We (a group of 6) will be renting a couple cars to drive over to Lucca from Siena. Got our driving permits today, aware of the ZTL's and such to avoid driving fines.
Looking at a map, I like the idea of heading West and avoiding the going north towards Florence, even though you stay on the outskirts. I do want to hit Pisa on our way to Lucca.
One couple had posed an interest to seeing Certaldo on the way, but I am seeing a lot of recommendations of seeing Volterra. These two are really not 'on the way together' on the route we are thinking of taking. So, question is, Certaldo or Volterra? Or is it as always a matter of personal preference......pros and cons of each....
(We will be hitting San Gimignano on a wine tour when staying in Siena).
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7042 posts
I can't compare the two because I've not beet to Certaldo, but I absolutely loved Volterra, it was one of my favorite stops in Tuscany. Personally I enjoyed it more than San Gimignano. I really enjoyed the Etruscan museum in Volterra, one of the most interesting museums we went to. I just loved wandering around the streets and the main square and checking out the views of the surrounding Tuscan countryside from the walls.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15249 posts
Unless you have another opportunity to see Volterra during your stay, you should make an effort to visit it on your way to Pisa. Be aware that between taking the tortuous Volterrana road and visiting Volterra, most of your day will be gone before you even get to Pisa or Lucca, so I hope you plan to spend at least a night in Lucca. If it's a day trip from Siena, then you should go to Lucca via the fastest way possible, I.e. With the A11 freeway.
Certaldo, Giovanni Boccaccio's birthtown (the author of the Decameron) is certainly worth a stop, but you can do so when you visit San Gimignano, because they are very close and Certaldo is small enough to be visited in a short stop.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon, United States
906 posts
I would say Volterra also. It is somewhat different and the Etruscan history is fascinating as is the alabaster art work, which is beautiful.
If you go to Certaldo go to the old town.