Tuscany’s hidden gems: San Gimignano, Volterra, St Galgano Abbey

Experience the Charm of Tuscany’s Hidden Gems: San Gimignano, Volterra, and San Galgano Abbey

This full-day tour from Florence offers a fantastic chance to explore three of Tuscany’s less-touristed but incredibly captivating towns—San Gimignano, Volterra, and the San Galgano Abbey—for just over $160 per person. With approximately 11.5 hours of sightseeing, guided commentary, and free time, it’s a well-balanced way to soak in Tuscany’s diverse landscapes, medieval architecture, and storied history.

What we especially appreciate about this tour is the small-group size—only up to 25 travelers—which keeps things personable and allows for more meaningful interactions with your guide. Plus, the included entrance fee to San Galgano Abbey means you won’t be scrambling for tickets or missing out on this striking, roofless Gothic ruin.

A possible consideration is the long travel hours—about four hours of bus time in total—so if you’re prone to motion sickness or prefer more leisurely, less packed days, this might feel a bit rushed. However, if you’re eager to see multiple highlights in one day, it’s a price-efficient way to maximize your time.

This tour suits travelers who love history, architecture, and scenic drives, and who don’t mind a bit of bus time in exchange for visiting multiple highlights in one day. Perfect for those who want a curated experience with knowledgeable guides and plenty of free time to explore independently.

Key Points

• Hassle-Free Transportation: Comfortable coach with roundtrip service from Florence, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery.
• Authentic Small Group: Guided by an expert with a maximum of 25 travelers, making for a more personal experience.
• Visit Multiple Towns: San Gimignano, Volterra, and San Galgano Abbey—all in one day—giving a well-rounded taste of Tuscany’s diverse landscape and architecture.
• Free Time at Each Stop: Ample opportunities to wander, take photos, or enjoy local treats like gelato.
• Entrance Included: Ticket to San Galgano Abbey, saving you time and money.
• Great for History and Culture Buffs: Knowledgeable guides share stories and insights that deepen your appreciation of each site.

A Deep Dive into Tuscany’s Hidden Gems Tour

Starting in Florence: A Well-Organized Morning

We meet early at the Piazzale Montelungo, just a short walk from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella train station. The coach is comfortable, and the small group size means we’re not lost within a crowd. Our guide, whose name we won’t forget, sets a friendly tone, sharing the day’s plan with enthusiasm and tips.

Departure is at 8:00 am, and within an hour, we’re heading into the rolling hills of Tuscany. The drive itself is part of the experience—if you’re like us, you’ll love watching the landscape change from urban streets to cypress-lined roads, vineyards, and olive groves. The guide’s commentary is informative but never overwhelming, striking a good balance between storytelling and giving us room to relax.

San Gimignano: The Town of Towers

First stop: San Gimignano. Known as the “town of towers,” it’s famous for its well-preserved medieval skyline—towers rising like the fingers of a giant hand. As we arrive, the panoramic views from a lookout point immediately capture our attention. The town’s compact size makes it perfect for wandering on your own, and we’re encouraged to explore at our own pace.

Our guide leads us through the Piazza della Cisterna, a triangular square with cobblestone streets and medieval houses. It’s easy to see why this square is considered a masterpiece of Tuscan medieval town planning, surrounded by towers and palaces, with five towers still dominating the skyline. The Duomo nearby offers a glimpse into the town’s religious art and architecture, adding depth to our visit.

You’ll love the opportunity to climb the tallest tower—the best vantage point for photos and soaking in the views of the Tuscan countryside.

Indulging in Gelato

A highlight in San Gimignano is a visit to Gelateria Dondoli—a renowned ice cream shop that’s won awards for its homemade flavors. We stop for a quick 15-minute taste test, and it’s clear why it’s famous. The vibrant colors and inventive flavors make it a perfect recharge before moving on. Trust us, the gelato alone could justify this trip!

Crossing the Heart of Tuscany to San Galgano Abbey

Next, we drive through the picturesque Chianti region, crossing gentle hills dotted with vineyards and cypress trees—an iconic scene that makes every camera happy. The hour-long ride is a peaceful transition from medieval town streets to the quiet serenity of the countryside.

