Hunt for the 10 Treasures of Siena

If you’re looking for a different way to experience Siena beyond the usual guided tours, the Hunt for the 10 Treasures of Siena offers a playful, family-friendly approach. This self-led adventure combines uncovering secret corners of the city with interactive puzzles and instant photography, making it a memorable activity for all ages. With a consistent 5-star rating from dozens of travelers, it’s clear that this tour brings a unique twist to sightseeing.

One of the aspects we really appreciate is the use of instant photography. Capturing moments immediately and sticking them in a personalized guide creates a tangible souvenir of your Siena adventure. Plus, the carefully designed puzzles and anecdotes keep everyone engaged, whether you’re traveling with kids or simply young at heart.

A potential consideration is that during Palio days (June 29-July 2 and August 13-16), the route is changed to focus on the Palio’s top 10 places, which might disappoint those hoping for the usual treasures. Also, as a self-guided activity, it requires a bit of initiative and independence, so it might not suit travelers who prefer a traditional guided tour.

This experience suits families, curious travelers, and those looking for a flexible, fun way to explore Siena at their own pace. If you enjoy puzzles, photography, and discovering hidden corners, this activity delivers a lively, personalized sightseeing experience.

Key Points

• Interactive and Family-Friendly: Perfect for kids and those young at heart, with puzzles and games enhancing the discovery.
• Unique Photography Element: Instant cameras allow you to capture and attach photos directly into your guide, creating a keepsake.
• Flexible Duration: Usually takes between 1 to 4 hours, so it fits well into a day’s plan.
• Expertly Designed Route: Covers Siena’s most evocative spots while revealing lesser-known gems.
• All-Inclusive Cost: At $71.08 for up to five people, it offers excellent value considering the fun and personalised souvenirs.
• Seasonally Adjusted: During Palio, the route shifts focus to race-related sites, providing a different but equally engaging experience.

An Engaging Start at Centro Storico di Siena

The adventure kicks off in Siena’s historic center, a labyrinth of narrow streets, ancient buildings, and lively piazzas. The tour begins at Peace&Road Siena, where you’ll receive your Polaguide, a compact booklet filled with puzzles, riddles, and amusing anecdotes. You’ll be equipped with an instant camera—either a fun mini or square format—ready to capture your journey.

Reviewers consistently mention how much they appreciated the interactive aspect, with Anne_R noting that it was “a great family activity” that combined discovery and creativity. The photos aren’t just souvenirs—they’re integrated into the guide, which becomes a personalized album of your Siena adventure.

What makes this stop special?

It’s less about walking in a straight line and more about engaging with your surroundings. You’ll be prompted to observe details, solve riddles, and share laughs, making the sightseeing more memorable than just passing by.

The Puzzle & Photo Experience

Each stop on the route involves solving puzzles related to Siena’s iconic points. For instance, certain landmarks might reveal a fun fact or a historical anecdote that’s not in typical guidebooks. The photos you take can be attached right into your guide, creating a visual diary of your trip.

According to reviews, this aspect is particularly loved—KristyJ_J called it a “fun and unique way to see Siena,” highlighting how the clue book, Polaroid, and map made the experience enjoyable. The photos serve as tangible memories, with options of mini or square formats, so you can choose what suits your style or the age of your kids best.

The real value here?

You get to see Siena from a fresh perspective, discovering streets and corners that often escape traditional tours. Jeremie_M pointed out that this was a “great way to discover the city,” especially the hidden streets and unexpected spots.

The Route & Highlights

The route is designed to uncover Siena’s most fascinating and lesser-known spots. While the full itinerary isn’t detailed, the emphasis is on evocative points that tell stories through puzzles and riddles. Travelers have mentioned discovering streets and areas they might never have explored on their own.

During Palio days, the route shifts focus to the Palio of Siena’s top 10 sites, which includes the famous Piazza del Campo and the Sienese race track. This variation adds an extra layer of context to the city’s most celebrated event, perfect for those interested in the historical and cultural significance of the Palio.

What you can expect at each stop?

