Monteriggioni

We visited Monteriggioni last October and found it charming. It is only worth a couple of hours, at most, for a "day trip," although it would be a charming and romantic place for a couple to stay. Looked like some nice lodging options and more restaurants than I would have guessed. It's fun to walk the ramparts and view the countryside from there. Here's what I found online about public transportation (we had a car): By Bus: Monteriggioni is regularly served by daily buses of the SITA bus and Train that connect to Florence, Siena and Poggibonsi. By Train: There is a station of Castellina in Chianti-Monteriggioni (Castellina Scalo) along the line Empoli-Siena, about 4 km from the village of Monteriggioni. The nearest station, and better served, however, are those of Poggibonsi and Siena, always on the line Empoli-Siena, a distance of respectively 19 and 14 km. If you are staying in Florence or Siena, you can take a bus from there, or the train to Poggibonsi and a bus from there. Ask at your hotel. They may have some great local directions, too.

There are limited daily buses from Siena to Monteriggioni that serve mainly the local population (eg. schoolchildren) and the timing may not suit tourists. The tourist office or your hotel should be able to help. If you and your boys are the active type, you might consider a walking tour to Monteriggioni, try www.walkabouttuscany.com. Gianni who runs the company, is a very informative guide. Alternatively, you could find a day tour that covers Monteriggioni plus other towns/ sights.

It's charming, however, very small. It may be too quiet for two guys. However, Il Pozzo is a great restaurant if you end up making it there..

Yes, it is possible to get there without a car. I got there on a bus from Poggibonsi which dropped me off at the base of the hilltown, and I departed via train. You can take the train out if you and your boys are up for walking, because the nearest train station is a small one a couple of miles away. But, it's a straight shot down the road, and not a bad walk at all. You'd just have to be careful given that there aren't any sidewalks, but that shouldn't be a real problem barring any crazy drivers. Enjoy your travels!

Monteriggione is quite charming, and teenage boys can spend the time when they're not eating gelato walking around the ramparts (which are more like catwalks in some places). I had a great time there, and felt like I had seen it after a couple of hours. If there is a bus from Siena to Montetriggione, there will be a return bus. Or you can transfer from Poggibonsi.

Is there a bus from Monteriggioni to Siena?
thanks!

I notice that Siena is very, very close to Monteriggioni (some 14 km) - about how much would a taxi cost to go there?

It is MUCH smaller than depicted in Assassins Creed II.