The Town of Fine Towers: San Gimignano and its Vernaccia Wine

<p><strong>A half-day small group excursion from Florence to San Gimignano, also known as the “Manhattan of the Middle Ages”: take a deep dive into the town’s history and traditions while tasting a good glass of Vernaccia.</strong></p><p>Let’s meet in the heart of Florence with the group and an expert English-speaking escort to start your day hopping on a fully-fitted GT Coach, heading to the Tuscan countryside.</p><p>Even before arriving at your destination, you will be struck by the high ancient towers that define the skyline of <strong>San Gimignano</strong>. Once a metaphor of the wealth of local noble families, today the towers have become the iconic symbol of the town, making it pop up among the gentle hills of the Tuscan countryside. The bus will drop you off at the city gate and with a short walk you will easily reach the main street. Walk through the little narrow cobblestone streets to feel its genuine and unique <strong>medieval atmosphere</strong> and reach <strong>Piazza della Cisterna</strong>, once the market square used also as a stage for festivals and tournaments. Take the open passage and enter <strong>Piazza Duomo</strong>, home to the <strong>Municipal Palace</strong>, and climb up to the top of the <strong>Torre Grossa</strong>: the highest tower of the city that counts 218 steps. Once you reach the top, a 360-degree view of the surrounding hills will open just in front of you, making the effort of the climb definitely worth it. Make sure not to miss also the <strong>Collegiata</strong>, which is the main church of the city: a Roman Catholic collegiate church and minor basilica that preserves some of the most iconic frescoes painted by the best artists of the Sienese School of the XIV century.</p><p>To top off your day, nothing better than a <strong>wine tasting</strong> in a local winery: you will have the chance to taste the famous <strong>Vernaccia di San Gimignano</strong>: a light and crisp white wine with floral and fruity notes. It’s the perfect opportunity to toast to the adventure you just experienced, before going eventually back to Florence.</p>