Memorabilia: Instant photos attach to your Polaguide, creating a personal souvenir
• Limited during Palio: Tour replaced during Siena’s famous race days

An In-Depth Look at The 17 Fantastic Animals of Siena

What Is This Tour All About?

This is a family-friendly, interactive exploration of Siena, combining cultural discovery with a fun photo scavenger hunt. Led by cheerful guides, the tour takes you to hidden spots in Siena’s Contrade, where you’ll find fountains and fantastic animals—each with a story to tell. The journey is about seeing Siena through a child’s eyes—full of wonder, puzzles, and instant photos.

The tour lasts about three hours, making it manageable even for young children or families with tight schedules. The cost for up to five people ensures a relaxed, private experience away from large crowds.

Why We Love This Experience

First, the activity is designed for children, but it offers enough depth for adults to enjoy it too. The riddles and clues turn exploring into a game, transforming a typical sightseeing walk into an engaging adventure. As one reviewer notes, “It was a great entertaining way to see the city and the kids loved taking the pictures.”

Second, the Polaguide functions as both a map and a photo album. Each spot has a designated space for a photo of a fantastic animal, which you can capture with a rented instant camera (with options for 10 or 20 films and different photo sizes). This creates a tangible souvenir—a unique, visual memory of your Siena visit—something that many travelers cherish.

One Possible Drawback

A common theme among reviews is that completing all 17 animals can take longer than expected, especially with younger children or a leisurely pace. Some groups reported taking 4.5 to 7 hours to see everything, including breaks for lunch. This means if you’re on a tight schedule or have energetic kids, pacing yourself is important. The tour is flexible, but be prepared for a longer day if you want to find every animal.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re traveling with families, especially those with young kids, this is an excellent choice. It suits curious children who love stories, puzzles, and photography, as well as parents wanting a more authentic look at Siena beyond the crowded main sights. It’s particularly appealing for those who want to customize their experience and enjoy a creative souvenir made on the spot.

What to Expect: The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point: Peace&Road Siena

The adventure begins at Via Fusari 20, a convenient central location easily accessible by public transportation. From there, your guide will lead you through Siena’s Contrade districts, highlighting some of the city’s most picturesque fountains and spots where you’ll discover your first fantastic animals.

The Contrada Districts and Fountains

Siena’s neighborhoods, or Contrade, each have a distinct personality—not just in their race during the Palio but in their narrow streets, lively squares, and fountains. The tour focuses on the places where Siena’s soul is visible in its fountains and hidden creatures.

The Fantastic Animals Hunt

At each stop, you’ll find clues, riddles, and hints guiding you to the next fantastic animal—a whimsical creature or motif hidden in the city’s architecture, often around fountains. Finding an animal involves solving a riddle or locating a specific feature, which is especially fun for children who love puzzles.

Photo Moments and Souvenirs

When you find each animal, you take a photo using the instant camera. These photos are then attached to your Polaguide, which acts as an unfolding album of your Siena adventure. According to reviews, “you can decide whether to rent the camera with 10 or 20 films and select between mini or square format,” offering flexibility for your memory-keeping.

Ending the Tour

The journey circles back to the starting point, completing a full exploration of Siena’s hidden treasures. The flexible pace means you can linger at favorite spots or move quickly, depending on your family’s energy levels.

Authenticity and Unique Insights

What sets this tour apart is its focus on authentic Siena districts, avoiding overly touristy areas. Many reviews highlight the discovery of parts of Siena they hadn’t seen before, with one family mentioning they “walked around town at their own pace and collected photos of all the statues”. This makes the experience more personal and less rushed, especially valuable for families who want to savor their trip.

The emphasis on local fountains also provides a glimpse into Siena’s everyday life, moving beyond typical sightseeing and into the city’s heart and soul.

Practical Details and Value

Price and Booking

At just over $70 for a private group of up to five, this tour offers good value for families seeking an engaging activity that combines sightseeing and fun. Booking on average is done about 57 days in advance, indicating strong popularity among travelers.

Duration and Pacing

While officially estimated at three hours, many groups spend longer, particularly if they want to find all 17 animals or take their time at each stop. This is a good thing—it allows for a leisurely, unhurried exploration, but it’s worth noting if you’re on a tight schedule.

Accessibility and Convenience

Near public transportation, the starting point is easy to reach. The activity is private, so you’ll have a guide and map tailored to your group, making it ideal for families who prefer a personalized experience. Service animals are allowed, and the activity is suitable for most travelers, provided they’re prepared for some walking.

Weather and Cancellation Policy

Since the tour is outdoor-based, good weather is essential. If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance, giving you peace of mind to plan your Siena visit confidently.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience shines brightest for families with children who want more than just passive sightseeing. It’s perfect for those who love interactive activities, enjoy photography, and are interested in local stories rather than just famous landmarks. The focus on hidden gems and local fountains offers a different perspective on Siena—a city full of surprises.

If you’re traveling with kids who enjoy puzzles, riddles, and instant photos, you’ll find this tour both fun and rewarding. It also suits travelers seeking a relaxed, self-paced experience that creates lasting memories. The tour’s flexibility means you can take your time, explore at your own rhythm, and come away with charming souvenirs.

However, if your family prefers strictly guided tours with fixed schedules, or if you’re on a tight timeline, this activity might require some adjustments. Keep in mind the potential for longer hours if you want to find every fantastic animal.

FAQ: Your Practical Questions Answered

What is included in the tour?
You get a private guided walk through Siena’s districts, riddles and clues, and the option to rent an instant camera for photos. The Polaguide serves as your map and keepsake album.

How many people can participate?
The tour is designed for up to five people per group, making it ideal for small families or groups.

Can I customize the photo format?
Yes, you can choose between mini (46×62 mm) or square (62×62 mm) formats when renting the camera.

Is this tour suitable for young children?
Absolutely. Many reviews mention children ages 3 to 11 thoroughly enjoying the riddles, photo-taking, and fountain hunts.

How long does the tour take?
Officially, about 3 hours; however, many groups spend longer, especially if they aim to find all 17 animals.

What happens during the Palio?
During Palio days (June 29-July 2 and August 13-16), the tour is replaced by a Top 10 tour focusing on the Palio race and its key locations.

Is the tour accessible by public transportation?
Yes, the meeting point is near public transit, making it easy to reach without a car.

What if the weather is bad?
The experience is weather-dependent. In case of poor weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Can service animals participate?
Yes, service animals are allowed, making it accessible for travelers with special needs.

How early should I book?
Given the tour’s popularity—booked on average 57 days in advance—it’s wise to reserve early to secure your preferred date.

Final Words

If you’re after a unique way to explore Siena with children, this tour offers a fantastic blend of fun, discovery, and souvenir-making. It’s a smart choice for families who want to see Siena’s districts at their own pace, without the rush of traditional tours. The focus on fountains, local stories, and hidden animals makes it a playful, authentic experience that will likely become a favorite memory of your trip.

For those seeking a relaxed, engaging activity that combines sightseeing with a bit of adventure, The 17 Fantastic Animals of Siena is well worth considering. It’s a delightful way to turn a city visit into a treasure hunt—where everyone leaves with a story, a photo, and a smile.