I am so thankful for all the help we received from this forum for our trip. We are getting down to the wire and trying to plan for contingencies. We intend to make a LONG day of it and would like to stay for dinner in Siena. Most places only seat starting at 7:00 or later, and the last bus i see leaves at 8:45 which may be full (don't think i can "reserve seats" on it) or too early to make it to given dinner is at 7:00. I am having trouble seeing if there is a train that leaves later. I know it's not ideal, but want to be sure we can get back to Florence. Any guidance if the train leaves later than that. Or maybe I am reading the bus schedule wrong and there are later options. Any thoughts (other than just stay in Siena, which is not possible ; ) is much appreciated.
Thanks
Posted by
Chicago
8206 posts
You don't say what day you are trying to do this, but I searched randomly Trenitalia and this is the last Regionale train leaving Siena:
9.40pm
1h 39min
11:19pm
Siena
Florence SM Novella
Posted by
Fort Myers, FL
1916 posts
As an option, there are many fine restaurants open for lunch.
Posted by
4 posts
We have a similar situation with a day trip to Siena from Florence in early August. An evening in Siena would be magical, and there are so many lovely dining choices, We decided not to risk it, enjoy aperitivo in Siena, and return to Florence earlier by train.
Posted by
Sapulpa, OK, USA
6574 posts
Siena is magical in the evening. Why not spend the night? If that is at all possible, I would highly recommend it. I do realize it would be a financial decision, since you presumably already have lodgings in Florence.
Posted by
112 posts
We just returned from Italy, including 4 nights in Siena. I know that seems like a lot, but there is a lot to see, and we wanted to do it at a more leisurely pace.
So, if you are only able to do one day, I'm assuming you want to see the Cathedral. We bought the pass that lets you into the Cathedral Complex, the church, baptistry, library (didn't have time) and the crypt . We also visited the Palazzo Pubblico (right in the campo) which was very interesting. And if you have time, the Basilica Caterina San Domenico is lovely. Or take a walk around the Medici Fortress.
We loved Siena, and don't regret spending 4 nights there. We were able to take a day trip to Buonconvento, too.
We also spent 3 nights in Florence, very crowded these days. Be sure to get your tickets in advance to places you really must see.
Finding a nice place for a lunch is not a problem, so you might opt for that if you don't want to risk missing a train or bus.
Posted by
OP
87 posts
We will be there mon June 19th. Can’t stay over, we have early tickets to see David, but the later train or an aperitivo sound like the right plan, but are restaurants open earlier than 7 to enjoy that or still the same issue? I know it wouldn’t take as long
Posted by
112 posts
We ate twice in the afternoon at Masgalano restaurant, and had gelato at their gelateria next door. It's across from the Basilica St. Caterina San Domenico, at the top of Via Della Sapienza. Our apartment was right nearby, so it was very convenient. We also ate one evening in centro, but I don't remember the name of the restaurant.
You can google restaurants in Siena, and when you find them listed, you will also see their opening times.
Posted by
Saint Paul, Minnesota
1605 posts
We've never eaten here, but what about a place like Pretto that is always open and is a deli/wine bar/street food kind of place: http://www.prettoprosciutteria.it/
Their reservation system lists 7:00pm as their earliest dinner reservation, but I wouldn't be surprised if you emailed you could reserve for earlier.
Posted by
OP
87 posts
Counting down the days, and we have a plan for apertivo, so I think we will be all good. Last question about Siena. We will plan to take the bus. I asked questions and got great answers about the bus before but I just want to confirm that when you buy the tickets they are not for a specific time/day. I ask because if we plan to take the second to last bus of the day 8:15, and it is full, I want to be sure that we will be able to get on the 8:45 to return to florence. Is this how this works?
Posted by
OP
87 posts
thanks for your response! I have read all about validating the tickets and will do so! Just wondering if people believe that during the 3rd week of June late buses from Siena returning to Florence will be full. Trying to be sure we can get home. Any suggestions for ensuring that we have spots on the bus, given that you can't reserve a space.