We are in the midst of planning a 15 day trip for our 15th anniversary. The beginning is set - 5 days in Rome. The end is set - Venice. In between will be Florence and or Siena. We were thinking of staying in Florence and doing a couple of private tour day trips into the Tuscan country for wine tours. That leaves us multiple days to explore Florence. However, we're rethinking - and now thinking of making Siena the base. We'd make a couple day trips to explore Florence, but spend the rest of the time in the country, exploring hill towns. The thinking is that we'll have our fill of crowds in Rome and Venice and having a more relaxing, less "city" break in the middle will be nice. And we're more about seeing the Tuscan countryside than art museums. Feel free to comment on that. But the real question of my post is, if we do stay in Siena, should we rent a car, just for this middle portion of the trip? We could avoid a car and bus to/from Florence, and do a few guided tours. But the freedom to explore with a car would be nice. So what say you - is renting a car (where, Florence?) for the middle portion the better option? How challenging to drive around the Tuscan countryside?
Posted by
Atlanta
1005 posts
In between Rome and Venice, I would go for Sienna instead of Florence, stay in a nice agriturisma outside the walls, and definitely rent a car. Driving in Tuscany is not hard and is so freeing. You can easily go into Florence for the day, parking on the outskirts and taking a bus or cab into the center. I love the art in Florence, but it is not a relaxing city.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10732 posts
Definitely rent a car for ease of getting to the wonderful hill towns. I will PM you with the name of a fantastic Agriturismo just outside Siena.
Posted by
Shawnee, OK, USA
396 posts
Siena. I have rented a car before and, in my opionion, they are more trouble than they are worth...parking, parking fees, getting lost, cost of petrol...etc, but that is just my experience. Siena is one of the most unique towns in Italy. I stay there three days each time I go. Can get a train/bus easily into Florence or many other smaller villages around the area.
Posted by
Gettysburg, PA
1589 posts
" But the real question of my post is, if we do stay in Siena, should we rent a car, just for this middle portion of the trip? " yes. While I am generally a "train guy", this is one spot where a rental car makes sense.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10732 posts
Driving isn't difficult. Familiarize yourself with road signs, especially the ZTL signs. Using a GPS is also a good idea.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon, United States
907 posts
Rent for all trips outside Siena. It is a great way to see Tuscany. Go to Vinci, San Gimi, Monteriggiano, wine towns, Pienza, and any other little town on the map! Driving in the country is easy but watch out for bikes.
Posted by
OP
Hoover, AL, USA
28 posts
Thank you all for your responses. Very helpful! I've booked a B&B just outside of Siena. We'll use that as our home base. Probably taking a bus to/from Florence. We'll rent a car or take public transit on touring the hill country. So the big planning of the trip is set - 5 nights in Rome, 5 in Siena, 3 in Venice, 1 at the Rome airport before heading back. I'm very excited because all of the lodgings are smaller, family owned, and top rated within Trip Advisor. No chains or big hotels and hoping to make it a more personal and authentic experience.