I didn’t take any tours when I visited Siena but I did take the public bus to San Gimignano.
Here’s what I wrote about my visit to this popular destination:
The following morning, a Monday, I took the 10:15AM bus to San Gimignano. The bus ride was comfortable and I enjoyed the scenery of green rolling hills typical of beautiful Tuscany. The bus stopped at ColleVal d'Elsa which looked like a nice town to visit.
The bus arrived to San Gimignano about an hour after it departed Siena.
SG is a very picturesque medieval hill town with amazing views of the valley below. The main street as you enter the city gate, was very crowded, so I took my first right and ended up on the outskirts of the town where I enjoyed the stunning scenery of the green valley.
After walking a bit, I decided to eat lunch at Ristorante Perucà, on a small street away from the main drag, where I ordered pappardelle with Cinghiale (wild boar) sauce and a mixed salad. The food was delicious and very filling!
After lunch, I walked up to Piazza della Cisterna, and waited in a long line at the "best" gelateria in San Gimignano, 'Gelateria Dondoli'. The owner, Sergio, was greeting all the tourists in line and posing for photos. The gelato was creamy and yummy! I ordered pistachio, chocolate and cream. Yes, I love chocolate!
If you’re interested in buying gold jewelry, I was told that there are some great shops in San Gimignano, however, I didn’t do any shopping while there.
For souvenirs (in Siena) you may consider the following.
Here are some excerpts from my trip report:
I’d been scoping many of the shops for souvenirs during my visit, but I knew I’d have to buy some of the beautiful ceramics at the small pottery shop next to my b&b. The shop owners (mother and daughter), sell a variety of beautifully hand painted ceramics from an artist in Deruta. I bought two beautiful small ceramic boxes, and they were carefully wrapped with double bubble wrap and gift paper!
BTW, I stayed at Antica Residenza Cicogna on Via delle Terme, 76.
On Via della Sapienza (#50), I found a small jewelry shop where the owner sells very unique jewelry made out of fine stainless steel lace like designs.
If you want some great wines, olive oil, or other typical food items for gifts, check this out:
I was craving a nice crispy pizza for lunch so I'd asked Elisa, the b&b owner, for a recommendation and she told me to go to the ‘Consorzio Agrario’ (on Via Pianigiani, 5)
The woman at the jewelry shop had also recommended this place, so I knew I had to go there!
Within the Consorzio, there's a bakery, 'Menchetti', which sells freshly baked pizza, bread, and various biscotti.
I ordered a piece of the burrata pizza which is made with fresh burrata (cheese), fresh tomatoes and basil, and it was SO delicious! The place was packed with men wearing their business suits, and only a few tourists. They have long tall tables where one can stand and enjoy a piece of pizza, a salad, or whatever one orders from the deli within. This is a great gourmet shop for wine, olive oil, dry pasta, and typical cookies. There’s a deli on site where you can find various cheeses, cured meats and prepared foods. There’s also a butcher selling nice cuts of meat, poultry and pork. The bakery sells the best Ricciarelli (almond paste cookies) and crispy sugary white wine cookies, made without eggs or butter! If you decide to eat there, make sure you take a number (small machine behind you when facing the pizza) before ordering your pizza, bread or cookies.
Enjoy the rest of your time in beautiful Siena!
