embark on a curated full-day gay excursion in siena, italy, designed for those seeking a shared experience. instead of a private tour, you can join our scheduled group excursion, conducted entirely in english, at a more accessible price point.
this allows you to share this incredible adventure with fellow travelers, fostering a sense of community and shared discovery.
should you wish to join us, please reach out via email at info gaily tour. please note that pricing may vary during periods of trade shows, national holidays, or special local events, and supplements could be applied accordingly.
in the event that any included museum visits are unavailable due to closure, ignas tour will either provide a refund for the specific museum or arrange an alternative captivating site for your visit.
your itinerary overview
our journey includes a comprehensive exploration of siena, a city renowned for its historical significance and vibrant culture.
famous for the palio, an intense historic horse race held annually in july and august, siena also boasts one of europe's most venerable universities. often hailed as italy's most picturesque medieval city, a visit to siena is a truly worthwhile endeavor, even for those with limited time in the beautiful tuscan region.
personal details for booking
to secure your place on this memorable trip, we kindly request the following information:
- email address
- mobile phone number (including country code prefix)
your tuscan escape begins in rome
our 8-day all-gay italian adventure kicks off in rome, the nation's captivating capital.
upon arrival on a saturday, you'll meet your two dedicated detours trip leaders and the rest of the group for an exceptional italian dinner.
the evening will be spent immersing yourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of rome's famed gay neighborhood, setting the tone for an unforgettable experience.
the following morning, we'll embark on a leisurely train journey heading north for approximately two hours.
our destination is a luxurious castle in tuscany, where we will spend the next seven days exploring the heart of this iconic region. you'll have a diverse selection of accommodation options within the castle, ranging from elegantly restored poolside cottages to expansive, multi-story suites featuring private rooftop terraces, and everything in between.
day 1: arrival in rome
welcome to rome, italy!
this historical and visually stunning capital city serves as our starting point. if this is your first visit to rome, we highly recommend arriving a day or two prior to the official start of the tour. this will give you ample opportunity to explore the incredible landmarks and soak in the unique ambiance of this world-renowned city.
at 7:00 pm on our first day, the adventure truly begins as we gather up to 30 fellow gay travelers and our two trip leaders for an unforgettable experience.
our inaugural evening is dedicated to savoring exquisite italian cuisine, forging new friendships, and experiencing rome's dynamic nightlife before we journey to our private tuscan castle the next day.
if you wish to extend your stay in our well-located rome accommodation, please don't hesitate to inquire about adding extra nights to your booking.
days 2 and 3: castle life in tuscany
after a relaxed morning and a delightful breakfast, we will depart on a late-morning train, arriving at our tuscan castle destination approximately two hours later.
upon arrival in the charming village of serre di rapolano, home to around 2,000 residents and imbued with authentic italian character, we'll be warmly welcomed by the gangale family, who will serve as our gracious hosts.
the remainder of this day and the entirety of the following day will be dedicated to exploring our immediate surroundings, luxuriating in the beauty of our magnificent castle property, and venturing out to visit nearby wineries and picturesque hilltop towns.
these charming locations offer stunning architecture, unique boutique shops, and breathtaking panoramic vistas. our castle estate itself, featuring a spacious swimming pool area, an iconic bell tower, and several distinct buildings, is a destination in its own right, inviting exploration and relaxation.
naturally, should you prefer to simply relax by the pool with a glass of chianti, soaking up the tuscan sun, that is enthusiastically encouraged!
day 4: exploring pisa and lucca
on day four, we embark on an engaging day trip to the historic city of pisa and its surrounding region.
a paramount highlight of this excursion is, of course, the world-famous leaning tower of pisa. we'll ensure ample time for capturing memorable selfies with this iconic landmark before continuing our exploration of the beautiful sites that grace its vicinity.
we will be accompanied by a knowledgeable local italian tour guide who will share their extensive expertise of the area throughout the day.
pisa, with its rich history spanning over a thousand years, stands as one of the world's preeminent art cities, boasting a labyrinth of charming alleyways, picturesque piazzas, and bustling markets perfect for getting delightfully lost in. it's an authentic italian city brimming with history and captivating charm.
