I would like to take a day trip to Siena early in the morning from Rome. I believe the bus takes around 4.5 hours. Is it possible to go to San Gimignano and make it back to Rome in the same day? I will not be spending any time in museums. I would like to get a glimpse of the two cities. Which bus goes from Rome to Siena and where do you catch it? Thank you so much!
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
As long as you don't try to take buses on Sundays (reduced schedule), you should make it. First, you want to look at www.sena.it. Second, the good news is that it's a 3hr. trip and not 4.5hrs. Once you get a look around Siena, there is another bus system that connects Siena to San Gimignano via Poggibonsi. CLICK HERE to see the SG bus schedule. You'll be on the buses for about 8 hours or so.
To catch the SENA bus, you need to get to the Tiburtina train station. To do this, you can go downstairs at Termini and catch the metro "B" line to Rebibbia. The 4th stop is Tiburtina. Go outside and across the street to the bus terminal areas.
Posted by
Scottsdale, AZ, USA
1127 posts
Can you visit both cities as a day trip from Rome? Yes, but if the goal is to visit small towns in the countryside there are better options from Rom. Visit Orvieto, it's only an hour by train from Rome. Spend more time touring, less time in transit.
Posted by
Gettysburg, PA
1589 posts
If you choose to spend 8 hours on buses, it is possible. I'd pass.
Posted by
Frisco, TX
103 posts
SamSn, in your opinion, how well does an Orvieto and Civita di Bagnoregio day trip from Rome compare to a Siena and San Gimignano day trip from Florence?
I have absolutely no option to do the latter, but I have been considering the former (either that or a day trip to Tivoli to see Hadrian's Villa and Villa d'Este).
Even though the Orvieto and Civita di Bagnoregio trip is my only medieval hill town option, I still want the brutal truth, please. I can't escape the thought that Siena and San Gimignano would be much better. Am I wrong?
Posted by
OP
US
157 posts
Thank you for taking the time to reply. I will stick to Siena and visit San Gimigano on a separate trip. 8 hours RT is too long to be on the bus.
Posted by
Scottsdale, AZ, USA
1127 posts
Orvieto & Civita are different than Siena & San San Gimignano. However if you are looking for quiet, countryside towns Orvieto & Civita will fit the bill. Tuscany is much better than known than Umbria, known as the green heart of Rome.
Posted by
Scottsdale, AZ, USA
1127 posts
Umbria is known as the green heart of ITALY! sorry.
Posted by
OP
US
157 posts
SamSn,
Is Civita a short bus ride from Orevito? I don't have a car and don't plan on renting one. Thanks!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, U.S.A.
251 posts
Civita, or Bagnoregio actually, is about an hour ride from Orvieto. You will be dropped off in Bagnoregio, then it's about a 15 min. walk to Civita.
There are usually about half a dozen buses there and back per day from Orvieto. I would recommend catching one in the morning to give you more flexibility in terms of when to come back.