What are some interesting towns or villages to see when traveling from Florence to Siena. We are leaving Florence between 10:30 and 11 and are traveling by car. We need to be in Siena by 5 - 5:30
Posted by
Boston
209 posts
I enjoyed Castellina in Chianti
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
8024 posts
I confess I haven't been to all of these, but it seems like Greve in Chianti, Poggibonsi, Colle d'val d'Elsa, Montereggioni are worth looking at photographs online to decide. The most obvious answer is San Gimiginano, since that's the only one people will ask you about at cocktail parties and the water cooler. But it's a tough parking space to find, an uphill climb from the lots, and a very crowded, touristy town. But it's beautiful and unique. Allow time for church interiors.
I wonder if a leisurely lunch at a fine winery restaurant is of interest to you. That would be a big bite out of sightseeing time, however. We did NOT really love Antinori (on your route), but it's very well known, and a vulgarly spectacular visitor facility, like (not original thought with me ... ) visiting a James Bond villain's lair! Of course there are many other wineries, the trick is to find the memorable restaurants with incorporated tastings.
Posted by
Boston, MA
1829 posts
On the other hand ; if it were me and assuming this is a base move so luggage in car and you are keeping the car while in Siena.
I would probably not stop and just check in to the new place and venture out another day.
You can visit some of those places another day with the car when you don't have to worry about luggage in the car while you site see.
I made a couple of assumptions there ; if those are not true then I would pick one of the 3:
San Gimignano ; a little out of the way but not much and a big attraction, place you probably want to see then or another time on your trip. Negative here is you would visit at it's most crowded time and you don't have that much time to visit it.
Greve in Chianti ; on the way if you go the slower roads ; a good choice if into wine.
Monteriggioni: logistically exactly along your road, and an easy place to stop quickly since it is so small. This is an easy choice if the other 2 do not jump out at you or you planned another day for them.
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
san Gimignano worth a short detour, Pienza,, Montepulciano(steep hill to walk) cars must be parked at base of village.
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8360 posts
If you are wanting to see Siena, take the bus. The town is.very congested with apartments.down the hill and finding parking spots is tough. And stay after dark--when the city is.magical.
If time permits, take a rental car down to Certaldo, Volterra and come back into San Gimignano after the tour buses have left--4:00 pm.
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
First, if you've never driven in Italy, please read this.
https://www.italybeyondtheobvious.com/dont-mess-with-ztl-zones
Be vigilant driving out of Florence and into Siena.
Make sure you have an IDP (international driving permit) a translation of your regular license. Available at AAA and CAA.
Up second Greve and Castellina. Very different towns. One flat, one up on a hill.
If wine is of interest, these two wineries are delightful both for their wine and food.