come for the iconic tower, but prepare to be enchanted by the timeless beauty of this ancient city before we proceed to lucca in the afternoon.
the town of lucca is celebrated for its remarkably preserved medieval city walls, which still encircle the majority of its historic old town.
these walls also hold historical significance as the site of an important meeting between julius caesar and crassus. lucca's distinct italian architecture and unique character make it a standout destination within the tuscany region. we understand that while some travelers relish the in-depth knowledge provided by a local guide on a walking tour, others prefer the freedom of independent exploration.
day 5: the medieval charm of siena
siena is conveniently situated just a short, scenic 30-minute drive from our castle home, nestled amidst rolling tuscan hills.
the city is most famously known for the fiercely contested palio horse race, which takes place in the main piazza each summer. this unique equestrian event, with roots dating back to the 11th century, has historically included spectacular displays of flag throwing and even spirited fist fights.
during the middle ages, siena thrived as a wealthy and independent city-state.
however, following a period of conflict and defeat, the city experienced centuries of decline, which inadvertently led to the preservation of its stunning medieval architecture. the lack of extensive redevelopment means that these beautiful historical structures remain intact, contributing to the city's authentic medieval atmosphere.
it is precisely these preserved medieval buildings and the genuine tuscan allure that make siena an unmissable destination.
after a relaxing morning at the castle, we will journey to siena for an afternoon guided tour with a local gay guide. they will lead us to the city's most impressive landmarks before we indulge in a delightful dinner and wine experience at a charming local patio restaurant.
day 6: leisure and local exploration
our sixth day offers complete flexibility.
you can choose to unwind and enjoy a leisurely day by the pool, or if you prefer more activity, we can visit some of the nearby villages to sample local cheeses and wines. the surrounding area is dotted with numerous unique villages, all ripe for exploration, including our own local community right on our doorstep.
for those feeling more adventurous and wishing to explore further afield, we highly recommend a day trip to the republic of san marino, an independent microstate, which is approximately a two-hour drive away.
your dedicated detours trip leaders will be available to provide ample options and expert advice for how you can best spend your free day.
day 7: the renaissance heart of florence
for many, florence represents the pinnacle of our tuscan experience.
this world-renowned city is celebrated for its rich culture, exquisite tuscan cuisine, groundbreaking renaissance art, magnificent architecture, and iconic monuments. florence is romantic, enchanting, and utterly captivating, and it's conveniently located just an 80-minute journey from our castle.
we will travel to florence with our local gay guide shortly after lunch, dedicating the entire afternoon, evening, and night to absorbing the city's unparalleled beauty.
our guide will lead us on an immersive walking tour throughout the afternoon, ensuring we experience the city's highlights and gain insights into florence's seemingly boundless significant history. after all, florence is the birthplace of opera, gelato, the renaissance movement, and the italian language itself, underscoring its pivotal role as the cradle of italian civilization.
after a full afternoon of learning and exploration through its enchanting streets and squares, we will also delve into florence's vibrant nightlife.
this includes a fabulous dinner followed by drinks at a lively bar on a friday night, before we make our return journey to the castle for our final evening together.
day 8: departure
day eight marks the conclusion of our incredible 8-day journey, transitioning from the historic wonders of rome to the breathtaking highlights of tuscany, all experienced from our charming 14th-century castle.
should your schedule permit, we encourage you to extend your italian adventure by visiting venice, milan, bologna, cinque terre, or any of the other numerous captivating destinations in italy's northern regions.
alternatively, you are welcome to join your two detours trip leaders as we return to rome in the morning.
if time is a constraint, you may book your departure flight from rome's airport, with a scheduled departure anytime after 2:00 pm.
after an absolutely remarkable 8 days filled with delicious food, cherished new friendships, exceptional wine, and exploration of italy's most beautiful locales, we will bid each other a fond farewell on this final day, eagerly anticipating our next shared adventure!
many travelers opt to extend their stay in rome, particularly those visiting the city for the first time.
please let us know if you would like to arrange additional nights; we would be delighted to assist you.
the tour officially concludes on the morning of day eight. you are welcome to either accompany your trip leaders on their return to rome, where you can catch a departing flight with a departure time of 2:00 pm or later, or arrange your own departure flight from florence, which is approximately 75 minutes away.
