Activities in Central Tuscany
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A
Scuola Leonardo da Vinci
Italian-language school with supplementary cultural programs.
reviewed
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Treno Natura
A great way to see the stunning scenery of the Crete Senese, south of Siena. The line dates back to the 19th century but trains now run exclusively for tourists and are staffed by volunteers. The route loops from Siena, through Asciano, across to the Val d'Orcia and Stazione di Monte Antico and back to Siena. Trains stop at Asciano and Monte Antico and connect with the service from Florence. They only run for about 20 days a year so check the website or ask at the tourist office.
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Ecco Siena
Runs city tours for groups and individuals. Group tours Monday to Saturday, March to October take around two hours and leave from outside the Chiesa di San Domenico at 15:00. Reserve at Siena Hotels Promotion.
reviewed
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B
Museo del Vino
San Gimignano's famous white wine, Vernaccia, has always had a loyal following – Dante in his Divine Comedy banished Pope Martin IV to purgatory because of it, Boccaccio fantasised about flowing streams of it, Pope Paul III reputedly bathed in it and the ever-demure St Catherine of Siena used it as medicine.
More a wine bar than a museum, this operation housed in an unmarked gallery next to the rocca has been set up to celebrate the delicate, golden-hued drop. It comprises a small exhibition on the history of the varietal (Italian language only) and an enoteca where you can enjoy a paid tasting (four/six wines €6/10) or purchase a glass (€3 to €5) to enjoy on the…
reviewed
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C
Cantine Contucci
Opposite to Palazzo Comunale is the Palazzo Contucci and its extensive wine cellar, Cantine Contucci, which is open for visiting and sampling.
reviewed
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D
Accademia Musicale Chigiana
Offers competitive-entry classical-music masterclasses and workshops every summer.
reviewed
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Vineyard Visits
If you'd prefer to sip your Vernaccia di San Gimignano on the spot, the tourist office organises vineyard visits. Advance reservations are essential.
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E
Università per Stranieri
Offers various courses in Italian language and culture. You'll find it near the train station.
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Hortibus
Leads tours of private gardens and villas around Siena every Thursday and Saturday.
reviewed
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F
Associazione Siena Jazz
One of Europe’s foremost institutions of its type offering courses in jazz.
reviewed
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Società Dante Alighieri
Language and cultural courses southwest of the city centre.
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Town Tours
The tourist office hires out audio guides of town.
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H
Il Sasso
Italian language courses for non-native speakers.
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guided walking tour
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Cantina Storica
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Ballooning in Tuscany
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Volterra Walking Tour
A one-hour English-language tour of the city by foot costs only €5 per person (minimum four participants or €20 for tour to operate). It leaves from Piazza Martiri della Libertà at 6pm daily from April to July and September to October. Bookings aren't necessary and payment is cash only.
reviewed
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I
Tuscan Wine School
Two-hour wine-tasting classes introducing Italian and Tuscan wines (€40).
reviewed
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J
Fondazione Siena Jazz
One of Europe's foremost institutions of its type, offering courses and workshops for experienced jazz musicians.
reviewed