3 to 9 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Overview
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Siena on your terms with our premium self-guided audio experience. Unlike restrictive group tours, you'll enjoy complete freedom to explore at your own pace, lingering at sites that captivate you most. Our expertly crafted narration unveils hidden stories and exclusive historical insights that even locals are surprised to discover. The engaging, crystal-clear narration brings Siena's rich tapestry to life through storytelling that keeps you enthralled throughout your journey. You'll experience Siena as a true insider, discovering secret viewpoints and fascinating details that traditional tour groups hurry past. Our carefully researched content delivers a deeper understanding of Siena's magnificent heritage while allowing you the flexibility to customize your route, take breaks at charming cafés, or revisit favorite spots—all impossible with conventional guided tours.
What's Included
- Admission fee
- Private access links are valid until your tour is complete (maximum 6 days)
- Private access link to a tour itinerary map of 14 attractions with audio guide individually
- Private access link to the audio guide in one playlist for all 14 attractions
- Audio devices (earphones and internet / Wi-Fi)
Meeting Location
Meeting point
53100 Siena
Province of Siena, Italy
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Stazione di Siena
Your Siena adventure begins at this distinctive railway station, an architectural gem unlike any other in Italy. Built in 1935, it exemplifies the rationalist style of the era with its imposing brick façade and elegant interior details. The audio guide reveals how this station became a symbol of Siena's modernization while respecting the city's medieval character. You'll discover fascinating stories about its construction and significance during Italy's transformation. Take your time to appreciate the station's unique architectural elements and learn about the famous personalities who once passed through these halls, including film stars and political figures, details overlooked by hurried tour groups.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Basilica di San Francesco
This magnificent 13th-century church houses treasures that most visitors miss entirely. Your audio guide unveils the basilica's hidden symbolism and the miracle of the 223 consecrated hosts that have remained mysteriously preserved since 1730. As you explore at your own pace, discover the stunning frescoes depicting St. Francis's life and learn about the fascinating connection between the Franciscan order and Siena's cultural development. The audio experience guides you to easily overlooked architectural details and explains their significance, enhancing your appreciation of this spiritual landmark. Absorb the basilica's serene atmosphere while learning about the influential noble families who financed its construction and the intriguing political rivalries behind its elaborate decorations.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Chiesa di Santa Maria in Provenzano
This elegant baroque church harbors a remarkable story of Siena's devotion and civic pride. Built to house a miracle-working terracotta bust of the Madonna, this 17th-century gem plays a crucial role in Siena's famous Palio tradition. Your audio guide reveals the church's connection to the July Palio and explains the symbolic elements hidden within its harmonious façade. Discover the political circumstances that led to its construction and how it transformed this once-disreputable neighborhood. The audio experience points out architectural features that demonstrate Siena's resistance to outside artistic influences, maintaining its unique cultural identity. Enjoy the freedom to contemplate the church's beautiful dome and the story behind the miraculous Madonna statue at your own contemplative pace.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Piazza Salimbeni
Step into this elegant medieval square, home to the world's oldest bank and a showcase of Siena's economic power. Your audio guide reveals the fascinating story of how the powerful Salimbeni family shaped Siena's destiny and how their palace became the headquarters of Monte dei Paschi. Discover the symbolic meaning behind the statues adorning the square and learn about the bank's revolutionary financial innovations that influenced modern banking practices worldwide. The audio experience points out architectural details that chronicle the transition between medieval and Renaissance styles, features often missed by guided tours. Take time to appreciate the square's perfect proportions while learning about the dramatic historical events—including conspiracy, exile, and redemption—that unfolded in this very location.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Santuario di Santa Caterina
This sacred complex marks the birthplace of Siena's most famous saint, Catherine of Siena, whose influence extended to popes and kings. Your audio guide reveals the profound significance of each room in this sanctuary, including the miraculous story behind Catherine's preserved head and finger displayed in San Domenico. Discover intimate details about Catherine's mystical visions and her extraordinary influence on European politics during the turbulent 14th century. The audio experience highlights architectural transformations that turned a modest home into a place of pilgrimage, pointing out easily missed devotional artwork. Explore at your leisure the peaceful courtyard and meditation spaces while learning about Catherine's revolutionary writings and how this remarkable woman from humble origins became one of the most powerful spiritual voices in European history.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Basilica Cateriniana Di S. Domenico
This majestic gothic basilica dominates Siena's skyline with profound historical significance. Your audio guide explains how this immense church was built to establish Dominican influence and reveals the dramatic stories behind its construction challenges. Discover the basilica's connection to St. Catherine of Siena and view her preserved relics while learning about her extraordinary life and religious visions. The audio experience draws your attention to the magnificent Chapel of the Vaults with its breathtaking frescoes by Sodoma—artistic treasures often hurried past on traditional tours. Take time to appreciate the basilica's soaring architecture and remarkable stained glass windows while learning about the religious rivalries between Siena's dominant orders and how this competition fueled the creation of the city's most spectacular religious buildings.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Fontebranda