Expect a mix of visual clues, historical tidbits, and interactive challenges. The puzzles encourage you to look closely at your surroundings, fostering a sense of curiosity and discovery.

The Experience & Logistics

The tour is private, meaning your family or group will be the only ones participating—no noisy crowds or strangers to navigate around. Starting point is convenient, located near public transportation, so arriving is easy.

You’ll spend approximately 1 to 4 hours, depending on how many puzzles you solve, how leisurely you explore, and if you take time for photos. Reviewers note that while about 2 hours is typical, younger children or those wanting a more relaxed pace might spend longer.

The cost, at $71.08 for up to five people, is quite reasonable for the experience and the personalized souvenirs. Considering the quality of the puzzles, the engaging guide, and the instant photos, it offers excellent value compared to traditional guided tours.

What the Reviews Say

Multiple reviewers have praised the guides—describing them as knowledgeable and engaging. One reviewer, Michaela_F, called it the “best way to see Siena,” emphasizing the hunt for hidden sights and the photos as great souvenirs.

Others appreciated the balanced mix of fun and learning, with Anne_R highlighting how the activity kept kids eager and involved. Even Jeroen_A enjoyed how the activity led them to streets they wouldn’t otherwise explore.

This experience is ideal for families with children, as the puzzles and instant photos make sightseeing interactive and fun. It’s also perfect for independent travelers who prefer to explore at their own pace but want a structured, engaging activity.

Those interested in local secrets, photography, or historical anecdotes will find this tour rewarding. If you’re visiting during Palio, the themed route offers extra insight into Siena’s most famous event.

Note: It’s suited for most travelers, including those with service animals, and is a safe, private activity that can be tailored to your rhythm.

The Hunt for the 10 Treasures of Siena offers a remarkable way to see the city beyond traditional tours. Its blend of puzzles, instant photos, and personalized storytelling makes it a highly engaging choice for families and curious explorers alike. With a small group or private setup, you get to discover Siena’s hidden corners, capture memories instantly, and learn fascinating facts along the way—all at a very reasonable price.

This activity shines whether you want a light adventure with kids or a more intimate exploration of Siena’s secret spots. The detailed, well-thought-out route and the positive feedback from past travelers attest to its quality. It’s a creative, flexible sightseeing option that transforms a day in Siena into a memorable, interactive storybook.

If you’re after a fun, educational, and memorable way to explore Siena, this treasure hunt deserves serious consideration. It’s a fantastic choice for those who love a bit of adventure, want to take home tangible souvenirs, and enjoy uncovering the lesser-known sides of this beautiful Italian city.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the puzzles, games, and instant photos make it particularly appealing for families with children. Reviewers mention kids enjoyed the activity and found it engaging.

How long does the tour usually take?
Typically, it lasts around 2 hours, but it can extend up to 4 hours if you take your time or explore more leisurely, especially with younger children.

What’s included in the price?
For $71.08, your group (up to five people) gets the Polaguide, an instant camera (with options for 10 or 20 films), and the guided route. The guide has space for 15 photos, which you fill during the activity.

Can I rent the camera and films separately?
Yes, you can choose to rent the instant camera with either 10 or 20 films, and select between mini or square photo formats.

Is this a guided tour?
No, it’s a self-led activity, meaning you follow the route and solve puzzles at your own pace. It’s a private experience, so only your group participates.

Are there any seasonal restrictions?
During the Palio festival (late June to early July, and mid-August), the usual route is replaced with a Palio-specific version focusing on the race’s top sites.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Peace&Road Siena, Via Fusari 20, and concludes back at the meeting point, making logistics simple.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
While specific accessibility info isn’t provided, the activity is based on walking through Siena’s streets, which may involve uneven surfaces and narrow alleys. It’s best suited for those able to navigate such terrain.

This review underscores how this treasure hunt offers a rich, hands-on way to explore Siena, focusing on discovery, fun, and authentic experiences. Whether traveling as a family, a couple, or a solo explorer seeking a twist on traditional sightseeing, it’s a clever, memorable choice.