We are staying in Siena two days in mid-May. Initially I thought I would rent a car to explore the countryside and other towns. Now I am not so sure, given the car restrictions in many of the towns. Seems like there are lots of tour/guided options, many combining both towns. I would love any ideas/suggestions to make the best of our two days. We head to Florence after our stay.
Posted by
11136 posts
There is a parking lot outside San Gimignano’s walls which we have used twice.
We easily found parking at the top of Siena, outside the walls, even during The Palio.
We never had any problems visiting the Tuscan villages by car on at least four or five trips there.
Drive north on historic SR 222, Castellina, Panzano, Greve, Radda.
Posted by
Wilmington, DE, USA
1046 posts
I really think Siena is worth the 2 days by itself. You could take the bus to San Gimignano for part of a day and then continue on to Florence.
Posted by
138 posts
We did a day car trip out of Florence to Certaldo, San Gimignano, and then Sienna, driving back to Florence that night. Driving through Tuscany was probably my favorite day, you see sights you won't see from a train. Every turn in the road was another olive grove, or vineyard, and we could stop as often as we liked. Breathtakin, seeing all the hill towns in the distance. Certaldo isn't in RS's book, therefore it was not crowded. I bought a piece of Tuscan pottery there in the studio from the lady who painted it. Parking was an adventure, but not impossible. We picked up and returned our car at the Florence airport, so we didn't have to fool with the no-drive zones. The smaller Tuscan towns are simply fabulous.
Posted by
OP
Phoenix
8 posts
Thank you for the great ideas!
Lisa