We are planning a trip to Italy in Sept-Oct. We will not rent a car.
We are thinking of Florence as a base, and day trips to Siena or Orviento or Montepulciano. Is there train service? I want to visit 1 hill town, and am not fixed on specific ones, but these are featured in RS videos.
Train or bus to Siena ( bus is better)
Train to Orvieto ( check your spelling) about 2 hours 10 minutes IMO too far as a day trip, also not in Tuscany, it is in Umbria
Montepulciano- you really need a car. There is a bus/ train combo but not frequent and not really direct. No train right in Montepulciano.
IOW Siena is your best option or do a guided bus tour that will take you to several towns —usually Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa maybe
I'm hoping to take a Tuscany day tour from Siena by Tours by Roberto at some point in the future, since I don't want to drive. I'm also considering an overnight trip to Orvieto. The Orvieto cathedral is a must-see.
Siena (bus or train, although bus is quicker) is the top choice.
If you start your day early enough you could even visit San Gimignano on the way back (bus from Siena to SG, then bus from SG to Florence with a change at Poggibonsi train station where you could also take a train or another bus to Florence).
Both towns are the most popular hill towns destinations in Tuscany, and both are easy without a car.
Montepulciano is too far and without a car it is not a good choice by public transport from Florence. Orvieto is along the old rail line Florence-Rome, but also is too far in my opinion. Orvieto is an easier day trip from Rome.
