Event details
About our bus trip
For many of us, some of the most memorable moments of our year in Florence happened outside the classroom. We climbed aboard a bus, headed out into the Tuscan countryside, and spent the day exploring places we had studied in our courses and art history lectures.
Many of us can still picture Dr. Peruzzi standing at the front of the bus, microphone in hand, explaining where we were going, what we would see, and why it mattered. Those excursions helped transform Florence from simply a place we were studying into a place we were truly experiencing.
This reunion field trip is an opportunity to recapture a little of that spirit.
Join your classmates for a full-day journey through Tuscany as we visit two of the region's most beloved historic towns: San Gimignano and Siena. Traveling together aboard a private coach provided by Alterini Bus Service of Florence, we'll enjoy a relaxed day of sightseeing, conversation, and shared memories.
Our first stop will be San Gimignano, famous for its dramatic medieval towers that rise above the Tuscan hills. Often called the "Medieval Manhattan," San Gimignano is one of the best-preserved hill towns in Italy. You'll have time to wander its narrow streets, browse local shops, visit churches and museums, enjoy a coffee in one of the piazzas, or simply take in the spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
From there we'll continue to Siena, one of Tuscany's great medieval cities and a longtime rival of Florence. Siena is famous for the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, the magnificent Cathedral, and the historic neighborhoods that still define the city's character today. You'll have time for lunch, sightseeing, shopping, or simply exploring at your own pace before we return to Florence in the evening.
The day is intentionally designed with substantial free time so that everyone can enjoy the experience in their own way. Whether you're interested in history, architecture, photography, shopping, food, or simply spending time with old friends, the excursion offers something for everyone.
We'll return to Florence in the early evening, leaving plenty of time to relax before the evening's reunion activities.
Highlights
- Travel through the Tuscan countryside with classmates
- Private coach transportation provided by Alterini Bus Service
- Visit the medieval hill town of San Gimignano
- Explore the famous towers, piazzas, shops, and scenic viewpoints
- Enjoy free time for coffee, sightseeing, and photography
- Afternoon visit to Siena
- Time for lunch and independent exploration
- Visit Piazza del Campo, Siena Cathedral, and the historic city center
- Return to Florence in time for dinner and evening activities
Transportation
Transportation will be provided by Alterini Bus Service, a long-established Florence coach company that has assisted visitors and groups throughout Tuscany for many years.
The excursion will travel by private motor coach between Florence, San Gimignano, and Siena.
Meeting Location
Departure Point: Piazza Ferrucci, Florence
Please meet at 8:15 AM at Piazza Ferrucci, Florence, for our 8:30 AM departure.
Additional meeting instructions will be provided closer to the reunion.
Schedule
8:30 AM
Depart Florence from Piazza Ferrucci by private coach.
Approximately 9:30 AM
Arrive in San Gimignano.
9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Free time to explore San Gimignano.
Suggested activities include:
- Walking the medieval streets and piazzas
- Visiting local shops and artisan stores
- Enjoying coffee or pastries in a café
- Exploring churches and historic buildings
- Taking in views of the Tuscan countryside
- Sampling the famous local gelato
11:30 AM
Depart San Gimignano for Siena.
Approximately 12:20–12:30 PM
Arrive in Siena.
Afternoon in Siena
Free time for lunch and exploration.
Suggested activities include:
- Lunch in the historic center
- Visiting Piazza del Campo
- Exploring Siena Cathedral (Duomo)
- Shopping and sightseeing
- Walking through Siena's medieval neighborhoods
- Enjoying cafés, wine bars, and local specialties
5:30 PM
Depart Siena for Florence.
Approximately 6:45 PM
Arrive back in Florence.
Transportation Cost and Reservations
Transportation is free, courtesy of an anonymous classmate donation.
Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of a member of our Il Gruppo ’76 family, transportation for our November 11 excursion to San Gimignano and Siena is being provided at no charge to everyone attending.
The donation covers private coach transportation. Lunches, refreshments, museum and church admissions, and other personal expenses are not included and remain each participant’s responsibility.
Reservations are still required for each passenger so we can maintain an accurate headcount and manage bus capacity. Please use the Reserve Your Spot button to reserve your seat.
Notes
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- Participants should be prepared for moderate walking on uneven historic streets.
- Arrival times are approximate and may vary with traffic.
- Please keep your reservation confirmation available on your phone or bring a printed copy.