Discover Volterra: Ancient Ruins & Medieval Landmarks
Traveler rating
Not yet rated
No traveler reviews have been published for this experience yet.
Quick answer
Is Discover Volterra: Ancient Ruins & Medieval Landmarks worth booking?
Discover Volterra: Ancient Ruins & Medieval Landmarks is a 2-hour experience in Florence, Italy, from $458 per person. It scores 36 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 36 / 100
- Rating
- Not yet rated
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $458 per person
Discover the enchanting Old Town of the walled city of Volterra high up in the mountains of Tuscany, which is steeped in the long and eventful history dating from before the Roman times, and its numerous landmarks of historical and archaeological significance, such as the mysterious Etruscan Acropolis and Etruscan Gate dating to as early as the 8th century BC, the rich heritage of Roman civilization including Roman Cistern, Roman Theatre, and Roman Bath, the 14th-century Medici Fortress now serving as a prison, as well as the Palace of the Priors and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta next to it, the respective representatives of the heated conflict between the Florentine government and the bishop during medieval times.
What you get
About this experience
Discover the enchanting Old Town of the walled city of Volterra high up in the mountains of Tuscany, which is steeped in the long and eventful history dating from before the Roman times, and its numerous landmarks of historical and archaeological significance, such as the mysterious Etruscan Acropolis and Etruscan Gate dating to as early as the 8th century BC, the rich heritage of Roman civilization including Roman Cistern, Roman Theatre, and Roman Bath, the 14th-century Medici Fortress now serving as a prison, as well as the Palace of the Priors and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta next to it, the respective representatives of the heated conflict between the Florentine government and the bishop during medieval times.
What's included
Included
- Private guided tour
Not included
- Gratuities and refreshments
What you'll see and do
Medici Fortress
The tour starts at the foot of the imposing Medici Fortress, the symbol of Volterra’s heavy past. The 14th-century medieval bastion perching on Volterra’s highest hill was used to oppress the rebels of its people against the invasion of Florence. From this perfect viewpoint, you can enjoy a fabulous vista sweeping across the Old Town.
25 minutes here
Continue to back forward to the earliest times in Volterra’s history at the Etruscan Acropolis, built on the highest point by Etruscans to best read the signs in the sky. The remains of 7th-century-BC temples offer a precious glimpse into the indigenous Etruscan population.
20 minutes here
Right next to the site is the Roman Cistern, the heritage of the second civilization inhabiting the city six centuries later. One fun fact is that it was the setting of the award-winning movie “Sandra - of a Thousand Delights” in 1965.
20 minutes here
Proceed to pass by the remains of the Roman Theater, located outside the city walls next to the 13th-century Florentine Gate. The weathered auditorium built on the slopy terrain to take advantage of the natural incline is thought to accommodate 3,500 spectaculars until the end of the 3rd century B.C when it was replaced by thermal baths whose beautiful floors still can be seen.
Pass by without stopping
Piazza dei Priori
The next destination is Priori Square. The heart of Volterra surrounded by its most beautiful historic monuments was chosen as a setting for the world-famous “New Moon” movie in 2009. The vibrant square with its bustling arcade cafes, gelato restaurants, and colorful traditional performances is the best spot in Volterra for people-watching and soaking up vibes.
15 minutes here
The highlight of the square is the Palace of the Priors or Volterra Town Hall, the oldest municipal building in Tuscany. The 13th-century palace boasting Florence’s coats of arms was built to demonstrate the supremacy of the Florentine government over the power of the bishop, represented by the Cathedral located right behind.
15 minutes here
Continue to pass by the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. The present cathedral replaced the original one destroyed by the Florentines during a siege in 1472, triggering their constant conflict. Check out the solemn bas-reliefs depicting the bishop on its eternal wall, testifying their influence in the city, and the tranquil 13th-century Baptistery of San Giovanni Battista right opposite the church.
Pass by without stopping
Porta all'Arco
Finally, visit Etruscan Gate just a stone’s throw away, the most famous entrance of the old city walls built and expanded by many generations. Dating to the 3rd century BC, the three head-shaped statues on its arch have been a long-lasting mystery attracting curious visitors and archaeologists.
25 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Florence
In front of the City Hall at Piazza dei Priori, your tour guide shall be waiting with a Signboard.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
In front of the City Hall at Piazza dei Priori, your tour guide shall be waiting with a Signboard.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 25 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- BlackBuck Travels
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 0
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by BlackBuck Travels, who run 103 experiences we rank across 69 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 35.4.
See everything BlackBuck Travels runsWhy this scores 36
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Discover Volterra: Ancient Ruins & Medieval Landmarks: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Florence.
How much does Discover Volterra: Ancient Ruins & Medieval Landmarks cost?
+
Prices start at $458 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Florence usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Discover Volterra: Ancient Ruins & Medieval Landmarks take?
+
Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Florence is not rushed.
Is Discover Volterra: Ancient Ruins & Medieval Landmarks worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 36 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (0/5 across 0 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Florence, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Discover Volterra: Ancient Ruins & Medieval Landmarks?
+
No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Discover Volterra: Ancient Ruins & Medieval Landmarks suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Discover Volterra: Ancient Ruins & Medieval Landmarks?
+
Around 0 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Florence can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Florence and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Discover Volterra: Ancient Ruins & Medieval Landmarks start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Florence within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Florence?
+
On Outty we rank every Florence experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Best tour in Florence: Renaissance & Medici -by a storyteller, Small group Tuscan Wineries, Olive Oil & Gourmet Lunch or Dinner, Florence Pizza or Pasta Class with Gelato Making at a Tuscan Farm. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Florence?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Florence?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Discover Volterra: Ancient Ruins & Medieval Landmarks?
+
Included: Private guided tour. Not included: Gratuities and refreshments. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Discover Volterra: Ancient Ruins & Medieval Landmarks?
+
In front of the City Hall at Piazza dei Priori, your tour guide shall be waiting with a Signboard. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Discover Volterra: Ancient Ruins & Medieval Landmarks offered in?
+
It is offered in English, Italian, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Discover Volterra: Ancient Ruins & Medieval Landmarks?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Discover Volterra: Ancient Ruins & Medieval Landmarks wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Discover Volterra: Ancient Ruins & Medieval Landmarks if the weather is bad?
+
It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Florence. Standard cancellation terms apply.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Discover Volterra: Ancient Ruins & Medieval Landmarks.
Pick your date
