The 17 Fantastic Animals of Siena

If you’re planning a trip to Siena and want a way to explore the city that’s both fun and interactive—especially if you’re traveling with kids—you might want to consider the 17 Fantastic Animals of Siena tour. While I haven’t tried it myself, this experience has been highly praised by travelers, earning a perfect 5.0 rating from those who’ve enjoyed it. It promises a mix of art, culture, and a little adventure wrapped into a three-hour journey, perfect for families or groups looking for something different.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it’s designed with children in mind, turning a city walk into a kind of treasure hunt. Second, the inclusion of instant photos keeps the memories alive in a tangible way, transforming the sightseeing experience into a keepsake collection. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that the tour involves a fair amount of walking, which might be tiring for very young children or those less mobile. This experience seems particularly well-suited to families, curious travelers, or anyone wanting to see Siena through a playful lens.

Key Points

• Engaging for Families: The tour is crafted to keep children entertained, with riddles and photo stops.
• Culturally Rich: It takes you into Siena’s Contrade, the districts that define the city’s identity.
• Creative Memory-Making: Instant cameras and a dedicated Polaguide make this a unique souvenir activity.
• Flexible and Personal: It’s a private tour, meaning your group can go at your own pace.
• Weather Dependent: The tour is weather-sensitive; poor weather might mean rescheduling.
• Timing & Duration: Usually around 3 hours, but some groups have taken longer depending on pace and stops.

Exploring Siena with the 17 Fantastic Animals Tour

Looking for a way to see Siena beyond the usual landmarks? This tour offers a delightful mix of storytelling, exploration, and fun photography—making the city’s corners feel like part of a fairy tale. It’s not just a stroll; it’s an adventure that allows you and your family to discover Siena through clues, animals, and snapshots, all wrapped into a neat package.

The Concept and What It Offers

The core of this experience revolves around finding 17 fantastic animals hidden around the city’s fountains—a creative way to connect with Siena’s vibrant districts, the Contrade. As you wander through historic streets, your guide provides a Polaguide with riddles and clues, guiding you from fountain to fountain. For each stop, you take a quick snapshot with an instant camera—mini or square format, your choice—which then becomes part of your personal album. This makes the tour more than just sightseeing; it becomes a storybook of your own journey.

The Itinerary

The tour begins at Peace&Road Siena, tucked away in Via Fusari. From there, the route weaves through Siena’s famous Contrade, the districts that form the city’s heartbeat. While the exact path may change, you’ll visit the heart of each Contrada, discovering where locals gather, where their stories start—especially around the fountains, which are the key points of interest.

Participants receive a Polaguide with clear markers for each fountain and the riddles to find the animals. This interactive element is what makes the experience particularly appealing for kids: it turns the city into a giant game board. As some reviews mention, the map helps avoid the crowds, giving you a more relaxed and intimate sightseeing experience.

The Experience for the Kids & Families

Multiple reviews highlight just how much children enjoyed this activity. One parent shared that their 3-year-old loved “placing the photos in the beautiful souvenir book,” while older kids enjoyed navigating and taking the photos. The tour’s design ensures that kids stay engaged for hours—some reports mention it lasted nearly 7 hours, including lunch breaks, with families feeling they saw parts of Siena they wouldn’t typically visit on a standard tour.

A major perk? The instant photos serve as both a fun activity and a keepsake, making this more than just a walk—it’s a creative experience. The Polaguide includes space for 17 photos, and you can opt for either 10 or 20 films, in mini or square format, depending on how many memories you want to preserve.

Walking and Pace

Given the amount of walking involved, expect to cover quite a bit of ground. One review noted that despite the 3-hour estimate, many groups take longer—up to 4.5 hours—especially if they pause for lunch or take their time. This is great for those who love to explore at their own speed but might be tiring for very small children or less energetic travelers.

Cost vs. Value

At around $73.52 for a group of up to 5 people, this tour is quite reasonable considering the personalized aspect and the included instant camera. It’s a cost-effective way to turn Siena into an interactive playground. The fact that it’s private means your family or group can enjoy it without rushing or feeling crowded.

Weather and Practical Tips

Since the tour is weather-dependent, check the forecast before booking. If rain or bad weather intervenes, the tour might be canceled with a full refund or reschedule option, which adds some flexibility. Comfortable shoes, water, and a bit of patience are advisable, especially when walking through Siena’s cobbled streets.

What Real Travelers Say

There’s a strong consensus among reviewers that this isn’t just a standard city tour—it’s a creative, engaging way for families to experience Siena. One parent said, “We loved the way it took us to parts of Siena we wouldn’t have seen otherwise.” Another highlighted how the tour helped keep everyone entertained for hours, with kids actively involved in searching for animals and taking photos.

A common theme is the personal touch—the ability to capture instant memories and the unique perspective it offers. Many reviews mention how the tour allowed them to see Siena from a less touristy, more authentic angle.

Who Would Love This Tour?

If you’re traveling with children, this tour is particularly appealing. It balances exploration and play, offering a memorable way to discover Siena’s districts. It’s also ideal for anyone who enjoys visual storytelling or wants a personal souvenir of their trip. Even older travelers who are fans of photography or storytelling find it charming.

However, if you’re not into walking or prefer guided group tours with a set itinerary, this might feel a bit slow or unstructured. The pace relies on your group’s energy and interest levels. It’s best for those who appreciate a DIY-style adventure with a personal touch.

Final Words

The 17 Fantastic Animals of Siena tour is a refreshing way to see one of Italy’s most captivating cities. It offers a blend of discovery, creativity, and family fun—all wrapped into a three-hour package. The fact that it’s private, with the option of instant photos, makes it stand out as a personalized experience that leaves lasting memories.

This tour is especially suited for families, curious explorers, or anyone who wants to explore Siena from a different angle. Yes, it involves some walking and patience, but for those who enjoy a playful approach to sightseeing, it’s a charming choice.

If you’re looking for an activity that mixes city culture with a bit of adventure, this could turn out to be one of your favorite parts of visiting Siena.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for young children?
Yes, many reviews highlight how kids of all ages enjoyed it. It’s designed to be engaging, with riddles and photo stops that keep children entertained for hours.

How long does the tour usually take?
The official duration is about 3 hours, but some groups take longer—up to 4.5 hours—especially if they include lunch or take their time at each fountain.

What’s included in the price?
The tour fee covers the private guided experience, the Polaguide, and the option to rent an instant camera with either 10 or 20 films in mini or square formats.

Can I cancel the tour if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this a guided group or a private tour?
It’s a private tour, so only your group will participate, allowing you to explore at your own pace.

What if I want to see the Palio instead?
During the Palio dates (late June–early July and mid-August), the usual route is replaced with a different route focused on the Palio’s key places, and a dedicated guide and map are provided for that experience.

In sum, if you’re after a memorable, playful way to explore Siena, the 17 Fantastic Animals tour offers something genuinely different. It’s ideal for those who want to blend discovery with a bit of fun—making the city’s streets into a game and your memories into tangible keepsakes.