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Quick stop in Siena somewhere else?

Posted by (Phoenix, AZ) on

Hi all, our plans have changed a little bit and I need some advice. After our time in Florence, we had planned picking up a rental car from the airport and heading to Siena for part of the day. Then later in the day check into our farmhouse just outside Siena. (we're spending the next full day in Siena for sure, all day long!)

But now we've opted to do a cooking class at our farmhouse on arrival day so we have to be there at 2:30pm. If we pick up our rental at 9am, then it takes 2 hrs to drive on the freeway, then parking and getting into Siena....it seems like we'll have 2 hrs for the city. (farmhouse is 20 min from Siena)

So is it worth it or should we see something else where parking might be easier. I've seen comments about Greve, or driving from Florence to the Siena area through Chianti region rather than the freeway. Maybe a small town that we could explore and have a bit to eat?

FYI after Siena we're seeing the Val d'orca, Montepulchiano, Montalchino, Pienza, San Giman. and Volterra.

Posted by
6552 posts

We were on a wine tour this past summer that stopped in Greve. It definitely looked like the kind of place we'd love to return to.

Posted by
16129 posts

I prefer Castellina, or Radda, or even Panzano and Gaiole. Above Greve there is Montefioralle, an absolute gem, but so small that I’m not sure there is a place to eat.

Posted by
133 posts

“Above Greve there is Montefioralle, an absolute gem, but so small that I’m not sure there is a place to eat.”
Roberto…One of our favorite restaurants in the Chianti region is located in Montefioralle…La Castellana.
http://www.ristorante-lacastellana.it/en/
The nice part is that you can park on the street and eat in the covered area in front of the restaurant with lovely views over the countryside…you can keep your car with valuables in sight while you eat.

Posted by
16129 posts

Thank you for the tip. I'll try it next time I happen to visit there.
Montefioralle is actually listed as one of the most beautiful villages of Italy and since it's the birthplace of Amerigo Vespucci (Americus Vespucius), after whom the American continent was named, it should be a must go place for all Americans.

PS: I doubt Montefioralle has ever had break-ins (in cars or horse drawn carriages) since its founding in the middle ages.

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