Siena is one of the most sought-after destinations for cruise passengers stopping in Civitavecchia: a perfectly preserved medieval centre, Piazza del Campo — one of the most beautiful squares in the world — and a Cathedral that takes your breath away. The distance is favourable: 230 km, less than Florence, with a direct motorway route.
The problem is the train: three changes, over 4 hours just one way, timetables incompatible with the evening embarkation. A private NCC transfer solves everything: leave the ship punctually in the morning, arrive in Siena with the whole day ahead, return to the port in time for boarding.
Shorter distance. 230 km versus 290 for Florence: 30 fewer minutes of travel each way, more time in the city.
Fewer crowds. Siena receives far fewer tourists than Florence. Piazza del Campo is comfortably walkable even in high season. Museums and Cathedral without the pressure of the endless Uffizi queues.
Entirely pedestrian centre. Siena's historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is visited on foot. No shuttle buses, no distances to cover between sites.
Route: A12 from Civitavecchia, join A1 north of Rome, then A1 to Valdichiana exit, SR326 towards Siena. The final stretch on the SR2 Cassia is scenic but slightly slower.
Recommended timing: depart port 7:30–8:00, arrive Siena by 10:00, return to port by 18:30–19:00 for a 20:00 embarkation.
Morning (10:00–13:00)
- Piazza del Campo — the medieval shell-shaped square, home of the Palio. (30 min)
- Torre del Mangia — 400-step climb, exceptional panoramic views. Book online in advance. (40 min)
- Siena Cathedral — black and white Gothic facade, unique inlaid marble floor. (45 min with museum booking)
Lunch (13:00–14:30)
- Traditional Tuscan trattoria: pici cacio e pepe, ribollita, bistecca.
Afternoon (14:30–16:30)
- Baptistery of San Giovanni — adjacent to the Cathedral, rarely crowded. (20 min)
- Walk through the medieval centre — the three terzi, historic shops, Fonte Gaia. (1h30)
Planned return: 16:30–17:00, to be at the port by 18:30–19:00.
For 2 or more people, the private transfer is competitive on total cost and incomparably more comfortable.
Siena + San Gimignano variant: depart 07:00, visit San Gimignano (10:00–11:30), arrive Siena (12:15), lunch and afternoon visit, return at 17:00, port by 19:30.
Price includes: driver for the entire day (up to 12h), motorway tolls, waiting time in Siena, luggage assistance. For the San Gimignano variant ask for a personalised quote.
Prefer Florence? See the Civitavecchia–Florence excursion guide — same service quality, slightly greater distance.