As part of our January trip to Italy, I've decided to devote 4 nights to Tuscany. My plan is to stay in one town and daytrip from there. Some on this site have suggested staying in Siena over Florence. Although I love the idea, I just don't want to be in a town that is mostly closed and slow (again - January). Florence seems like it offer much more in Winter to consider devoting 4 nights there. Can anyone convince me Siena is a better choice? Thanks for your time!
Posted by
Chicago, Illinois, USA
586 posts
Here's my take (we spent time in Firenze and Siena last Christmas holiday): do 3 nights in Firenze, but ONE in Siena. It's magical at night. Build it into your travel plans, either entering or leaving Tuscany, heading either north or south. Easy bus connection to and from Florence, right near Santa Maria Novella at the SITA bus depot: only about an hour's drive. Buon ano!
Posted by
Chicago, Illinois, USA
586 posts
Forgot to mention that there's a nice bus run--about 3 hours--from Siena to Roma, too.
Posted by
OP
Harrisburg
11 posts
Grazie Mille!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32213 posts
Scott, given the time of year you'll be in that area, I'd probably base in Firenze for three days as suggested, but spend at least one night in Siena. There will be more to do and see in Firenze to keep your group busy.
Cheers!
Posted by
Vicenza, Italy
319 posts
I was in Siena in November a few years ago. It wasn't full of tourists, but there is a big local population. Shops, restraunts, tourist sites and hotels will be up and running. It might be nice because you'll be among locals
Posted by
Columbus, OH, USA
2026 posts
We were recently in both cities . Siena is beautiful but truly, I think, doesn't have nearly as much to offer as Florence. Also, I believe transportation connections and in particular trains are much more accessible in Florence than in Siena, so I would check that out if planning on day-tripping.
Posted by
boulder, colorado
192 posts
If you are daytripping by car I would not stay in Florence - if by train, then Florence is the better choice. If by car, I would stay in an agriturismo near one of the hilltowns.
Posted by
Somerville, MA
607 posts
I spent a week in Florence, Siena and Rome in February 6 years ago. It snowed but we had a great time. I can't really say anything was closed due to the winter season, though hanging out on Il Campo is not as much fun when it's freezing. I'll tell you though, I highly recommend Rome in the Winter. I've been there in February and in June and it's a world of difference. So many less tourists that my perception of the city changed considerably from my first trip. Good luck!
-Matt
Posted by
Somerville, MA
607 posts
I guess I didn't answer your question though....I would say 2 nights in Florence, 1 night in Siena and 1 night somewhere else (Assisi, Orvieto). Each town has it's own character and I'd prefer to diversify a bit.