Either of these will work with our overall plan, but only one as a day stop. Afterward, we'll then continue to Siena for the evening.
I keep going back and forth on whether Volterra (Centro Storico), because it's a more "real" city than reproduced San Gimignano. Or San Gimignano because it's cute and a perfect size for an afternoon stroll.
Your thoughts?
Thanks,
Brad
Haven't been to San G. Looking at Rick's videos where he states it is very touristy has kept me away so far.
On the other hand, I spent 2 nights in Volterra and loved it! One of my favorite places in Italy.
I’m not a fan of of San Gimignano, way to congested for my taste.
Volterra is a perfect walled village without the crowds.
Mid-September last year we spent 4 nights in Volterra and loved it, did a day trip to San Gimignano to see the frescoes in the church and couldn't get out of that town fast enough. Tour groups whose guides were using actual BULLHORNS. I imagine that if you got farther away from the center and from the streets leading to the car park, it wasn't as bad as what we experienced (we were rather goal-oriented and didn't explore except to find an uncrowded place to eat lunch after the church visit --- the church was not crowded, by the way).
If you are headed to Siena, you can go to San Gimignano later once you are settled in Siena, since it’s closer and less curvy.. Driving back to Volterra from Siena is a pain, so get that out of the way before, if you happen to pass by.
Another thumbs up for Volterra.
See San Gimignano if it fits in, but Volterra is less touristy and we liked it far better.
Both are awesome to visit, but overall, Volterra has fewer tourists.
If choosing San Gimignano, it seems to work best to walk to the far end of the town taking in what you want to see on the way back. Lots of people tend to jam the main street just beyond the walled entrance. There will be far fewer visitors if it is a late afternoon visit.
There is a small winery called Podere La Marronaia a couple kilometers from San Gimignano that we stop for "lunch" before taking in the town.
Thanks very much for your thoughts. I think Volterra gets the nod.
Brad
