Exploring Tuscany: Siena and Chianti Classico in a Day
If you’re considering a way to see some of Tuscany’s most iconic sights without the hassle of planning every detail, this PRIVATE Full-Day Siena and Chianti Classico Wine Experience might just be what you need. It’s a carefully curated tour that combines historic city visits with scenic drives and wine tastings—making it ideal for those who want a taste of everything in one day.
What we really like about this experience is how it takes the stress out of logistics—your private guide handles the route and timing. Plus, traveling in a comfortable Mercedes minivan means you can relax and enjoy the scenery without worrying about navigating winding country roads. However, keep in mind that the full-day nature of the tour means you’ll want to be prepared for a fairly packed schedule.
This tour is particularly well-suited for travelers who love history, architecture, and wine, and who prefer a personalized experience rather than a large group. It’s also a good pick if you’re short on time but want to learn about the essence of Tuscany.
<- Key Points
- An In-Depth Look at the Tour
- The Food & Wine Experience
- Who Will Love This Tour?
- The Bottom Line
- PRIVATE Full-Day Siena and Chianti Classico Wine Experience.
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Wine Tours in Florence
- More Private Tours in Florence
- More Tour Reviews in Florence
- More Florence experiences we've covered
- Private Guide & Transportation: Personalized attention and comfort in a Mercedes minivan.
- Historic Siena: Explore highlights like Piazza del Campo and Siena Cathedral.
- Scenic Drives: Enjoy one of Italy’s most beautiful roads, Chiantigiana, with views of castles and vineyards.
- Authentic Tuscan Experiences: Visit a local butcher, sample cheeses and meats, and optionally enjoy a farm-to-table meal.
- Wine & Food: Tasting at a renowned winery, including Chianti Classico, with options to upgrade for a full meal.
- Flexible & Convenient: Hotel pickup and drop-off in Florence, WiFi onboard, and avoiding the hassle of self-driving.
An In-Depth Look at the Tour
The Convenience of a Private Guide and Transportation
This tour’s standout feature is its private setting. You won’t be part of a large group, which means more flexibility and personal attention from your guide. Plus, the Mercedes minivan offers a luxurious, air-conditioned ride—perfect for Tuscany’s warm days—and features onboard WiFi to keep everyone connected and entertained during the scenic drives.
Reviews highlight how helpful this is, with one traveler noting, “Allesandro was prompt with pre-trip communication and pick-up,” and that he was flexible with timing to suit their needs. It’s clear that having a dedicated guide makes the day flow smoothly and allows for tailored suggestions along the way.
Siena: A Medieval Marvel
Your first stop is Siena, one of Tuscany’s most famous towns. Known for its medieval architecture and vibrant atmosphere, Siena’s highlights include the Piazza del Campo and the Siena Cathedral.
The Piazza del Campo, shaped like a seashell, is a sight you won’t forget. It’s the focal point for the Palio di Siena horse race, but even on an ordinary day, it’s lively and picturesque—perfect for wandering, people-watching, or grabbing a quick snack at a local café.
The Siena Cathedral, a stunning example of Italian Gothic style, is the main religious site in the region. Many visitors get lost in its intricate façade and awe-inspiring interiors. It’s a free attraction if you’re just admiring the exterior and soaking in the atmosphere, but you might find yourself wanting to step inside for a closer look.
One reviewer describes their visit as “a great opportunity for you to taste local food or buy some gifts,” which sums up Siena’s charm—small shops and eateries abound, offering local ceramics, sweets, and wines.
The Scenic Drive Along Chiantigiana
Leaving Siena, your journey takes you along Chiantigiana, Italy’s most scenic road. Running from Florence to Siena, this route is lined with castles, vineyards, and rolling hills.
The stop at the Castle of Fonterutoli is a highlight, giving you a glimpse into medieval life and vineyard landscapes that look like postcards. The views here are fantastic, with endless rows of grapevines stretching across gentle slopes—perfect for picture-taking or just soaking in the peaceful scenery.
Driving this stretch feels like stepping into a postcard, and the driver’s expert navigation means you can simply relax and enjoy the views.
Castellina in Chianti: A Hidden Gem
Next, you’ll visit Castellina in Chianti, a small town packed with history. Its narrow stone streets and historic center are delightful to wander around, feeling like a slice of old Tuscany preserved in time.
The town exhibits a mix of Medieval and Renaissance influences, and walking through it, you’ll notice the architecture reflects this layered past. Several travelers have praised its charm—one called it “a heavenly corner, hidden among the sinuous hills of Chianti.”
It’s a great place to enjoy authentic local atmosphere, take photos, and browse small shops for souvenirs or local crafts.
Prefer personalized experiences? Here are other private options we've covered in Florence
The Food & Wine Experience
One of the tour’s main attractions is the visit to Casa Emma, where you can opt for a farm-to-table lunch. It’s an organic farm, and the owner will guide you through his cellar and vinegar cellar, giving you insights into Super Tuscans and Chianti Classico wines.
The lunch includes local specialties—lasagna, meats, cheeses, seasonal vegetables, and honey—prepared by the owner’s wife. Even if you don’t opt for the full meal, the wine tasting alone is worthwhile, with prices on-site ranging from €30 to €40 per person, depending on the options.
Guests who’ve done this part rave about the scenery: “experience a unique dining setting while taking in an amazing Tuscan panorama,” as one reviewer put it. It’s a chance to savor authentic flavors in a peaceful farm setting, making it more than just a wine tasting—it’s part of the Tuscan experience.
