Day trip to Siena from Florence - But NOT San Gimignano?

I haven't been to San Gimignano in quite a few years, I loved it. I read the RS guidebooks for countries other than Italy, which I know fairly well; if you only follow what's in the guidebook, you will be taking Rick's trip, not yours. So, if a small medieval town with a good collection of towers and some great food sounds like something you want to do, go for it. You don't need a tour, you can go by bus and be in charge of your time.

why not just take the bus from florence to siena and walk around. It's not that big.

Yep, just do what Ralph said, if you don't want to see San Gimignano (an interesting place, I enjoyed it). And you save money doing it yourself by taking the bus from Florence to Siena.

I'm with Zoe on that one.
Why would you let the opinion of one travel guide (Big Brother Rick) influence your decision on what you should visit?
San Gimignano is by far the most popular village in Tuscany. There must be a reason why it's so popular. And the reason is that's really unique and beautiful. It's the epitome of the village of medieval Italy. Rick Steves may not like it, probably because of its popularity and, during high season, the number of visitors. But he visited it and you didn't. If you don't go because of what he thinks of it, you are doing yourself a disservice. Visit it for yourself, then form your own opinion on the place. San Gimignano and Siena are the two places I always took friends from out of town (or country) to visit.
Going to Tuscany and not visit San Gimignano is like coming to Northern California and not visit San Francisco.

San Gimignano isn't fake at all. All towers are original (actually, only 16 are left of the original 72), there isn't a single recent building within the wall circle, the 14th century city layout has been respected. Only in Italy a town with sights like the main church, S. Agostino church and the city museum is a minor art destination (because it compares with places like Florence and Siena). Is it touristy? Yes. It may be flooded with tourists. But it is not fake.

I had a car when staying in an agriturismo outside Certaldo. We were just 5 minutes from San Gimignano, and it's great after all the tour buses have left in the late afternoon. I don't consider it fake, but it is touristy somewhat.

We also hit Volterra--my favorite of the three.

I found Siena traffic terrible and parking was very difficult to find. The city's surrounded by apartment complexes, and the place is tough to navigate when school gets out. Best way to see it is by bus from Florence, as they take you into the city. Best time to see Siena is at night.

We took the bus from Florence to Sienna. Very easy & well worth it.

Lindsay, during the tourist season, Florence, Siena and San Gimignano all have a heavy flow of tourists, if you are only there during the heart of the day, and only explore the few streets in the center of each town. That's because so many people are thinking of day trips like you are. Early in the morning and in the evenings, all three are much quieter, much less crowded and in ways much prettier. This is also true during the day if you explore the areas beyond the main streets and piazzas. That certainly includes San Gimignano. I spent two nights there in late 2013 and enjoyed it very much.

Are people sure the towers in San G weren't built by the Disney Corporation?

I love San g. There are always lots of people hanging around in the square... some charming cafes and gelato... a beautiful view overlooking the Tuscan hills...fun shopping. I have been a few times and will return. There are tourists there for a reason.

As far as Siena, I ended up taking the train and while it does not drop you in the city center you can either take a bus or take the series of escalators that take you all the way. It was a little difficult to find at first as it goes through the shopping center, but it was an interesting way to get there, and back down... for free. I had tried to visit a number of times in the past, but the parking was always so crazy that after wasting time circling the city and never finding a place (2 different trips) this last time while staying in Florence I took the train.

Is it beautiful? yes.

Did it used to be one of Ricks special places that he pushed at every opportunity? Check his old books and old videos. I'll save you the trouble. Rick used to push it as much as he does Rothenberg.

Has it got tourists going to see all this beauty? You bet; and many of them following the blue book. And tourists from all over the world - because it is so special.

Are there tourist shops to capitalise on all these people entering the town with all their money? You betcha. Of course there are.

If I were in the area (I'm usually either north or south but don't often stop in Toscana) I would definitely return.

Is there a good way to get to Sam Gimignano if you are travelling form Florence to Montepulciano and then staying there several days? It could be a day trip, or a stop on the way...poking around at train and bus routes I haven't seen anything that stands out to me. I don't think we'll have a car. We will be there in the early part of May, which I gather is the busy season.

If it is best visited by car perhaps we will just have to save it for a later trip :)

Jon,
How are you getting from Florence to Montepulciano?
Train? Just curious, what's the train time?

Jon.. I think Tuscany is best visited by car, but if that is not an option this trip I would not bypass it... just take advantage of what you can and hope that you will return with a car if you love it as much as most people do!

San Gimignano during the day during tourist season is a disney experience IMHO and I did it 25 years ago when it was less touristed than now.

Siena is a great day trip but a better over night trip as it is at its best late in the evening -- but still well worth the trip and easy to do by bus from Florence without a tour. The Cathedral, the Torre Mangia climb, the town hall and the Campo are all among the best of their 'class' in Italy. You can see my last climb of the Torre Mangia here (https://janettravels.wordpress.com/2011/09/18/climbing-the-torre-mangia-at-67/ ) My first was 35 years ago.
The bus runs 2 or 3 times an hour and is inexpensive -- you totally don't need a guide to tour Siena -- the bus drops you right on the edge of the historic center and you can grab one back to Florence that suits your day. (I always note when the second to lass bus runs so I don't run any risk of missing the last bus to Florence.)

Montepulciano is a lovely hill town but it is not reachable by train; the station is well outside of town. You really do need a car to visit hill towns in Tuscany.

I have visited many hill towns by train or bus, you can definitely enjoy Tuscany via public transportation, but it will take more time than by car.