Leave your car in this parking lot conveniently connected to the historical center (San Miniato Alto) by elevators or free shuttles. Parking costs 1€ per hour from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Remember that San Miniato is famous for the National Truffle Market Exhibition, which takes place every year during the last three weekends of November.
If you follow this route during the Exhibition, remember that it is not possible to reach the center by car, but you can park in San Miniato Basso in the "Palazzetto dello Sport Fontevivo" parking, from which shuttles to the historic center leave every 30 minutes on Saturdays and every 15 minutes on Sundays.

Begin your exploration of San Miniato by admiring the stunning architecture of its 12th century cathedral. The exterior facade of the edifice is austere and imposing, while the interior decorations are lavish, making it truly a sight to behold. Inside, you will be able to discover an array of intricately constructed designs and carvings that have been preserved for hundreds of years, providing visitors with a window into the past.
Additionally, the cathedral takes pride in its rich religious and cultural history as it has been at the centre of a variety of events over the centuries, from official papal visits to being a place for pilgrimage for people from all over Italy. All in all, this majestic building is a must-see when visiting San Miniato.

The Tower of Matilda is the cathedral's bell tower, named after Matilda of Canossa, who is said to have been born in San Miniato, although this legend has never been confirmed.
Purchase a single or combination ticket (that includes access to the Diocesan Museum) and climb the steps to the top, you will enjoy a first panoramic view of the city and surrounding countryside.
You can check the days and hours of public opening on the local resource.

The Tower of Federico the Second, known as "La Rocca" in Italian, dates back to the 13th century and was rebuilt in 1958 after being destroyed during World War II. It is located slightly set back from the built-up area, but is easily reachable with a short walk.
The view, which is already a must-see at the foot of the fortress, becomes breathtaking if you climb to the top.

Conclude your visit to San Miniato in the central Piazza della Repubblica, reachable by a walk through the most charming alleys of the historic center.
The square is the location of one of San Miniato's symbolic buildings, the Bishop's Seminary, as we can also deduce from the phrases of famous people engraved on the facade, which were meant to motivate students in pursuing righteousness and becoming good priests.
But before its religious function, the building served as the city's main marketplace, and the characteristic T-shaped openings (used in place of modern storefronts) still testify to this ancient role.

After this fascinating immersion in the history of San Miniato, it is time to retrieve the car and get back on the road to the next destination.

Leave your car in this parking lot and immediately step into the heart of Volterra through Porta San Francesco, one of the six gates to the city along the Etruscan walls.

Since it is already lunchtime, you can start your visit to Volterra by starting with its mouth-watering flavours.
This restaurant offers traditional dishes made with local, quality ingredients in a warm, typically Tuscan atmosphere.
Book your table in advance on the official website.

A landmark building in Volterra, Palazzo dei Priori is the oldest town hall in the whole of Tuscany.
It is definitely worth starting your walk from the square where it is located, to immediately breathe in the medieval air of the city.
The palace can also be visited inside (don't miss the Sala del Consiglio, where there is a wonderful fresco of the Annunciation), culminating in the climb up the Municipal Tower, from where you can enjoy a splendid panorama.

The cathedral, dating back to 1200, is worth a visit to admire the unique mix of Romanesque (of the facade) and Renaissance architecture (especially the ceiling and chapels).
In fact, the church underwent massive alterations during the Renaissance period and contains remarkable frescoes and works of art.

Strolling through the alleys of the city, you may have already noticed the many "botteghe" displaying handicraft objects of fine craftsmanship.
The material you see, and for which Volterra is famous, is alabaster, discovered and used as early as Etruscan times.
To learn more about extraction and processing methods, evolution in commercial history and decorative techniques, you can visit the Alabaster Ecomuseum, whose entrance fee is included in the Pinacoteca ticket.
Enjoy this journey through art and history by visiting both locations, situated inside a beautiful Renaissance palace.

After the hours spent in Volterra, you won't want to leave.
But it is time to get back on board your car and head for the last, amazing stage of your route.

Leave your car in this convenient parking a stone's throw from the historic centre of San Gimignano.

Pass through the historic Porta San Giovanni and immediately enter the heart of this medieval centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Walk slowly and follow the path outlined by the many towers you will see standing out in front of you, symbols of the city throughout the world and heritage of the noble families that dominated the medieval communal age of San Gimignano.
Your first stop is Piazza della Cisterna, the true heart of the city, which owes its name to the large cistern underneath, which has been collecting water since 1287 and which rises to the surface on an octagonal pedestal.
The square, unchanged in its appearance from the 13th century to the present day, was the scene of town festivals and tournaments, as well as the site of the market.

A few steps further on, you will find the Piazza del Duomo, also untouched since the 13th century.
Spend a few minutes admiring the notable buildings on its perimeter: the old Palazzo del Podestà, with its "Rognosa" tower, the Chigi tower, the Salvucci towers, the new Palazzo del Podestà (with the town hall loggia), the Torre Grossa tower, and, of course, the city cathedral.

After immersing yourself in the city's alleyways, head finally to the Parco della Rocca, a city garden in an elevated position on the Montestaffoli hillock.
Today, not much remains of the Rocca built by the Florentines to give protection to the people of San Gimignano, but as you climb the walls, prepare to be amazed: your gaze will sweep over the Valdelsa and the peculiar skyline of San Gimignano drawn by its towers, a feature that has earned it the title of 'Manhattan of the Middle Ages'.

At the end of the day, treat yourself to a special evening at Ristorante Fuoriluogo, a restaurant outside the walls but adjacent to the historic centre.
The brick vault and the open kitchen will be the details that will enhance your dinner of typical and local dishes in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. If you are a wine lover, don't miss out on a good glass of the famous Vernaccia di San Gimignano to fully experience this sensory journey in taste.
To book your table, check the official website.