Me and my wife are taking our first Italy trip this May. We are spending 11 days spread out between Rome, Florence, Riomaggiore, and Venice. We basically have everything planned out in all of the cities except for Florence. We are staying 3 nights in Florence, and want to take a day trip to Tuscany. What is the best way to do that? We are not renting a car. Is there a town close to Florence (within an hours train ride) that you guys would really recommend?
Posted by
Laval, Québec, Canada
336 posts
Siena, no doubt. Gorgeous sites, lots of history, the best piazza in Italy, piazza del campo.
Posted by
Dartmouth, NS, Canada
213 posts
My first choice would be Lucca - it is about 75 minutes by train from Florence - Firenze SMN - when booking.
A beautiful walled city full of churches, a great tree topped tower and lovely back streets, cafes and shops. You can stroll the wall walkway and even rent bikes and join the locals. It is an easy day trip from Florence. You could even stop in Pisa during the day as well.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15602 posts
If you choose Siena, take the bus, not the train. The train station is not in the historic center of Siena but the bus stop is. In Florence the bus stop is across the street from the train station.
Posted by
OP
17 posts
Thanks everyone for the replies. We are leaning towards Siena as our day trip. Any restaurants you would recommend?
Posted by
278 posts
February last year we made a brief day trip with a tour group that stoped in Siena for about 2 hours and felt it did not afford us the time we would have liked there. So we are going back in 4.5 weeks and staying 6 nights in Siena, after Venice. I think you will love Siena.
This time of year the Siena cathedral has the Gate of Heaven tour available which I am looking forward to doing.
http://operaduomo.siena.it/en/
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
You could make quick stops in Pisa and Lucca on your way between Riomaggiore and Florence.
Store your bags in Pisa, visit the Leaning Tower, then on to Lucca for the afternoon, before your journey to Florence (via Pisa for your bags).
RE 2299
Dep 09:02 RIOMAGGIORE (Italy)
Arr 10:38 PISA CENTRALE (Italy)
RE 6761
Dep 12:20 PISA CENTRALE (Italy)
Arr 12:47 LUCCA (Italy)
RE 6834
Dep 17:42 LUCCA (Italy)
Arr 18:13 PISA CENTRALE (Italy)
Pick up luggage, then to Florence.
RE 3146
Dep 18:32 PISA CENTRALE (Italy)
Arr 19:32 FIRENZE S.M.N. (Italy)