Siena: Day Trips and Tours from Rome
The region of Tuscany is more famous for its decadent, fruity wines than its medieval architecture. However, the city of Siena is rich with history, art and architecture from the Middle Ages, as well as delicious wine, of course. Just an hour outside of the city of Florence, Siena often gets overshadowed, but the city holds a lot of charm and is deemed a UNESCO World Heritage site. Those who decide to take a Siena day trip from Rome will be pleasantly surprised.
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The region of Tuscany is more famous for its decadent, fruity wines than its medieval architecture. However, the city of Siena is rich with history, art and architecture from the Middle Ages, as well as delicious wine, of course.
Just an hour outside of the city of Florence, Siena often gets overshadowed, but the city holds a lot of charm and is deemed a UNESCO World Heritage site. Those who decide to take a Siena day trip from Rome will be pleasantly surprised.
Here’s what you need to know about Siena, one of the most enchanting day trips from Rome.
How to reach Siena from Rome?
Situated in the region of Tuscany, Siena is around 230 kilometers from the capital of Rome.
From Rome to Siena by car
The drive between Rome and Siena takes just over 2.5 hours and travels north up the E35 until the SS715 turnoff. You’ll follow the road all the way to Siena.
From Rome to Siena by train
Despite the fact there is no direct service between Rome and Siena, the city is still easy to access by train. First, take the high-speed train from Rome to Florence which takes less than two hours.
From the same Firenze Santa Maria Novella station, you can catch a train to Siena, which takes roughly 1.5 hours.
Trains run frequently and you can expect to pay around €15 for your journey to Siena.
From Rome to Siena by bus
Buses make the jaunt to Siena roughly every one to two hours and the journey is direct from Roma Tiburtina station to Siena. Tickets cost around €7 and the expedition is just under three hours long.
Guided tour to Siena from Rome
A Siena day trip lasts between 10 and 12 hours and starts around 7:30 AM, returning in the early evening. Most tours include a pickup from your hotel or accommodation, but if not, you’ll meet at a central location in the city.
What is the typical itinerary of a day trip to Siena from Rome?
Day trips to Siena also encompass the town of San Gimignano, both located in the Tuscan region of Italy. After a two- to three-hour bus journey, you’ll stop at the medieval city of Siena, known for its wine. You’ll be guided around the city's most renowned attractions including the famous piazza.
You’ll also be offered the opportunity to sample some of the region’s produce, including its fine wines.
After exploring Siena, you’ll move on to San Gimignano where you’ll make stops at prominent monuments such as its historic towers.
After you’ve had your fill of medieval architecture and learning about life in the Middle Ages, you’ll make your way back to Rome by bus.
What kinds of tours go to Siena?
There are different types of tours to Siena depending on your budget and the experience you’re seeking. Most day tours to Siena also take a detour to the lesser-known but equally fascinating San Gimignano.
Guided tours to Siena plus San Gimignano from Rome
A guided tour to Siena includes one of the popular wine tours in Rome for a chance to sample the local wines that the region of Tuscany is famous for. Wine and produce tastings happen in the neighboring town of Monteriggioni, which is also known for its medieval structures.
You’ll have free time to explore both Siena and San Gimignano and the tour lasts 10-12 hours, starting between 7 AM and 8 AM.
Private tour to Siena plus San Gimignano from Rome
If you want to explore the sites of Siena even further, choose a private day trip. The tour includes both Siena and San Gimignano, and the schedule is flexible. That means that you can spend more time in places that interest you, and leave out those that don’t.
Day trip to Siena plus Monteriggioni from Rome
On this tour of Siena, you’ll enjoy a personal and comfortable experience, with your own air-conditioned minivan. Alongside Siena, you will also be able to visit Monteriggioni, another impressive medieval town that is full of cobbled streets and imposing towers.
Day tour to Siena plus Orvieto from Rome
Day tours to Siena and Orvieto last around 12 hours and start with a pickup from your hotel in Rome. You’ll have free time to explore both medieval destinations before heading back to Rome.
In Siena, you’ll be able to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site that includes the Palazzo Publico. In Orvieto, there are plenty of caves and tunnels to explore for those not afraid of the dark.
What is the price of a day trip to Siena from Rome?
Day tours to Siena plus San Gimignano costs about €220 per person and covers the wine tasting and light lunch, as well as round-trip transportation.
Private day trips to Siena plus San Gimignano costs around €450 per person for a group of two people. You can add a wine tasting and light lunch to your experience for €25 per person. Private day trips benefit from greater flexibility, a private vehicle and a knowledgeable English-speaking driver.
Day trips to Siena plus San Gimignano and Monterrigioni cost around €500 per person for a group of two people. This includes a pickup from your hotel and transportation in an air-conditioned minivan with an English-speaking driver.
Day tours to Siena plus Orvieto cost around €470 per person for a group of two people, and include a private transportation and Wi-Fi onboard.
What are the highlights of touring Siena?
Torre del Mangia
One of the most imposing structures in the city, Torre del Mangia stands 102 meters tall and was built over 800 years ago. Interestingly, when the tower was built, it was instructed to be built exactly the same height as the cathedral.
This was to show equality between the two buildings, and therefore, the equality between the church and the state.
If you want to experience panoramic views of the city, buy a ticket and head to the top of the tower, where you can gaze out upon the rest of Siena. Make sure you’re feeling fit as there are over 400 steps to climb!
Opening times for the tower vary throughout the year.
Piazza Del Campo
The historic center of Siena has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Piazza Del Campo is at the heart of it all. The magnificent medieval square is home to several events throughout the year, inspiring the townspeople to come together in light-hearted fun.
The main event is the Palio horse race which takes place twice a year, in July and August. There is evidence to suggest that the race has been happening since the sixth century, and it is interwoven into the Sienese culture.
Duomo Di Siena
While a large proportion of Italian duomos are worth a visit, the cathedral in Siena is especially spectacular. With ornate details covering every inch of the 12th-century structure, the mosaic floor is a stand-out feature that is full of artistic skill.
There are also intricate paintings and stained glass windows that any art lover will appreciate on their Siena excursion.
When is the best time to visit Siena?
To make the most of the scenic Tuscan vistas, head to Siena around June, September or October.
The region experiences high rainfall in April and May, and the city gets inundated with tourists in July and August. In the shoulder months, however, the weather is mild, rainfall is low and there are fewer tourists.
Are there any tours to Siena from other cities in Italy?
Yes, there are other tours departing from several other cities in Italy:
- Siena day trips and tours from Florence
- Day tours to Siena from Livorno
- Siena day tips and tours from Lucca
Top Siena tips
- Ensure you wear comfortable shoes on your day trip to Siena, as there are over 400 steps if you choose to climb the tower.
- Like the rest of Italy, Siena experiences scorching summers. If you visit during these months, make sure you are prepared with sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water.
- Day tours to Siena start early in the morning and don’t include a stop for breakfast. Visit a local deli before your trip to ensure you don’t go hungry.