The 17 Fantastic Animals of Siena

Exploring Siena with a Twist: A Complete Look at The 17 Fantastic Animals Tour

If you’re seeking a way to see Siena beyond its well-trodden streets and famous landmarks, the 17 Fantastic Animals of Siena tour offers a playful, family-friendly approach. This experience invites you into the city’s heart through a charming treasure hunt, combining art, local culture, and a little bit of kid-friendly adventure. It’s a guided exploration that’s especially geared towards families and those who want to make their visit memorable for the little ones — and perhaps for the young at heart, too.

What really draws us in about this tour is how it turns sightseeing into a creative game. Using a Polaguide and optional instant camera, you’ll hunt down fountains and the elusive fantastic animals hidden around Siena’s Contrade. It’s an inventive way to explore, and it turns an ordinary city walk into a photographic journey filled with fun and discovery. That said, because it involves quite a bit of walking and some puzzle-solving, it might not be the best fit if you’re pressed for time or have very young children who tire easily. Still, for families eager for an engaging, educational outing, it’s a clever way to see Siena from a different angle.

This tour is perfect for those who want an authentic experience that’s interactive and memorable. Whether you’re visiting Siena for the first time or returning and looking for a new perspective, this activity offers a creative twist. Just keep in mind that during the Palio days, the route changes, so if your trip coincides with those dates, you’ll join a different themed tour focusing on the Palio itself.

Key Points

• Family-Friendly Fun: Designed for kids and parents, making Siena’s exploration engaging for all ages.
• Interactive Experience: Use of instant cameras and riddles to find the 17 animals adds a playful element to sightseeing.
• Authentic City Insights: Discover the Contrade, their fountains, and the special bond locals have with their districts.
• Flexible Duration: Usually takes around 3 hours but can extend depending on pace and stops.
• Unique Souvenirs: Photos captured during the tour can be kept in a Polaguide as a charming memory album.
• Not During Palio: Route and focus change during Palio events, offering a different experience related to the Palio’s history.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

What Does the Tour Entail?

The tour begins at Peace&Road Siena, located at Via Fusari 20. From there, the journey unfolds over approximately three hours, during which your group will explore Siena’s Contrade, focusing on their fountains — the symbols of the districts and their deep-rooted pride. The tour is a private activity, so it’s just your group, making it intimate and tailored.

The core of the experience is the PolaGuide, which is a specially designed map that marks the fountains and hints at where the fantastic animals are hiding. Each stop involves solving riddles, encouraging your team (especially kids) to think, observe, and have fun. The guide indicates where to find each fountain, and once located, you can use an instant camera (which can be rented with your choice of 10 or 20 films in mini or square format) to snap a photo of your discovery. These photos are then attached to the guide, transforming it into a small keepsake album filled with your adventures.

How Does the Route Work?

The route takes you around Siena’s 17 Contrade, focusing on their fountains — each fountain representing a district with its own character and traditions. The challenge is to find all the fantastic animals that are cleverly hidden nearby. According to reviews, not everyone manages to see all 17 animals, especially if the group is small or the children tire quickly. One reviewer noted reaching about 11 animals after 4.5 hours, including a lunch break. This highlights that the tour is more about the experience and the discoveries rather than strict completion.

During Palio days (specifically from June 29 to July 2 and August 13 to 16), the usual route is replaced with a Palio-focused one, centered on the race’s historic sites. This switch is a bonus, offering a different kind of immersion into Siena’s lively traditions.

The Authentic Charm

What makes this tour stand out is how it encourages engagement with Siena’s districts and their fountains — the lifeblood of the Contrade. This approach is praised for revealing parts of Siena often missed by typical tours. One reviewer shared that it took them to areas they wouldn’t have explored on their own, making it a treasure hunt that feels both authentic and fun.

The Guide and Equipment

Guests rave about the knowledgeable guide, who is often the shop owner or organizer, guiding you through the city’s lesser-known corners. The Polaguide itself is simple but effective, with designated spaces for photos — a feature loved by families wanting a creative souvenir. The rental camera options, including different film formats, add an element of nostalgia to the experience.

