Greetings all, A month from tomorrow, we depart to Italy (Venice, CT, Siena, Florence, Milan). We already have hotel reservations, train tickets, etc, but I need some info regarding Siena. We are coming from CT to Siena via train to Florence then bus to Siena (arriving around noon Friday). We will be staying at the San Marco Hotel (outside the gate close to Siena Ovest) and renting a car. Checking in Friday and departing Monday. Now my questions:
1) Wiser to rent the car on Friday and have it ready to zip out on Saturday or to ride the bus up to town on Saturday AM? I am thinking that we will want to spend some quality time in Siena on Friday (fortunately, the cost of the extra day of rental is not an issue) 2) Any advice or experience with the Siena Bus System? 3) Saturday and Sunday we will be on the road touring Tuscany. Any can't/shouldn't be missed places? I am thinking that we can do loops in different directions from Siena. Sorry for the long post, and thank you for any answers or suggestions.
Posted by
Wichita
831 posts
Ted,
This may help http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/tuscany/hs_planning.htm
Posted by
San Francisco, CA
166 posts
Ted, Since you are staying outside the walls/gate, you could pick up the car on Friday and park at the hotel or on the street. However, if you want quality time in Siena on Friday, may be best to simply enjoy the town and then collect it Saturday AM. Otherwise, you will be forced to break up your Siena time with a trip to the car rental location. My favorite places to visit: San Gimignano, Volterra, Castellina in Chianti, Montalcino, the crete in general (south of Siena), abbey at Sant Antimo... For ideas via photographs, try http://www.lodgephoto.com/galleries/italy-tuscany/
Posted by
Toledo
653 posts
Be sure to check opening/closing times on Saturday for your rental car pickup, if you choose the Saturday option.
Posted by
Catadupa Alamere, CA
515 posts
Rick Steves Tuscan hill towns episodes are all over YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=petNe5a18_I http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3qX3BOuiqQ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTmPi1W9y0Q http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_8iJbBAiuw http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGdS0T19BbI
Posted by
Lake Worth, Florida, USA
101 posts
We are coming in on Saturday and had to rent our car in Rome because the rental cars companies in Siena close around noon on Saturday and don't open again until Monday.
Posted by
San Francisco, CA
166 posts
... which is why Saturday morning would work, "ready to zip out" and, I think, be better than breaking up your time in Siena on Friday.