My husband and I are traveling to Italy in several weeks and are trying to nail down our itinerary. In Florence we've allowed one day for a side trip. I'm having a hard time deciding between Siena and the Accidental Tourist wine tasting or cooking tour. I've heard wonderful things about both.
Accidental Tourist does offer a half day tour (9:30-1:30). Would it be too late to try and head to Siena when we got back? Your thoughts are greatly appreciated...
Florence to Siena is about a hour and 15 min drive. Add 20 mins for traffic and parking and you still have time for a taste of Siena. Spending the night would be best, cause the town has a whole different light after the day trippers depart. You can see pictures of both at my personal blog at: http://gadtravel.blogspot.com/ under the Venice – Florence – Tuscany – Umbria – Rome link.
That's a tough question...
We participated in a cooking class with Accidental tourist and loved it. It was more about getting out in the country and enjoying a lunch at a farmhouse with friendly people and beautiful scenery.
We also spent a night in Siena and wished we had more time there. Siena is an interesting little city and we enjoyed hanging out at the Piazza del Campo.
Although we had a day in Siena we had wished we had more time to really explore the city so you need to decide - do you want an overview/driveby of Siena or a day in the country with Accidental Tourist.
If your itinerary is alrady heavy with big cities, I'd probably suggest the day with Accidental Tourist. I think you'd appreciate the opportunity to visit the beautiful Tuscan countryside more than you'd appreciate another city.