for those with more time, we strongly recommend extending your italian exploration!
we are more than happy to help you arrange travel from our castle to destinations such as milan, venice, bologna, or other amazing nearby locales!
weather expectations
expect delightful mid-summer weather during your visit.
historically, august is a very sunny month to experience italy. daily temperatures are anticipated to range between 75 and 85 degrees fahrenheit (approximately 24-29 degrees celsius). this dry season typically brings very little rainfall, so remember to pack plenty of sun protection.
however, as weather can occasionally be unpredictable, we always recommend bringing some light rain gear just in case.
currency and payments
italy utilizes the euro as its primary currency. it's advisable to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases such as souvenirs, tips, or incidental expenses.
major credit cards, including visa and mastercard, are widely accepted at most shops and restaurants.
american express may have more limited acceptance.
additional spending budget
while your major expenses are covered by the trip, you'll want to budget for additional personal spending. this includes items like extra meals, beverages, shopping, and optional activities.
we suggest having approximately €100-€150 per person in cash upon arrival in italy for smaller purchases, although most establishments readily accept major credit cards.
staying connected
most mobile phone carriers offer international roaming services that function on italian networks.
it's recommended to contact your provider to confirm your coverage and inquire about cost-saving international service plans before your departure.
attire and packing
our first evening together is designated as a "special night," and we suggest bringing an outfit that is smart yet comfortable for dinner and drinks.
this doesn't mean formal wear like a tuxedo, but rather something stylish you'd wear for a pleasant evening out. for the remainder of the trip, casual and comfortable attire is the norm, as we'll be spending considerable time walking while exploring siena, florence, pisa, and the local villages surrounding our castle, as well as enjoying downtime at the property.
comfortable walking shoes are arguably the most essential item for your suitcase.
accommodation for solo travelers
recognizing the needs of solo travelers, 13 out of our 20 rooms at the castle have been specifically allocated for individuals traveling alone.
you have the flexibility to choose between sharing a room with one or two other solo travelers in a room equipped with two or three beds, or opting for your own private room.
included excursions and flexibility
throughout our 8-day adventure, we have meticulously planned a variety of exciting excursions.
these include guided day trips to siena, florence, and pisa, as well as wine tours and tastings, and special dinners hosted at our castle and within the local village. these activities are all included in the cost of your trip. however, in keeping with the detours philosophy, you are always welcome to deviate from the itinerary if alternative activities capture your interest more.
your two detours trip leaders will be with you throughout the entire journey, ensuring you maximize your italian adventure and receive the most value from your experience.
accommodation highlights
rome, italy: monti palace hotel
perfectly situated in the vibrant heart of rome, this newly opened hotel provides an ideal base for exploring the surrounding attractions.
within a mere 10-minute walk, you can find yourself gazing up at the iconic colosseum or the impressive roman forum. the hotel itself offers a beautiful contemporary design, a rooftop restaurant, and exceptionally comfortable rooms. the rooms at the monti palace are stylish and modern, featuring parquet flooring, a convenient room automation system, and matching furnishings in primary colors.
each room is equipped with complimentary wi-fi and air conditioning.
serre di rapolano, tuscany: castello delle serre
experience the blend of 14th-century character with 21st-century comfort at castello delle serre. the castle offers a diverse selection of expertly appointed rooms and suites to cater to every taste.
an unwavering commitment to preserving the grandeur of the past, infused with tasteful modern amenities, is evident throughout.
castello delle serre is perched atop serre di rapolano, an idyllic and untouched tuscan village, offering convenient access to all major points of interest. siena, chianti, montepulciano, montalcino, cortona, and arezzo are all just a short drive away.
whether your interests lie in churches, monasteries, classical architecture, museums, pottery, italian shopping, or simply experiencing the authentic rhythm of daily italian life, you'll find it all within close proximity.
the gangale family has collaborated with v. sattui winery of napa valley, california, and they are proud to showcase the splendor of their recently restored castle. allow them to reveal a side of tuscany that few are privileged to experience. meticulous attention to detail and personalized service ensure your stay will be an unforgettable experience of a lifetime.