PolaTour The 17 Fountains of the Contradas of Siena

If you’re exploring Siena and want a different way to experience its charm, the PolaTour of the 17 Fountains of the Contradas might catch your eye. It promises a blend of discovery, photography, and a touch of fun, making it ideal for travelers who enjoy hands-on activities and storytelling. While it’s not your typical sightseeing walk, it offers a chance to see Siena from a fresh perspective—especially if you’re fond of photography or looking for an engaging family adventure.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it combines cultural insights with a creative twist. The instant camera aspect allows you to take home tangible memories—no digital screens required. Plus, the detailed guide with anecdotes makes each fountain visit more meaningful. One possible downside is that during the Palio days, the route shifts to focus on the top 10 places related to the event, so this specific experience isn’t available then. Nevertheless, outside of those dates, it suits anyone eager to explore Siena’s districts at a relaxed pace, especially those who love storytelling and photography.

For those considering it, this tour feels especially good for history buffs, families, or anyone wanting a more interactive, personalized way to walk Siena’s streets. If you’re after a quick, superficial glance, it might not be your best fit. But if you enjoy meaningful insights and hands-on activities, you’ll find this tour rewarding.

Key Points

• Unique Photography Experience: Use an instant camera to snap photos at each fountain, creating a tangible album of your Siena visit.
• Cultural & Historical Insights: Learn about each contrada’s fountain, along with interesting anecdotes related to Siena’s Palio.
• Flexible Duration & Private Tour: Lasts about 1 to 4 hours, tailored to your pace, with the comfort of a private group.
• Affordable Price Point: At $71.08 for up to five people, it offers a personalized experience that balances cost and value.
• Route Variations: Standard route covers all 17 fountains; during Palio days, the activity shifts to the Top 10, focusing on Palio-related sites.
• Family & Photography Friendly: Ideal for travelers of all ages, especially those who love taking photos and storytelling.

Exploring Siena’s Fountains Through a Different Lens

Siena isn’t just about its famous Piazza del Campo or its medieval streets—it’s also about the details. The 17 Fountains of the Contradas tour offers a chance to slow down and appreciate these often-overlooked features of the city’s districts. And what better way to do that than with a fun, interactive approach that combines walking, learning, and instant photography?

This experience is designed with a lot of thought. The Polaguide provides historical context and quirky facts about each fountain and its district, making each stop more meaningful. We loved the way the guide turns wandering into storytelling, and if you’re someone who enjoys hearing about local lore, you’ll find plenty to savor here. Plus, the fact that the guide has 17 spaces for photos means you can customize your album, attaching each shot directly as you go—creating a portable memory book of your Siena adventure.

The cost of $71.08 per group (up to five people) is quite reasonable considering it’s a private, personalized activity. You get to decide whether to rent the instant camera with 10 or 20 films, and the choice of mini or square photos adds a nice touch of customization. And, since the tour is flexible in duration—anywhere from about an hour to four hours—you can tailor it to fit your schedule. It’s perfect for those who want a leisurely, unhurried exploration rather than a rushed city tour.

What the Itinerary Looks Like

Starting in the Centro Storico of Siena, the tour takes you through each district, highlighting their fountains and the stories behind them. This is where the tour shines, turning a simple walk into a storytelling session. You’re encouraged to take photos at each stop, attaching your images directly into the guide, which becomes a keepsake of your journey. It’s very much about creating a tangible connection to the city rather than just passing through.

When you arrive at each fountain, you’ll find a brief history, along with interesting anecdotes—think of it as a travel sketchbook come alive. The reviews praise this aspect, with travelers mentioning how simple and fun the process is. One reviewer said, “The camera worked well, simple to use and it’s a lot of fun to prepare the album, even for me as I’m already grown up!” It’s a charming way for visitors to engage actively with the city.

