Question 1

How far is San Gimignano from Florence?

Accepted Answer

San Gimignano is located approximately 37 miles (60 km) southwest of Florence. The drive takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes through the beautiful Tuscan countryside, making it perfect for a day trip. The journey itself is part of the experience as you travel through rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves that characterize this picturesque region.

Question 2

What makes Badia di Passignano special?

Accepted Answer

Badia di Passignano is a remarkable medieval monastery founded in 1049 as a Vallombrosan abbey. It features a stunning quadrangular fortified structure with corner towers, beautiful cloisters, and a refectory with a Last Supper fresco by Domenico Ghirlandaio. The abbey is still home to a small community of monks and is surrounded by spectacular Chianti vineyards and olive groves owned by the prestigious Antinori family.

Question 3

What are the must-see attractions in San Gimignano?

Accepted Answer

San Gimignano, known as the "Town of Fine Towers," is famous for its 14 well-preserved medieval towers that create a unique skyline. Must-see attractions include the Piazza del Duomo, the Collegiate Church with its beautiful frescoes, Piazza della Cisterna, the Palazzo Comunale housing the Civic Museum, and climbing Torre Grossa for panoramic views. The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site that can be explored in a few hours.

Question 4

Is there good wine tasting available during this day trip?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! The region between Florence, Badia di Passignano, and San Gimignano is in the heart of Chianti wine country. Badia di Passignano is surrounded by prestigious Antinori vineyards that produce excellent Chianti Classico. San Gimignano is famous for its white Vernaccia wine. Many wineries offer tastings, and your Daytrip driver can recommend the best stops based on your preferences.

Question 5

What's the best time of year to take this day trip?

Accepted Answer

Late spring (April-June) and early fall (September-October) offer the most pleasant weather and stunning landscapes. Spring brings blooming flowers and fresh greenery, while fall features the harvest season with golden colors and wine-making activities. Summer (July-August) is beautiful but can be hot and crowded, especially in San Gimignano. Winter offers fewer crowds but some attractions may have reduced hours.

Question 6

How much time should I allocate for visiting Badia di Passignano?

Accepted Answer

Plan to spend about 2 hours at Badia di Passignano. The guided tour of the abbey, which requires advance booking, takes approximately 1 hour and includes the church, cloister, refectory with Ghirlandaio's Last Supper, and the beautiful garden.

Question 7

Are there good dining options during this day trip?

Accepted Answer

Yes, excellent dining options are available. At Badia di Passignano, the Osteria di Passignano (owned by the Antinori family) offers exceptional Tuscan cuisine and fine wines. In San Gimignano, numerous restaurants serve traditional Tuscan specialties with stunning views. For a quick but authentic meal, try local places offering porchetta sandwiches, pecorino cheese, and wild boar dishes—all regional specialties you shouldn't miss.

Question 8

How crowded does San Gimignano get during tourist season?

Accepted Answer

San Gimignano can become very crowded during peak season (June-August), especially between 10 AM and 4 PM when tour buses arrive. For a more pleasant experience, try to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Alternatively, visit during shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) when the town is less crowded but the weather is still pleasant and all attractions are open.

Question 9

How do day trips with Daytrip work?

Accepted Answer

Day trips offer travelers private round-trip transportation to popular sightseeing locations. One of our professional drivers will pick you up in a luxurious, climate-controlled car, take you to the site of interest, and wait for you while you explore before driving you back to your hotel.

Question 10

Will I have to wait around for the driver to return?

Accepted Answer

Your Daytrip driver will wait for you nearby for the duration of your exploration, meaning you’ll never have to wait for your return trip transportation to arrive. Your comfort and convenience are our top priorities, and we aim to close out your day trip with a return on your schedule.

Question 11

Can I customize the pickup and drop-off times?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You’re free to choose the pickup and drop-off times that work best for you. However, the time spent at the destination is fixed and cannot be changed.

Question 12

Are entrance tickets and tours included in the price?

Accepted Answer

The price of a day trip does not include any entrance tickets, guided tours, or meals you may partake in at your destination. The price covers round-trip transportation in a luxury vehicle with a professional driver who can provide local insights en route.

Question 13

How long will I have to explore?

Accepted Answer

Each sightseeing stop has a recommended duration that includes plenty of time to explore. However, it is possible to customize the time spent at each sightseeing stop at a later stage in the booking process to best fit your unique schedule.

Question 14

If my plans change, is the booking flexible?

Accepted Answer

Day trip bookings can be canceled up to 24 hours before your trip for a full refund, no strings attached. While the destination and stops are predetermined, it is possible to change your pick-up point, whether it is at your hotel or some other location within the city.

Question 15

Can I take a large group?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Day trips are fully customizable to suit the needs of any private group. From solo travelers to large families with children and even corporate groups, we are ready to create a bespoke itinerary that accommodates parties of all sizes. The price is dependent on the number of vehicles required to serve your group, and we also provide child seats.

Question 16

Will my driver speak English?

Accepted Answer

Your friendly, professional, local driver will speak English. Our drivers are happy to provide any local insight they can on the way to your destination and may be able to answer questions and provide tips for the best possible experience on your day trip.

Question 17

Can I request children’s car seats for the journey?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide car seats for children of all ages, which meet stringent safety standards and local legal requirements. You can even bring your own car seat. We also have handicapped-accessible vehicles available for a wide range of needs for our passengers. When booking your day trip, please specify the accommodations you will need.

Question 18

Can I pay securely online?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Daytrip offers flexible payment options. We accept Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Ali Pay. You also can pay securely online with any major credit card, such as Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.

Question 19

How do I book?

Accepted Answer

Booking your day trip is as easy as our one-way and return trips! On the landing page of the day trip you’d like to take, simply select the date, pick up time, and how many adults and children will be on the trip. On the second page, you’ll fill in personal details, including any special requests, disability accommodations, and children’s car seats you may need. We are flexible too! You can change your exact pick-up location (hotel address, etc) up to 24 hours before your day trip.

Florence to Badia di Passignano and San Gimignano: Day trip

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