Private tour in San Gimignano Renata S

Ancient town of Volterra - Walking Tour

-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
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Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Renata S.

4.9

Guide rating

18

Reviews

Tours delivered

6 hrs

Avg. response time

Ciao! My name is Renata. I am an authorized Italian tour guide. i have worked as such since 2008. I am Polish, but have lived in Italy for 25 years, first in Sardinia and for the last 9 years in Tuscany, where I started leading tours in the summer 2025. Since my name means "reborn" it probably was a destiny for me to settle down in the cradle of the renaissance. Such a striking, grand region! Abundant in art, architecture, history and stories, of which I am particularly fond. If you are looking for someone who will unveil narratives hidden behind the crude dates, the prominent (or anonymous!) historical figures, the cobblestone streets, the imposing buildings, the magnificent works of art, you are in the right place. I lead tours in Florence, Pisa, Volterra and Livorno. Any tour I offer can be redesigned to meet your expectations or we can agree a completely new itinerary depending on your interests. I have a private car, a luxury BMW 520d, which I sometimes use for my tours with myself as a driver. (Max 3 people.) It can be specially interesting to cruise passengers arriving to Livorno. Note, please, that I am not a professional driver. Ask me about this possibility in a message if you think it could suit you. Professional Italian guide license number 20001040, since 2008. (Working in Tuscany from 2025.) University Degree (M.A. in Classical Music) Driving license since 1995. If you would like to know more about me, read on. By profession (and somehow by “chance”, but it's a long story!) I am a musician (a cellist and a bit of a composer). I have played mostly chamber music. I worked as a cellist in Poland, Nairobi, Kuala Lumpur and on the cruise ships. I was also a member of an "avantgarde" jazz group "Maestro Trytony". Nevertheless since early childhood I've been an avid reader. I read everything, even the labels on packaging. Yet what truly drew me to books had always been the act of creating, writing them. Even if most of my literary creations remain in my drawer, I managed to brought out some of them. I'm a co-author of two guides about Sardinia; they were published by a polish editor "Pascal". I published also two books as an indie. One is a humorous guide for young parents, the other is a collection of short stories. For some of them I won awards at literary contests. In 2003, I received an award in the Polish Books London literary competition for memoirs of emigrants. I love learning and I am interested in everything (well, apart from politics!), but I am particularly enthralled by archeology, history, religions, psychology, spirituality. The miracle of life, it’s purpose occupies my mind on daily basis. I love classical and jazz music (Bach, Chopin, Scarlatti, Messiaen, Bill Evans, Arvo Part) and I admire writers such as Sandro Marai, Alice Munro, Margaret Atwood, but do not disdain thrillers and criminal stories. I have a wonderful husband (he is Sardinian!), a creative son, a beautiful (as in the fairy tales!) stepdaughter, a barking, yet sweet dog and five cats. I love animals – birds in particular fascinate me - nature, forests, gardening. I have never been bored in my life, I still am not bored, but in Italy I learned the creative inactivity (Latin "otium") and a different perception of time.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Renata S.

Overview of your San Gimignano tour

Perched on a hilltop, authentically medieval Volterra offers panoramic views of the surrounding distinct Tuscan countryside. It's a place where history, art and natural beauty converge, making it a captivating destination for visitors. Known for its Etruscan and medieval history, its alabaster craftsmanship, and its appearance in the Twilight series it's a popular tourist destination, offering a blend of ancient ruins, art, and a charming, walkable historic center. Volterra's roots reach the 8th century BC, the most prominent testimony of which is still standing an almost 2,5 thousand years old Porta all'Arco (Arched Gate), one of the main Etruscan architectural monuments. Walking through the narrow, mostly traffic free streets of Volterra you will feel like in the medieval times. You will have a chance to admire the oldest Tuscan town hall, to see the ruins of a Roman Theatre, to assist a local craftsman.

Your San Gimignano tour itinerary

Piazza dei Priori Porta all'Arco Palazzo dei Priori (inside visit with a bell tower) Alabaster workshop Roman Theatre (outside) View point I will tailor the tour to best suits your interests. In the "base" version of the tour there are tickets to the town hall and alabaster workshop included. You may visit also a XIX century inhabited aristocratic house, the cathedral and the baptistery, have a tuscan gin and wine tasting or a visit to the archaeological museum. You may stop for a porchetta sandwich or for an ice cream. You may also have just a simple walk through Volterra streets. Talk to me about it! Please note that depending on the option this tour may not be available each day of the week. Ask me!

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Walking

Walking tour - no transportation needed.

What's included
Private Guide
Tickets: Palazzo dei Priori and alabaster workshop
Services: Booking of the alabaster workshop
Other: Local taxes
What's not included
Private Transportation
Public Transportation
Accommodation
Food Drinks Snacks
Tastings: You may ask for the wine tasting during your conversation with me
Meeting location

Piazza dei Priori, Volterra, Toscana, 56048, Italy

I will meet you on the main square, Piazza dei Priori, at the door of the Tourist Information Centre. Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zBAb8gsSFjZRSNgY7 If you prefer a different meeting point, ask me.

  • You can request a different meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout process.
Other details
Tour categories
Architecture
City Highlights
History
Day Trip
Tour reference number
1428287
Languages
English
Polish
Italian
Activity level
Moderate
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Frequently asked questions

Who is this private tour in Volterra best suited for?

This private tour in Volterra is perfect for travellers who are interested in history, art, and natural beauty. It's especially appealing to fans of the "Twilight" series, as Volterra is home to the Volturi vampire clan from the "New Moon" book. The tour is also suitable for families with children, as it is kid-friendly, and for those who enjoy walking through charming, historic streets.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Volterra be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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