How Photography Enhances the Experience

The instant camera is a highlight. It’s not just about taking pictures but about preserving moments in a tactile way. The ability to choose between mini or square photos offers some creative control. Travelers report that the photos are ready immediately, so you don’t have to wait or rely solely on digital backups. It adds a playful, almost nostalgic element to the tour, which many reviews note as a big plus.

This tactile approach to photography makes the experience more memorable. Instead of just snapping photos and leaving them on a device, you’re creating an album you can flip through later, reliving the sights and stories. One reviewer even called it a “lot of fun to prepare the album,” and many appreciated the idea of having physical memories.

The Route and Its Variations

During most of the year, the route takes you around Siena’s districts, stopping at each of the 17 fountains. However, during the days of the Palio (29 June-2 July and 13-16 August), the standard route is temporarily replaced with the Top 10 Palio-related sites. This shift is thoughtful, catering to the city’s main event, but it’s important to plan accordingly if you’re visiting during those dates. The dedicated guide and map for this period ensure you still get a meaningful experience, just with a different focus.

What Travelers Say

The reviews are unanimous in their praise, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 stars. Travelers appreciate the well-made map that prevents getting lost, and some mention that the tour can easily fill half a day if you take your time. Others highlight how it’s suited for all ages, especially families, because of its interactive nature.

One traveler said, “It’s quite long, to do it calmly you need half a day,” emphasizing that it’s a flexible experience rather than a quick stroll. Another added, “Shows Siena’s secrets,” indicating how engaging and insightful this tour can be.

Practical Considerations

At just over $70 for a group of five, this experience offers a personalized way to explore Siena. The private setting means no rushing or jostling, and the flexible duration allows you to incorporate this activity into your broader itinerary. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy storytelling, photography, and exploring on their own terms.

Keep in mind that during Palio days, the route changes, so if you’re planning around those dates, check if this specific tour is available or consider the alternative Palio-focused version. Also, service animals are allowed, and the activity is accessible near public transportation, making it relatively easy to reach.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who appreciates personalized experiences that combine history, storytelling, and creativity, you’ll enjoy this tour. It’s especially suited for those who like hands-on activities or want to create a physical souvenir of their trip. Families, small groups, or couples who want a relaxed, engaging way to discover Siena’s districts will find this a delightful addition to their visit.

It’s less about ticking off sights and more about connecting with the city’s soul through its fountains and stories. If you’re after a structured, typical walking tour, this might be a bit different from what you’re used to. But if you’re open to a more playful, immersive journey, you’ll find plenty to love here.

FAQs

Is this a guided tour?
No, it’s a private, self-guided experience. Your group will explore Siena at your own pace using the provided Polaguide and route map, with the added fun of instant photography.

How long does the tour last?
It can be as short as 1 hour or stretch up to 4 hours, depending on how leisurely you want to proceed and how many photos you take.

What is included in the price?
For the $71.08 fee, you get the private tour for up to 5 people, the Polaguide with 17 spots for photos, and options to rent an instant camera with either 10 or 20 films, plus the choice of photo format.

During which dates is the route different?
From June 29 to July 2 and August 13 to 16, the standard route is replaced with the Top 10 Palio-related sites. A dedicated guide and map are provided for this period.

Can children participate?
Yes, the activity is suitable for most travelers and is especially engaging if you enjoy interactive storytelling and photography. It’s family-friendly.

Is the tour suitable for those with mobility issues?
While not explicitly stated, the tour mainly involves walking around Siena’s districts, which are historic streets. It’s best to consider individual mobility needs.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted throughout the activity.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can I do this tour alone?
It’s designed for groups of up to five people, so it’s most enjoyable with family or friends, but solo travelers can also participate if they prefer.

If you’re after a fun, memorable way to see Siena’s lesser-known corners while creating tangible souvenirs, this tour offers a pretty unique experience. It combines history, storytelling, and a dash of nostalgia that’s hard to find in standard city walks. Perfect for photography lovers, history enthusiasts, and families alike, it’s a charming way to turn a visit into a collection of stories and images you’ll cherish.