The striking San Galgano Abbey awaits us—an impressive, roofless Gothic structure dating back to the 13th century. It feels almost surreal walking among the ruined arches and cloisters, surrounded by cypress and olive trees. Your guide will share stories of its past, including its role as a Cistercian monastery and its connection to the legendary sword in the stone. The entry fee is included, which is a real bonus, and it means you can take your time exploring without worrying about tickets.

Volterra: A Mountain-Top Medieval Town

The journey continues to Volterra, perched on a hill with commanding views of the surrounding landscape. This ancient town’s roots stretch back even before the 8th century BC, with layers of Etruscan, Roman, and medieval history visible in its walls, walls, and streets.

Our guide takes us to Piazza dei Priori, the heart of town, where medieval stone buildings and narrow alleyways create an atmosphere straight out of a history book. We love wandering through the streets, imagining what life was like centuries ago.

Final Stop: The Lasting Impression of Tuscany

After a full day of sightseeing and exploration, the coach heads back to Florence. The return journey is about two hours, giving us time to relax and reflect on the day’s discoveries. Many reviews note the comfortable transportation, with some travelers even experiencing a more intimate setting—like a private van—something we found adds a personal touch to the experience.

The Experience’s Strengths

From the reviews, it’s clear that the guides make a significant difference. “Vladimiro and Roberto made our day a fantastic experience,” one traveler notes. Their knowledge, friendly attitude, and storytelling skills enhance the enjoyment of each stop.

The scenery and towns visited are another highlight—each offers a different perspective on Tuscany’s history and landscape. San Gimignano’s towers, Volterra’s ancient walls, and the ruins of San Galgano create a layered sense of the region’s past.

Many travelers also rave about the free time—it’s enough to explore, shop, or take photos without feeling rushed. The inclusion of the ticket to San Galgano is a bonus that allows you to enjoy this unique site at your own pace.

What Could Be Better?

The main drawback is the length of the bus ride—about four hours total—so if you prefer a more relaxed pace or are sensitive to long drives, this might feel a bit tiring. However, the scenic routes and the comfort of the coach offset this for most.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is ideal for those who want a comprehensive day trip that combines scenic drives, historical towns, and iconic landmarks in a manageable format. It suits travelers interested in medieval architecture, Etruscan history, and Tuscan landscapes, and who appreciate guided commentary that adds context to their sightseeing.

It’s perfect for people who don’t mind a full day on the bus, but still want enough free time to explore each location independently. Families, history buffs, or anyone looking for a well-organized way to see Tuscany’s less-touristed towns will find this trip rewarding.

FAQ

Is transportation provided?
Yes, the tour includes roundtrip transportation by a fully fitted coach from Florence, making the journey comfortable and stress-free.

How long is the travel time?
Total bus travel is about four hours—roughly an hour to San Gimignano, an hour from there to San Galgano, and about 1 hour 15 minutes to Volterra, plus return time.

What are the free time slots like?
You’ll have approximately one hour at each major stop—enough to walk around, take photos, visit shops, or enjoy local treats like gelato.

Does the tour include entrance fees?
Yes, the ticket to San Galgano Abbey is included. Entrance to other sites, like the Duomo in San Gimignano or Piazza dei Priori in Volterra, is free.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so you might want to bring snacks or plan to enjoy local eateries during your free time.

Who leads the tour?
An expert English-speaking guide accompanies the group, sharing interesting insights and making the experience engaging and informative.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
While most travelers with moderate physical fitness will enjoy it, those with mobility issues should consider the walking involved at each site.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded taste of Tuscany’s history, architecture, and landscapes in one day. The combination of expert guiding, small group intimacy, and diverse stops makes it a compelling choice for travelers eager to see beyond the usual tourist spots. The inclusion of the San Galgano Abbey entrance adds a special touch, offering a glimpse into a mystical, roofless Gothic ruin that’s unlike anything in typical guidebooks.

If you’re looking for a value-packed tour that balances guided insight with free time for personal exploration, this trip fits the bill. It’s especially suited for those interested in medieval towns, scenic drives, and authentic Tuscan scenery—all in one memorable day.

Whether you’re a history lover, a scenic landscape enthusiast, or simply eager to tick off a few more Tuscan treasures, this tour promises a rewarding, well-organized adventure into Italy’s timeless countryside.