We (5 women) will be staying in Siena for 4 days after 3 days in Florence. Thinking about possibly renting a car to be able to go to Pisa/ Lucca, unless the train is easier. Also thinking about going to Montepulciano or another wine region. I realize that Pisa is closer to Florence, however our days in Florence are already filled. Any other suggestions of what to do are appreciated.
Posted by
413 posts
If you are really into wine, I would consider Pienza as a base. Easy to get to Montalcino and Montepulciano as well as Siena for a day trip.
If not, I would stay in Lucca.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
8461 posts
Month of Year???
Siena is a large city, with lots to do on foot. But it is very different from Florence. You may find that you have a long walk, maybe with hills, to your car from (?) a hotel inside the many ZTL streets in Siena. I personally find driving to three Tuscan towns in a day to be more worthwhile than a longer drive to Pisa (haven't bothered to go yet in 6 trips to Italy) or Lucca (took the train from Florence if I remember correctly.)
Both Siena and Pisa are heavily touristed. There is plenty of wine produced in Tuscany, all over. Are you going to have a designated driver? We took the approach of eating in restaurants affiliated with a few wineries for a large lunch, and only having a small dinner at our hotel bar. When possible, we did the winery tour or wine shopping after the meal, as well as refusing extra portions of wine that were always offered in the restaurants. These restaurants usually require advance booking and payment. How many wineries do you need to visit as part of your vacation?
Posted by
Chicagoland
1148 posts
With only 4 days in Siena, I wouldn't do a day trip to Pisa or Lucca. Add a day to Florence to visit these places.
For day trips from Siena, consider Montalcino for tasting the famous Brunello wine, beautiful views and attend a service at Sant'Antimo to hear the Gregorian monks chant.
Or by bus. enjoy seeing the towers of San Gimignano and have lunch al fresco overlooking the vineyards.
I love Lucca, but not for a day trip from Siena at the expense of the beautiful countryside.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
8383 posts
I wouldn't day trip to Lucca or Pisa (too far) or SG /Volterra (too touristy).
If you rent a car drive south to the Val D'Orcia region- Pienza/Montepulciano. That is most likely the Tuscan scenery you are thinking of.
If you do rent a car- all drivers must have an IDP- required by law. You must have a designated driver if you plan to wine taste, the alcohol limits in Italy are much much lower than in the states.
with 5 passengers make sure the car you rent isn't too small- won't be very comfortable for the 3 in backseat!
To avoid hassles of rental, designated driver, etc you could do a tour with
ToursbyRoberto.com- rave reviews here