Pace, Comfort, and Practicalities

Expect a fair amount of walking, as Siena’s beautiful streets are cobbled and sometimes steep. Reviewers mention that it’s best suited for those in good shoes and with a moderate level of stamina. The tour is flexible enough to accommodate stops, and with a private booking, you can tailor the experience to your pace.

The activity ends back at the starting point, making logistics straightforward. Plus, the mobile ticket system ensures a contactless, hassle-free experience.

Why the Price Reflects Good Value

At $73.52 for up to five people, the tour offers a unique, personalized way to explore Siena that combines fun, education, and souvenirs—something that’s often missing from standard sightseeing. The inclusion of the instant camera rental and the Polaguide makes it easier to connect with the city’s essence without additional costs. Compared to conventional guided tours, which might focus solely on history or art, this activity adds a hands-on, memorable element perfect for families or anyone wanting a different lens on Siena.

Authentic Experiences as a Priority

The reviews highlight the value of the guide’s insights and the chance to discover parts of Siena that aren’t always on the tourist trail. This isn’t a cookie-cutter tour; it’s about personal discovery, making it a worthwhile choice for those eager to see Siena through a playful and curious lens.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This activity is ideal for families traveling with children, especially those who enjoy outdoor activities and photography. The pace suits those who prefer a more relaxed exploration, with ample time for photos and conversations. It’s also perfect if you’re interested in local traditions and districts rather than just iconic landmarks. If you’re a traveler who appreciates interactive, creative experiences that produce tangible keepsakes, you’ll find this tour a delightful addition to your Siena visit.

However, if your group has mobility issues, or if you’re short on time, it might be worth considering how the tour’s duration and walking requirements fit into your plans. During Palio days, the route and focus shift, which could either be a bonus or a distraction depending on your interests.

Final Thoughts on the 17 Fantastic Animals Tour

This tour offers a refreshingly original way to experience Siena. It’s more than just sightseeing; it’s a fun, engaging adventure that encourages discovery, creativity, and a deeper connection with the city’s unique districts. The knowledgeable guides and interactive style make it stand out, especially for those traveling with children — or anyone young at heart who loves a good puzzle.

While it requires some walking and patience, the quality of the experience and the souvenir photos make it worth considering for a leisurely, memorable day in Siena. The fact that it’s a private tour means you’ll get tailored attention, making it a stress-free way to explore with family or friends.

In short, if you’re after a creative and authentic experience that offers more than just typical sightseeing, the 17 Fantastic Animals of Siena tour is a charming choice.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for very young children?
Yes, the tour is designed with families in mind, and children especially enjoy the photo hunt and discovering the animals. However, expect some walking, so good shoes are recommended.

How long does the tour usually take?
The typical duration is around 3 hours, but depending on your pace and how many animals you find, it can extend to about 4.5 hours, especially if you stop for lunch or take breaks.

Can I rent an instant camera?
Yes, you can rent an instant camera with 10 or 20 films, and the photos can be attached to your Polaguide. The camera options include mini or square formats.

What happens during Palio days?
During the Palio (from June 29 to July 2 and August 13 to 16), the route is replaced with a Palio-themed tour focusing on the race’s locations and history.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, it’s a private activity, meaning only your group will participate, which allows for a more personalized experience.

How many fountains and animals are involved?
The tour covers 17 fountains, each associated with a different Contrada, and involves finding 17 fantastic animals hidden nearby.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Most travelers can participate, but be prepared for some walking on cobbled streets, so good footwear is advisable.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour is ideal for children and adults alike, but very young kids should be supervised as it involves walking and puzzle-solving.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change.

To sum it up, the 17 Fantastic Animals of Siena tour offers a delightful blend of adventure, culture, and family fun. It’s perfect for those who want to explore Siena in a lively, interactive way, creating lasting memories along the way. Whether you’re traveling with kids or simply young at heart, this experience stands out as a charming, playful take on city discovery.