SanGimignana & Volterra

We have been to both in one day and I would not suggest trying to fit more than these two towns in one day. There is a lot to see and do in both. In San G you can climb a tower for a nice view of the surrounding country side and the town itself. In Volterra take the Rick Steves walk and enjoy it. We like going to the Etruscan gate which dates back to about the 4th century BC if I remmeber right. In both places try and go away from the main tourist areas and explore. We found when we try to get too much in we don't remember much about anywhere we went. Of course everyone is different but we like to try and relax and soak in the atmosphere for a while over lunch or dinner or a wine or gelato break. Just my personal two cents.

Thanks, Ken. Which of the two are the most crowded? We could go there first.

We were in Volterra in the morning (mid June) and it was not very crowded. San Gimignano was more crowded but we were there after lunch. I don't know if Volterra was less crowded because it was monring or not.

I did those two towns in one day. I think it could be a stretch to add a third town. Depending on when you are traveling, you might add a town if you have long daylight hours. You could get an early start and expect to return to your home base late I went to Volterra first, then San Gimignano. I did it in that order primarily for logistical reasons. I don't know if the order of towns matters that much. As for must-dos, that depends on what YOU like to do. Have you read any guidebooks?

Thanks, all. I think my problem is that I've read too many guide books! May just let this day happen. My main question has been answered. SG and Volterra are plenty for one day.

Susan,
We did San Gimignano pretty early in the a.m., then Volterra right after lunch and most of the afternoon. Then late afternoon/early evening we went to a vineyard tratoria up in the hills for dinner and wine sampling (can't remember the name or exactly where it was), got back to hotel near Florence about 9 p.m. You might want to do some checking to see if there's any rural tratorias/vineyards for your evening meal between whatever town you end up your sightseeing and where you are staying near Florence. Getting out in the country away from tourist hordes made it one of the highlights of our trip.

Nancy, thanks. That great advice sounds worth checking into!