This monumental 13th-century fountain reveals Siena's ingenious medieval engineering and vital water management systems. Your audio guide explains how this three-basin structure revolutionized urban living by providing segregated water access for drinking, washing clothes, and watering animals. Discover the fountain's connection to St. Catherine, who collected water here, and its mention in Dante's Inferno. The audio experience details the sophisticated underground aqueduct system that supplies the fountain—an engineering marvel for its time. Take your time exploring the ancient stone work while learning about Siena's contentious medieval water politics and how access to this precious resource shaped the city's development and social hierarchy, insights rarely covered in conventional tours.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena
Stand before the headquarters of the world's oldest operating bank, founded in 1472 and still influencing global finance. Your audio guide reveals the innovative "Monte di Pietà" concept that revolutionized lending practices and explains how this institution funded Siena's greatest artistic and architectural achievements. Discover the bank's pivotal role during Europe's transition from medieval to modern economic systems and its surprising connections to the Knights Templar. The audio experience points out the symbolic architectural elements that reflect the bank's values and aspirations. Take time to appreciate the renaissance palazzo's elegant proportions while learning about the dramatic financial crises and triumphs that have marked the bank's remarkable 550-year history, providing economic context that brings Siena's artistic splendor into sharper focus.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Fonte Gaia
This magnificent marble fountain—whose name literally means "Joyous Fountain"—stands as a masterpiece of early Renaissance sculpture and civic pride. Your audio guide reveals the fascinating story behind Jacopo della Quercia's original 15th-century masterwork and explains why what you see today is a meticulous 19th-century reproduction. Discover the sophisticated hydraulic system that brought fresh water to Siena's heart and the fountain's connections to the city's political ambitions. The audio experience details the symbolic meaning behind each sculptural element and their connections to Siena's civic identity. Linger to appreciate the fountain's beautiful reliefs at your own pace while learning about dramatic celebrations and historical events that centered around this beloved landmark, including water festivals and civic ceremonies rarely mentioned in standard tours.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Piazza del Campo
Experience Siena's incomparable heart—the shell-shaped piazza famous for hosting the adrenaline-fueled Palio horse race. Your audio guide reveals the innovative medieval urban planning that created this architectural marvel and explains the symbolic meaning behind its distinctive shell shape and brick paving pattern. Discover how the square's nine divisions represent Siena's historic government, the Council of Nine, and learn about the revolutionary drainage system beneath your feet. The audio experience points out architectural details on the surrounding palaces that chronicle Siena's rise to medieval prominence. Take time to absorb the piazza's perfect acoustics and unique atmosphere while learning about historic events—from medieval markets to public executions—that have marked this extraordinary public space, providing context that transforms your understanding of what many consider Italy's most beautiful square.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Via di Citta
Stroll along this elegant medieval street that served as Siena's aristocratic showcase and commercial backbone. Your audio guide reveals how this street connected the city's two centers of power—religious and civic—and points out the magnificent noble palaces that demonstrate Siena's immense medieval wealth. Discover hidden architectural gems like suspended passageways, tower remnants, and intricate family crests that tell the story of Siena's powerful dynasties. The audio experience identifies subtle changes in building styles that chronicle the city's development across centuries. Take your time exploring the traditional shops that maintain medieval craftsmanship traditions while learning about the dramatic processions, celebrations, and conflicts that have played out along this historic thoroughfare, offering insights into Siena's vibrant street life across the centuries.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Piazza del Mercato
This atmospheric market square offers breathtaking panoramic views and reveals Siena's commercial heartbeat. Your audio guide explains how this space functioned as the city's primary food market since medieval times and points out the loggia where merchandise was protected from the elements. Discover the square's connection to Siena's underground river system and its strategic location adjacent to the massive Medici Fortress. The audio experience details how market regulations and food security concerns shaped Siena's governance and everyday life. Take time to appreciate the spectacular views of the Sienese countryside and distant hills while learning about the vibrant market traditions that have continued uninterrupted for over seven centuries, including specialized market days and annual fairs rarely mentioned in guidebooks.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
All'Orto de' Pecci
This hidden urban oasis reveals Siena's commitment to sustainable medieval practices and communal welfare. Your audio guide explains how this historic garden once supplied food for the city's main hospital and served as a therapeutic space for patients. Discover how the garden's restoration has revived medieval agricultural techniques and preserved heritage plant varieties once common throughout Tuscany. The audio experience points out ancient irrigation systems and traditional farming infrastructure that demonstrate sophisticated medieval land management. Take time to wander through the peaceful grounds at your own pace while learning about Siena's pioneering approach to medieval healthcare and mental wellness, including revolutionary therapeutic practices that were centuries ahead of their time—fascinating aspects of Sienese history overlooked by conventional tours.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Basilica di San Clemente in Santa Maria dei Servi
This magnificent hilltop basilica offers both spectacular city views and extraordinary artistic treasures. Your audio guide reveals how this church represents the Servite Order's influence and explains the significance of its commanding position overlooking Siena. Discover masterpieces by Coppo di Marcovaldo and Lippo Memmi while learning about the revolutionary Marian devotion that influenced Sienese painting. The audio experience draws your attention to the basilica's unique architectural elements, including its distinctive bell tower and elegant cloister. Take your time exploring the peaceful interior at your own pace while learning about the dramatic disputes between rival religious orders that shaped Siena's spiritual landscape and how this particular church became a sanctuary for artistic innovation during periods of conservative religious control.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Since this tour is a self-guided audio tour, you can choose where to start and finish according to your preference.
