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2 nights in Siena vs 1 night and 1 night in another Tuscan hill-town by car?

Thoughts on this?

Posted by
10344 posts

2 nights basically = 1 full day of actually seeing/doing the things you came there to do--so yes, I'd suggest 2 nights.

Posted by
32518 posts

2 nights in one place by definition.

Posted by
484 posts

Arrival time should be considered. We arrived in Siena before noon. We stayed two nights and had to take a late bus at 5 pm on last day. So, we ended-up with 2 full days and one half day. For us, it was too much time in Siena. If you are going to arrive early and leave late afternoon next day - I recommend one night. If you are going to arrive late in day - then I recommend two nights and leave early on last day. Best sites for me were the Duomo complex. Spend an entire afternoon here. See Duccio's maesta in the Duomo museum. City Hall tower. I enjoyed the view from the top. The stairs get terribly crowded because they are narrow. You will have to leave your stuff in your room or in a free locker at the base. Neck pouches must be UNDER your shirt. Only a handheld camera is allowed. This is for safety reasons. Do the tower either early when it first opens - I believe at 10 am or late in day. We went up at 11 am. No problem. Coming down was very difficult as people were accumulating. I wish I went at 10 am instead. Allow 1 hour total.

Posted by
15043 posts

changing hotels (unpack, repack, check out, check in) is a big time waster, especially considering you plan to stay in the same general area. From Siena or vicinity you can reach any place in Tuscany in less than 90 min drive, therefore you should choose one place as your base and stay there both nights.
In terms of where to stay (Siena or outside in a smaller town) it is up to you. However you should know that in Siena car traffic is restricted everywhere in the city center, which is all pedestrianized. As such, if you plan to stay in Siena with a car, choose your hotel carefully or you might have to park far from it, in a lot outside the city walls, and walk the rest of the way.

Posted by
484 posts

Roberto is on the right track. If you have a car, stay for two nights and take a day trip to San Gimignano or elsewhere. Or, day trip to Siena and stay elsewhere.

Posted by
1045 posts

There really is a lot to see and do in Siena. And it's a town that changes from morning to noon to evening to night. Last year I was there for a full week - and left with a list of places to see and neighborhoods to investigate this year. It was also my 4th time in Siena. If you only have 2 nights I say stay in Siena. Do the Duomo, and the museums there, and meander as much as you can. Always end up at the Campo to have a drink and watch the people. Siena really is very different than so many other places . . . and it's very special.

Posted by
16893 posts

Many smaller towns are fine for staying one night, but Rick's team prefer to spend two nights and at least one full day [in Siena] because it is larger and has plenty to explore.