This is a must-do when in the area! Lots of little shops, restaurants, and cafes. It's a really…read morenice feeling to be here, with a great view of the valley below. There are a few wineries nearby, 5-10 minute drive, to visit. Parking is located at the bottom of the hill, or you might be able to get one of the few spots near the gate.

The Duomo di Siena is one of the most visually appealing cathedrals in Italy...a place where art…read moreand devotion converge in extraordinary harmony. Towering over Piazza del Duomo in Siena's historic center, the cathedral immediately commands attention with its distinctive dramatic blackandwhite striped marble façade, a color scheme that reflects the ancient symbols of the city itself. While we have seen many beautiful Italian cathedrals, this one is one of the most unique ones. Stepping inside the cathedral is awe-inspiring and completely breathtaking. Unlike many cathedrals whose beauty lies primarily on the exterior, Siena's Duomo interior is splendid and grand. The interior is lavishly decorated with striped marble columns, gilded details, sculptures, and frescoes that make the space feel more like a grand art gallery than a traditional church. While indelible photographs are forever etched in our minds, our tour guide discouraged us from taking photos inside the cathedral. One of the cathedral's greatest highlights is its marble inlaid floor, created over several centuries by dozens of artists. Often described as one of the most beautiful cathedral floors in the world, it features intricate biblical scenes and moral lessons created in marble mosaic. When you view such beauty, it feels bigger than yourself. Majestic!

We were lucky enough to see the cathedral in October when the floors were uncovered and it was…read moretruly a sight to see. Absolutely worth the visit and make sure to go to the top of the bell tower during your visit for a spectacular view and a great photo opportunity.

This was actually my favorite piazza in San Gimignano. It's the one with the old cistern, or well…read more There's always a bunch of people sitting on it as they do on the steps in other public squares. What's unusual is that this square is really in the shape of a triangle. You'll also see the Devil's Tower near the cistern. It has been said that the owner returned to find his tower taller than it was when he left it. Lol! That's kind of spooky. What I loved most about this medieval piazza is the famous gelato shop. It was a historical and tasty experience.

This is a lovely piazza/town square in the heart of Sam Gimignano. Admittedly, San Gimignano was…read moreone of my two favorite places visited during my two weeks in Tuscany and this square was absolutely lovely. There is an old cistern (hence its name) in the square along with lots of lovely shops, including a pair of dueling gelato shops (one of which is often featured on travel shows). There are plenty of opportunities for getting your perfect Instagrammable moments here as well.

We did a wine tasting with Laura - she was amazing. Super knowledgeable and tailored to our…read moreinterest. She is funny, friendly and her English was on point. The tasting meal was divine - it was far more elaborate - and delicious than expected. The tasting room is elegant- furnished with antiques and vintage photos. Laura made sure we were well taken care of. We loved her sense of humor and how easily she engaged with us. Well worth your time and money. Highly recommend Laura as the host /guide and the winery.

It's the main gateway into the medieval village of San Gimignano, and not to be confused with the…read morefamous one of the same name in Rome. It's located in front of the Martyrs of Montemaggio Square where there's a war memorial to the fallen of San Gimignano. There's also a beautiful view of the Tuscan countryside as you walk up to this impressive looking gateway. There are many views like that one as you walk along the walls of this ancient town. However, you'll need to overlook the touristy parts of it so that you can truly appreciate and enjoy it.

This town is a MUST stop if going wine tasting through the Tuscan region. Beautiful views of the…read moreTuscan valley from the top with a fantastic shops and restaurants. We got to experience someone reading some beautiful Italian poetry on the top of the hill who we found out is typically doing this daily.

An amazing piazza right near the tourist piazza that everyone goes to. Well worth the 5 minute…read morewalk to see such an iconic location.

The Puazza dei Cavalieri or Knights' Square' is a landmark and the 2nd main square of Pisa. This…read moresquare was the political center in medieval ages. In the 16th century the square became the headquarters of the Order of the Knights of St. Stephen. Now it is the main house of the Scuola Normale di Pisa, part of the University founded by Napoleon. The main building on the square is Palazzo della Carovana, the palace of the Knights of St. Stephen; formerly the Palace of the Elders. It was modernised in Renaissance style & decorated with graffiti. In front of the palace is the large statue of Cosimo I de Medici, who also designed the Palace of the Priors in 1603. The Palazzo dell'Orologio, which is referred to in Dante's Inferno is in another corner.

The tower is the tallest in San Gimignano below is the church and museum. The 13 Euro combo ticket…read moreincludes the Torre Grossa, 4 other museum and church. To visit the tower need physical strength to climb up to the top of tower. There no elevator to take you. But they do have the screen display entire way to the top of the tower. It has different movies and spectacular mechanical display. The view on the top is beautiful. You can see the entire city within the wall. I believe this is a watch tower at the past. It is part of the defense scheme to spot the enemy far away. The tower visit is minimum 1 hour but if you are fast, it can be done in 30 minutes. A bell is at the top of the tower in the steel cage. It can use for the warning of the town, fire, or church bell.

Such an amazing memory of San Gimignano and the panoramic views of the Tuscan Countryside from the…read moreTorre Grossa. A day I will never forget. Thank you for helping me to fall even more in love with Italy.

Piazza del Campo is the main public square and heart of Siena, Italy. Renowned for its distinctive…read moreshell shape and gently sloping brick surface, it is one of Europe's most celebrated medieval squares and a centerpiece of Siena's UNESCO‑listed historic center. The square is framed by elegant palaces, including the Palazzo Pubblico and its towering Torre del Mangia, and serves as a gathering place for daily life and civic events. Twice a year, it becomes the dramatic setting for the Palio di Siena, the city's historic horse race that brings Siena's neighborhoods together in a display of tradition and rivalry.

Siena was one of our stops on our all day bus tour through Tuscany and I'm so happy it was!…read more We grabbed aperitivos and enjoyed the sun set while people watching. It's such a vibrant city center. Really fun place to relax after a long day.