- How Our Self-Guided Audio Tour Works:
- 1. Receive Access Links: On your selected date of travel, before your starting time, you'll receive an email containing two important links for your audio guide.
- 2. Audio Content (Link 1): Click on our secure SoundCloud web link to access the audio guides. You can listen to individual attraction guides or the entire tour to plan your visit. This allows you to familiarize yourself with the content before or during your tour.
- 3. Interactive Map (Link 2): Use our secure Google My Maps link to locate all attractions on an interactive map. Each point on the map corresponds to a stop on the tour and links directly to its audio guide.
- 4. Flexible Exploration: As you explore the city use the map to navigate between stops. At each location, simply click on the corresponding point to play the relevant audio guide.
- 5. Plan Your Route: You can use both links to plan your route in advance, deciding which attractions you want to prioritize or if you want to follow the suggested order of the tour.
- 6. Customer Support: If you have any questions about accessing or using the audio guide, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable experience
- Remember, this self-guided tour allows you to explore at your own pace. Feel free to take breaks, spend more time at your favourite locations, or even split the tour across multiple days. The flexibility of our audio guide ensures you can tailor the experience to your preferences and schedule.
- What to Bring: * Headphones/Earphones * Fully charged smartphone * Internet access
- *While all the tourist attractions mentioned above are free to visit, please note that travelers will need to purchase their own tickets if any attraction charges fees for special sections or has recently implemented fees for additional services.
Frequently Asked Questions
(5)Q: What's included in the price?
Cancellation Policy
This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-18568P176
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (5)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.
Filter by:
Q:
What's included in the price?
A:
Apr 2025
The following is included:
- Admission fee.
- Private access links are valid until your tour is complete (maximum 6 days).
- Private access link to a tour itinerary map of 14 attractions with audio guide individually.
- Private access link to the audio guide in one playlist for all 14 attractions.
The following is NOT included:
- Audio devices (earphones and internet / Wi-Fi).
Q:
What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..
Apr 2025
Q:
My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:
If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025
Q:
Is this an accessible tour?
A:Apr 2025
Accessibility information for the Siena Self Guided Audio Experience is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Q:
Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Siena Self Guided Audio Experience will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- Admission fee
- Private access links are valid until your tour is complete (maximum 6 days)
- Private access link to a tour itinerary map of 14 attractions with audio guide individually
- Private access link to the audio guide in one playlist for all 14 attractions
- Audio devices (earphones and internet / Wi-Fi)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Since this tour is a self-guided audio tour, you can choose where to start and finish according to your preference.
- How Our Self-Guided Audio Tour Works:
- 1. Receive Access Links: On your selected date of travel, before your starting time, you'll receive an email containing two important links for your audio guide.
- 2. Audio Content (Link 1): Click on our secure SoundCloud web link to access the audio guides. You can listen to individual attraction guides or the entire tour to plan your visit. This allows you to familiarize yourself with the content before or during your tour.
- 3. Interactive Map (Link 2): Use our secure Google My Maps link to locate all attractions on an interactive map. Each point on the map corresponds to a stop on the tour and links directly to its audio guide.
- 4. Flexible Exploration: As you explore the city use the map to navigate between stops. At each location, simply click on the corresponding point to play the relevant audio guide.
- 5. Plan Your Route: You can use both links to plan your route in advance, deciding which attractions you want to prioritize or if you want to follow the suggested order of the tour.
- 6. Customer Support: If you have any questions about accessing or using the audio guide, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable experience
- Remember, this self-guided tour allows you to explore at your own pace. Feel free to take breaks, spend more time at your favourite locations, or even split the tour across multiple days. The flexibility of our audio guide ensures you can tailor the experience to your preferences and schedule.
- What to Bring: * Headphones/Earphones * Fully charged smartphone * Internet access
- *While all the tourist attractions mentioned above are free to visit, please note that travelers will need to purchase their own tickets if any attraction charges fees for special sections or has recently implemented fees for additional services.
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