Best things to do in San Gimignano

Walk the short distance from San Gimignano to sample wine and local produce at Guardastelle Vineyard, a family-run winery and restaurant with a friendly atmosphere. Receive a detailed explanation of the ingredients of the traditional Tuscan food, and take a tour of the vineyards. You can stay overnight at the vineyard in one of the comfortable cottages.

Historic Centre of San Gimignano is a World Heritage Site renowned for its medieval architecture. Enclosed by a 13th-century wall, the hilltop town boasts panoramic views of the bucolic Tuscan countryside. Admire the numerous towers that dot the town skyline, as well as its many Romanesque and Gothic churches. Take a break from sightseeing in one of the many cafes and restaurants that line the quaint village streets.

Overlooking the Hills of San Gimignano is the Tenuta IL Piano “The Plain”, with its panoramic views of San G’s Medieval Towers. It is here that the wines of the Carlesi Zucconi Family Winery are produced and one of the most rewarding Wine Tasting Tours is offered.

Their winery has never been open to the public before and this year the family felt they would like wine enthusiasts to see their Estate. On a tour that takes 40-60 minutes you can see the magnificent underground cellar that was carved out of the earth by local workers in 1925, lined with hand baked bricks; the beautiful family chapel, whose cobalt and gold roof is on one of our wine labels; walk the Italian gardens that are being restored, the vineyards and the olive groves to a Tasting on the veranda, or inside if raining.

The soil comprises of Limestone under a great base of Sandstone with a mix of rich minerals, which creates perfect acidity and structure in our wines. Purchased by Pietro Carlesi; his son and daughter, with their children, continue what he started and are devoted to the production of fine wines and extra virgin olive oil from their land.



Guests are met on arrival by David Hughes; David is an English consultant working with Toscana Gusto to help develop the Wine Tastings and Wines to a high International Standard. He has over 30 years experience in the Wine Trade, so with his expert help you can taste the following.

Vernaccia di San Gimignano: with its bright fruit and crisp acidity.

Vittoria; our IGT Bianco is complex with round melon tones and a nutty finish.

Chianti Colli Senesi: expressing the Cherry tones and Asian Spice of the Sangiovese grape

Renzano 2006: the Super Tuscan with its elegance of plums and cassis, and a hint of vanilla and chocolate from the French Oak.

To finish there is our unsurpassed Vin Santo, aged for six years and taken with the home made cantucci or one of our three Grappas. Maybe a Caffè Corretto?

To compliment the wines we serve a selection of local foods; a light meal can be served if asked for.

Although specialising in small exclusive groups, as we like to offer individual attention, groups of up to sixteen can be accommodated.

We ship wines and oil all over the world so please ask about this service.

Do let us welcome you to our beautiful facilities so you can enjoy a unique Tuscan experience. Please feel free to contact us and we will be delighted to make an appointment for you. Prices on application.

Please phone us on (Italy 0039) 320 631 4655 or e-mail to fattoriailpiano@gmail.com

Immerse yourself in the city's history and art with a visit to Duomo di Siena, considered one of the country's greatest medieval churches. Built in several stages and combining elements of the Gothic, Romanesque, and Classical architectural styles, the cathedral was consecrated in 1215. The building has the form of a Latin cross, featuring a slightly projecting transept, bell tower, and a dome, parts of which were designed by architect Gianlorenzo Bernini. The cathedral is constructed of white and greenish-black marble in alternating stripes, with red marble added to the facade. Black and white are the symbolic colors of Siena, linked to the black and white horses of the legendary founders of the city, Senius and Aschius. The building also includes a renowned museum of Italian sculpture, displaying works by Donatello, Bernini, and Michelangelo. All-inclusive tickets are available online, providing access to the entire cathedral complex, including the terrace above the museum with its views of the city.

Duomo di San Gimignano is a Roman Catholic church famous for its colorful fresco cycles depicting biblical stories. The frescoes inside the church include works by Taddeo di Bartolo, Domenico Ghirlandaio, Lippo Memmi, Benozzo Gozzoli, and Bartolo di Fredi. Audio guides are available with entry, and explain with more detail the stories being depicted in the artwork. The architectural interior of the church is decorated in black and white marble, and vaults are painted with gold stars. Photography is not permitted inside the church.

The borders of Piazza della Cisterna, a triangular piazza in San Gimignano, are lined with medieval towers and houses that echo that architectural style. At the convergence of the town's two main streets, the piazza is a gathering place for locals, a site for outdoor markets, and a stage for festivals. Many of the stone buildings feature ground-floor cafes well-suited to people-watching. One of these structures houses the cistern that gives the piazza its name.

Steeped in history, Torre Grossa draws visitors with its intricate architecture, important artwork, and impressive views of Tuscany. The 13th-century palace stands on the ruins of an even older building. As the seat of local government for centuries, the building houses civic offices of the town council on the ground floor. Explore the upper levels to find the civic museum and gallery, featuring the former council chamber, and beautiful frescoes painted by the likes of Coppo di Marcovaldo, Lippo Memmi, and Benozzo Gozzoli. Climb to the top of the palace's tower for one of the best views of Tuscany.

Visit Tuscany's focal point of medieval architecture and fine art at Piazza dei Miracoli. Four historical buildings anchor this designated sacred area: the Pisa Cathedral, the Pisa Baptistery, the monumental cemetery, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Wander the manicured green lawns of the plaza, taking in the view of the towering, white stone buildings and their ornate facades. Admire the beautiful marble arches and coffered ceiling of the cathedral with five naves. For more information on the site's history and cultural legacy, visit the plaza's Sinopias Museum or the Cathedral Museum.

Walk the paths leading to rolling hills, picturesque villages, and opulent vineyards of Tuscany in search of the finest Italian wines on a guided tour from Siena. Accompanied by knowledgeable professionals, you will be able to witness the traditional process of winemaking and experience the aromas of a traditional Italian lunch. While sipping the most representative samples of the region, you'll nibble carefully selected salami and cured meat. Besides the usual drinking restrictions for persons under the age of 18, these 1-to-10-hour tours do not have any other particular limitations.

Walk the tree-lined Le mura di Lucca for a bird's-eye view of the medieval city of Lucca. The high, Renaissance-era walls feature more than 4 km (2.5 mi) of landscaped embankment circling the historic city center. Walk or bike around the circumference, stopping to admire the intricate design of the seven fortified gates. Consider bringing a picnic to one of the many open green spaces with views of the city.

Leaning Tower of Pisa is known worldwide for its unintended tilt to one side. For a rewarding view, climb to the top. Designed to stand upright but built with a faulty foundation on unstable soil, this freestanding bell tower began to lean long before construction was finished. The tilt gradually increased until the structure was stabilized. The leaning was partially corrected by massive restoration efforts in the 20th century. Tilting precariously for centuries, the top of the tower has been displaced about 4 m (13 ft) from where it would be if the structure were perfectly vertical. Climbing the tower requires a reservation-based ticket, best purchased well in advance to avoid a wait. You can buy a same-day ticket that allows you to enter at a specific time, usually one to two hours after the purchase time.

Roam around narrow streets and piazzas of Centro Storico di Siena, and discover the secret spots of one of the finest examples of medieval and Renaissance cities in Italy. Surrounded by fortified walls, which date back to the 14th century, the historical core of Siena has maintained its Gothic appearance, which earned it a World Heritage status. Peak into palaces, churches, and museums, and admire exceptional frescos and sculptures. Rich in gourmet shops, bars, and restaurants, the town's winding alleys converge downhill towards the central square surrounded by monumental palaces and dominated by a 102 m (335 ft) bell tower.