I will be in Florence for a few days at the end of September, and have a Sunday free to explore the surrounding area. I read about some lovely Italian Hill Towns in the RS guide book, but it looks like most are only accessible by car (I won't have a car). Any recommendations for either a tour company that does day trips from Florence to any of the local towns in Tuscany, OR tips on how you got around using public transportation, and where you went, in Tuscany? Thanks!
Posted by
Tampa, FL, USA
1054 posts
Where else in Italy are you visiting and where are you going after Florence?
Both Siena and San Gimignano are easily accessible by bus from Florence. Orvieto is accessible by train on the line between Florence and Rome (it's about an hour outside of Rome).
For tours I used Roberto Bechi from Rick's book and tv show last year and again for a trip next month. He picks you up in either Florence or Siena. http://www.toursbyroberto.com/tours.html
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16899 posts
Those towns would be our top choices. For towns described in the book, the "arrival" section at the front of a chapter and "connections" info at the back of a chapter will summarize train and bus options.