Panzano & Greve in Chianti
The afternoon continues with visits to Panzano, a medieval town with a notable 11th-century tower. It’s a place that feels like stepping back in time, with fortified walls and scenic valley views—ideal for photographers.
Next, you’ll visit Greve in Chianti, the heart of the Chianti region and home to the famous Falorni butcher shop. Here, you’ll experience local cold cuts and cheeses, tasting some of the finest Tuscan snacks. It’s an unmissable stop for lovers of traditional foods.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience is perfect for travelers who value a personalized, flexible approach to exploring Tuscany’s highlights. If you want to see Siena’s historic sites, drive through charming villages, and indulge in wine and food tastings—all in one day—this tour ticks those boxes.
It’s especially suited for those who prefer a more intimate, guided experience over large group tours. The price, around $377 per person, reflects its private, curated nature, offering good value considering the included features like hotel pickup, private transport, and tastings.
However, keep in mind the full-day length means you’ll need to be comfortable with a busy schedule. It’s not ideal if you’re looking for a slow, leisurely day or traveling with very young children. Minors under 18 can’t participate in wine tastings, so families should plan accordingly.
The Bottom Line
This private tour offers a well-rounded, hassle-free way to experience the essence of Tuscany in just one day. The combination of Siena’s medieval charm, scenic drives, and authentic wine tastings appeals to those who enjoy history, scenery, and good food.
Travelers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and the stunning views, which really enhance the overall experience. If you’re looking for a thoughtfully arranged day that blends culture, landscape, and culinary delights, this tour delivers.
On the downside, it’s a relatively long day, and the cost might seem steep if you’re on a tight budget. But considering the private setting, transportation comfort, and curated stops, it’s a worthwhile way to make the most of your time in Tuscany—especially if you want a deeper connection to the region without the planning stress.
PRIVATE Full-Day Siena and Chianti Classico Wine Experience.
“Great combination of historic sights in Siena and visits to two wonderful small vineries. We learned a lot about the area from our friendly guide A…”
If wine interests you, we've examined these other wine experiences in Florence
- Tuscany Day Trip from Florence: Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa and Lunch at a Winery
- Pisa, Siena and San Gimignano Day Trip with Lunch & Wine Pairing
- Florence: Pasta Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine
- Small-Group Wine Tasting Experience in the Tuscan Countryside
- Florence Sunset Food & Wine Tour with Eating Europe
- Wine Safaris: Off Road Tuscany Wine Tours and Lunch from Florence
Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While the tour is mainly designed for adults, it can be enjoyable for older children who appreciate history and scenery. Keep in mind that wine tasting is not allowed for minors under 18, so plan accordingly if bringing kids.
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 to 9 hours, starting around 9:00 am. It’s a full day of sightseeing, so comfortable shoes and a good attitude are recommended.
What’s included in the price?
The cost covers pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Florence, private transportation in a Mercedes minivan, unlimited mineral water, a cheese and cold cuts tasting at Falorni, and a private guide in the winery. Lunch and wine tastings at the farm are optional and paid separately.
Can I customize the experience?
Yes, during booking, you can request lunch options like vegetarian or gluten-free meals, and the guide can accommodate special needs if notified in advance.
What if it rains?
Umbrellas are provided by your driver, so you’ll be prepared to enjoy the day even in bad weather.
Is this tour flexible?
Yes, since it’s private, your guide can adjust timing within reason, allowing for more time in places you love or shorter stops where you’re less interested.
How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 160 days ahead, which suggests it’s popular and worth reserving early, especially in peak seasons.
This tour offers a nice balance of structured sightseeing and personal touches, making it a compelling choice for anyone wanting to pack a lot into one day while enjoying the comfort of private transport and personalized attention. If you’re eager to see Siena and explore Chianti’s vineyards with the ease of a well-planned trip, it’s worth considering.
More Wine Tours in Florence
More Private Tours in Florence
- Santa Maria Novella Museum Private Tour With 5- Star Guide
- The History of Florence: The Renaissance Era Private Tour
- Best of Florence: Half, 1 or 2-Day Private Guided Florence Tour
- Best of Tuscany: Full Day Private Tour to Val D’Orcia
- 2 hour Private Walking Tour with local guides in Florence
- Private Food and Walking Tour in San Gimignano and Volterra
More Tour Reviews in Florence
- David & Accademia Gallery Small Group Tour
- Italian Opera in Santa Monaca Church with Dinner
- Skip the Line: Accademia Gallery Guided Tour in Florence
- Small Group Florence Cathedral Guided Tour with Priority Access
- Hands on Deluxe Traditional 4-course dinner with fresh pasta
- Inferno by Dan Brown Novel 4 hours with Boboli Gardens
More Florence experiences we've covered
- David & Accademia Gallery Small Group Tour
- Italian Opera in Santa Monaca Church with Dinner
- Skip the Line: Accademia Gallery Guided Tour in Florence
- Small Group Florence Cathedral Guided Tour with Priority Access
- Hands on Deluxe Traditional 4-course dinner with fresh pasta
- Inferno by Dan Brown Novel 4 hours with Boboli Gardens
- Golf and wine: in the heart of Florence
- Skip the Line: Florence’s Uffizi Gallery Guided Tour
- Small-Group Palazzo Vecchio Secret Passages Tour with Lunch Or “Gelato”
- Exclusive Pisa Tour from Florence: With Skip-the-Line Access
- Hiking Tuscany & Chianti Wine – 3 Organic Wineries with lunch
- Santa Maria Novella Museum Private Tour With 5- Star Guide


