I took the Siena/Chiant/San Gimignano/Pisa day trip. It started out OK. Bus ride to Siena, where we…read morewere walked to the meeting point some 15 minutes away, given a briefing, then those that didn't chose the walking tour (I did) got free time. For those of us on the walking tour with the local guide, we got a few points of interest, then left at the Duomo with instructions on how to get back on our own. Unfortunately for me, I was the only fool that trusted the instructions and didn't use Google maps until it was too late. On my way back I got lost, and once on Google Maps found I would not be at the meeting point on time. At this point, I'm in constant contact with Ciao Florence. I was told to instead meet at the bus. I had no idea where that was, so they sent a google maps link. Of course that was even further away. I was assured they were waiting, and up until I was 5 minutes away, was told they were waiting. At THAT point I was informed they left without me. FIVE MINUTES!!!! I was practically in sight of the bus depot! The next stop was Chianti, for a wine tasting and lunch, but I had to take a cab ride at the cost of 100 euro in order to catch up. I really should have just taken the train back to Florence--it would have been far cheaper and more enjoyable! So I catch up to the group, and get no apology, but the tour guide trying to justify herself and how "long" they waited. By all accounts of people there, she hardly waited at all. So after, being hot and tired, get even more angry. I settle into the appetizer and a little wine, then lunch is served... at which point she comes over AGAIN, and starts trying to justify herself again, making me so angry, I slam my plate aside, gulp my wine, so I had practically no lunch. All I can say for Chianti is thank God there was wine... Even the winery saw I needed it and poured me another glass...
San Gimignano was OK, but far too short. Barely enough time to go up the hill and back to make it back to the bus on time. And you can BET I mapped this one, and made sure I was back early. Not going to be left behind twice!.
The AC on the bus stopped working on a very hot day, only blowing air, not cold. All the guide did was say "It's on maximum!" and didn't do anything about it. I, at least, informed the company there was a problem, as she didn't bother.
Pisa certainly could have been longer. And again, I made sure I was back in plenty of time. Her further attempts at any conversation were met with one word answers. I was the first one back on the bus, walking well ahead of the group (why should I wait for HER.?.. she didn't wait for me!). And I was thankful when the bus finally reached Florence, where I no longer had to worry.
Other than Siena with the optional walking tour with the local guide, most stops were "here we are, meet at XX o'clock at this point" and good luck.
To be fair, I took a few tours with Ciao Florence in 2025, and they were excellent, and Jacobo was a great guide. That made me take taking another Ciao Florence tour for granted. In 2025, I never felt in danger. This time, not so much.
I'm not saying there won't be a next time, as I MAY calm down by then, but it certainly won't be with the guide I had this time. And I will most certainly research other options. I suggest others do the same.