I drove into San Gimignano last night. Our hotel is the Cisterna, which is at the very top of the hill. I had planned to do some drives through Tuscany and visit some wineries. I’d planned to drive over to Pisa and see that tower before it collapses. (Just fooling). However, after the drive up to our hotel, I DON’T want to leave until they make me...that is, the drive up was terrifying and I’m not driving down for 4 more days. That being said, what are some reputable tour companies that pick tourists up in San Gimignano? I’d like to do a tours for the next 3 days. Anyone have suggestions? Are these evening Chianti Dinners worth $100.00? The wine tastings? The day trip to Pisa? I don’t mind the costs, as long as the guides speak perfect English (I’ve been on many Italian tours and came away with no insight because of the guides broken English and inability to express themselves in a way an American can understand). I know that good guides are out there, I just want to get one on an 6-8 hour tour. Any help u can off will be greatly appreciated! San G. Is Breathtaking and the staff at our hotel
are lovely. Thanks!
Posted by
Rural Georgia
2213 posts
the drive up was terrifying and I’m not driving down for 4 more days
I looked up Hotel Cisterna. It looks charming! I checked their FQQ. Have you checked with them? They offer to arrange tours. Also, where are you parked? If you are in private parking inside the ZTL, maybe you could move to outside parking, then walk or take a taxi or the bus to the lot to access your car for more adventures.
We really liked San Gimignano. We also really liked Volterra, just up the road. There is an advantage to taking a wine tour, you won't have to worry about tasting and then driving.
We never had problems understanding our friends in Italy, even if their English wasn't perfect. I usually heard better English than I do at the local WalMart.
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
Ask your hotel for the bus schedule. From San Gimignano it's a short 35 minute bus ride to Poggibonsi. From here you can take the train to to Siena or go north to Empoli and on to Pisa and Lucca. Or the bus to colle dei val d'elsa and volterra.
Can I ask why the drive was terrifying?
Edit.
You can also use...
To see what transportation options are out there. Simply click on the bus or train icon. You will still need the bus schedule
Posted by
California
15 posts
Anna from Cool Tours by Anna is fabulous! We spent 2 days with her and loved it. Her English is great...very easy to understand. She took us to different wineries (small ones--very special), small towns, and to the sites with beautiful views of the countryside (although you have that in San Gimignano!). One of the wine tastings we did with her in the Chianti region came with a meal and it was delicious.
We took a day trip to Pisa while we were in Florence. I'm not sure I'd give up a day in the countryside to go to Pisa.
Just down the road from the town of SG is Guardastelle, where we stayed in June. They have wine tours/tastings and cooking classes if you're interested. My daughter and I enjoyed the cooking class (which included sampling the wines during lunch). I didn't have time for the wine tour.
We loved getting gelato from Gelateria Dondoli while in SG. Our favorite place!
Enjoy your time there. That was my favorite stop during our 19 days in Italy. :)
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Another vote for finding a quiet morning to get the car out of there and repark in a more accessible lot served by the shuttle bus.