Just watched Rachel Rey on Travel Channel: She was eating on less than $40.00 a day in Siena. She stopped by main square in Siena where they hold the famous races. It looked like a refugee camp: there were so many back packing young tourists it looked like an army invasion. I don't have any thing against these young people...but as an artist I came to see the sites...not hoards blocking the view. I need to know if this is all the time or just high summer. Otherwise I'll just skip it. Thanx
Posted by
OP
Camano Island, WA, usa
1519 posts
Thanx friends, I was hoping that was so. Maybe it is still warm in October?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
Kathleen,
As a general rule, the "shoulder seasons" (May/June or Sept./Oct.) are a better time to travel in the more touristy parts of Italy. However, I've found that Siena can be busy even in September, so travelling towards the end of September or into October would be my suggestion.
As far as the weather, I've found that it can be "uncertain" at any time of year. I was in Siena and other parts of Tuscany in late May, and it was uncharacteristically cold and a bit rainy this year (however, there were some nice days, including the day I was in Siena).
I'm a Photographer, so also like to have less crowded conditions when travelling (although the people can also provide an interesting perspective).
Happy travels!
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
More high summer. I was there in October and it was almost peaceful. Also, stay the night in Siena because most tourists get back on their busses by mid-afternoon and leave. Siena in the late afternoon/evening is delightful!
A last note - wander off the main streets and even in high season it can be quiet and peaceful. Siena is one of the best cities for wandering and "getting lost."
Posted by
Martinez, CA, USA
1548 posts
We were there in March 2009 and while there were some tourists & a couple of school groups, it was fairly quiet. While it was chilly, it was also sunny and a great time to explore the town.
Posted by
Chicago/Rural WI
811 posts
We were there in March 2007 and our experience was much like Carol's (above).
Posted by
Portland, Oregon, USA
306 posts
I was there in early October and the weather was fine, it was a little cool in the evening. As for tourists there were crowds but nothing like what you see in the summer.
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
Last October was a pretty severe cold spell. There were a couple nights/mornings that I was glad to have bought a new leather coat in Florence just before. But then it just as quickly turned pleasantly cool/warm. Be prepared for either.