Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Exploring Siena’s Secret Fountains with PolaTour: A Unique Photo Adventure
Imagine wandering through Siena’s enchanting streets, not just sightseeing but actively creating a personalized photo album of its 17 historic fountains. This is exactly what the PolaTour “The 17 Fountains of the Contradas of Siena” promises—an interactive, family-friendly experience combining storytelling, discovery, and instant photography. While it’s not a conventional walking tour, it offers a fresh way to engage with the city’s iconic Contradas, making memories that last.
What makes this experience stand out is the personalized photo album you get to craft along the way. Each fountain has its own story and quirks, making the tour both educational and entertaining. Plus, the use of instant cameras means you’re capturing real, tangible photos, which adds a nostalgic touch in today’s digital age.
A potential consideration for travelers is timing. During the Palio (29 June-2 July and 13-16 August), the route shifts to focus on Palio-related sites, so if you’re visiting during these dates, this tour won’t follow the usual path. Also, at around $71.08 for up to five people, it’s a reasonably priced activity—if you’re into immersive, memorable experiences rather than just ticking off sights. This adventure is perfect for families, groups of friends, or anyone wanting a more authentic and hands-on way to explore Siena.
Key Points
- Personalized Experience: You create a photo album by taking instant pictures of each fountain, attaching them to your guide, turning sightseeing into a cherished memory book.
- Cultural Insight: The tour offers brief historical nuggets and fun anecdotes about each Contrada, enriching your understanding of Siena’s Palio traditions.
- Flexible Duration: Ranging from 1 to 4 hours, you can tailor your visit based on your pace and interest—perfect for busy itineraries or leisurely explorations.
- Family-Friendly Fun: The simple camera setup and interactive style make it ideal for children and adults alike, sparking creativity and curiosity.
- Value for Money: At about $71 for a group of five, you’re paying for a personalized, engaging experience rather than just a passive walk.
- Operational During Non-Palio Days: The tour runs year-round, with a special Palio-focused route available during festival times, ensuring you can plan your Siena trip accordingly.
Discovering Siena’s Contradas and Fountains: A Deep Dive
Looking for more options in Siena? Here are some other experiences worth considering.
The Itinerary: What to Expect and Why It Matters
Starting in Siena’s Centro Storico, the tour’s core is the exploration of its 17 fountains, each tucked into different Contrade (districts). What makes this tour so engaging is its combination of history, storytelling, and hands-on activity.
As you set out from Peace&Road Siena, the meeting point, your Polaguide becomes a kind of treasure map, guiding you through narrow cobbled streets to each fountain. The guide, which is included in the price, provides brief backgrounds on each fountain, revealing their place in Siena’s Palio lore and local life. This isn’t just about looking at pretty water features; each one carries stories, legends, and some amusing anecdotes, which make the visit more engaging.
One of the aspects reviewers loved was the well-made map and the simplicity of the camera—”impossible to get lost” and “simple to use”—making it accessible even if you’re not tech-savvy. With an instant camera, you’ll take photos of each fountain, attaching them directly to your Polaguide, which doubles as a keepsake album. This tactile element adds a layer of fun, especially for families or those who cherish physical photos over digital images.
The Fountains and Contradas: What Makes Them Special
Each fountain has its own character and history. Some are known for their unique architecture or local legends, making them more than just water sources. For example, you might learn about how certain fountains played a role in Palio festivities or how some have survived centuries of Siena’s evolving urban landscape.
While the tour is primarily educational, it also offers moments for casual reflection and photography, which many reviewers found enjoyable. One noted that “the guide also gives the stories, making the history easy to digest and remember,” adding a layer of local connection that standard sightseeing often lacks.
The Photography Element: Nostalgia and Creativity
What separates this tour from others is the instant photo aspect. You have a choice between mini (46×62 mm) and square (62×62 mm) formats, and a rental option for 10 or 20 films. This flexibility allows you to customize your souvenir collection, and the photos can be touched, waved, and attached to your guide in real time.
Reviewers repeatedly mention how fun and simple this process is—”the camera worked well,” and “it’s a lot of fun to prepare the album”—making it a hit for all ages. The tactile experience of handling photos and creating a physical album makes the entire activity more memorable than simply looking at photos later.
Practical Details: How It Works and What You Need to Know
- Duration: Ranges from 1 to 4 hours, so you can choose a quick highlights tour or a more relaxed exploration.
- Cost: $71.08 per group (up to 5), which includes the guide and camera rental options.
- Start & End Points: Both start and finish at the same location, making it easy to incorporate into your Siena itinerary.
- Timing: Most days, but during Palio dates, the route shifts to focus on Palio sites, so check ahead if you want the standard fountain tour.
- Accessibility: The tour is suitable for most travelers; service animals are allowed, and public transportation is nearby.
You might also want to explore these Siena activities
What Reviewers Say About the Experience
The tour consistently receives a perfect 5-star rating from participants. One reviewer mentions, “It’s quite long, to do it calmly you need half a day,” emphasizing that it’s flexible yet immersive. Another highlights the fun of creating the album even for grown-ups, describing it as “a lot of fun to prepare the album, even for me as I’m already grown up.”
Several reviewers point out how the storytelling and the friendly guides make the experience enriching and enjoyable. One stated, “The tour and the guide allow you to see the city and discover many interesting anecdotes about Siena’s history.” The personalized nature of the activity means you get to see Siena from a more intimate and memorable perspective.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience appeals most to families with children, history buffs, and photography enthusiasts looking for an interactive, hands-on way to explore Siena. It’s particularly suited for travelers wanting something more than just walking around and looking at sights—here, you become part of the story.
It’s also a good choice if you prefer a relaxed pace, as you can spend as much or as little time as you like at each fountain. Plus, the personal touch of creating a photo album makes it an ideal activity for creating tangible souvenirs you’ll cherish long after your trip.
Final Thoughts
The PolaTour “17 Fountains of the Contradas of Siena” offers a charming, engaging alternative to traditional sightseeing. Its focus on interactive storytelling and instant photography delivers a fun, family-friendly experience that produces meaningful memories. The tour’s excellent reviews and attentive organization suggest it’s a reliable way to see Siena’s hidden gems with a personal touch.
While it may not cover every aspect of Siena’s vast history, it strikes a balance between education and entertainment, making it especially valuable for those who want to connect more deeply with the city’s local culture. Whether you’re traveling with kids or just want a creative way to explore, this tour is a delightful option.
FAQs
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the interactive nature, simple camera, and fun storytelling make it enjoyable for kids and adults alike.
How long does the tour take?
It can last from 1 to 4 hours, depending on your pace and interest level.
What’s included in the price?
The fee covers the guide, the use of the instant camera, and optional film rentals (10 or 20 films), with choices for photo format.
Can I participate during Palio days?
During the Palio (29 June-2 July and 13-16 August), the standard route is unavailable, replaced by a Palio-focused tour.
Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
Most of Siena’s streets are cobbled and historic, so it’s best to inquire directly with the provider about accessibility.
What should I bring?
Just your curiosity! The camera and guide are provided, and the process is straightforward.
Is the tour private?
Yes, it is a private activity exclusive to your group, providing a personalized experience.
How many people can join?
Up to five people per group for the set price, making it ideal for small families or groups.
What if I cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.
This tour combines discovery, fun, and a dash of nostalgia, making it a unique way to explore Siena beyond the usual tourist spots. If you’re after an experience that makes your visit truly personal and memorable, it’s worth considering.
