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Trip to Tuscany in September, probably 4 or 5 days in Siena

I am looking for comments for a trip to Tuscany. Would not like to drive at all. Maybe landing in Pisa and then on to Siena, taking some wine tours and generally visiting the city. I have been to Florence many times, and would use it only as a transit base if needed for flights. How many days in Pisa? I have also heard to visit Lucca then, is that worthwhile? I would also like to limit hotel changes, but is a trip to Montepulciano also worthwhile?
Are there any not to be missed sites?

thank you

Posted by
9511 posts

Pisa really only needs a day or less
You can combine Pisa with Lucca

Transportation to both from Siena is a bit time consuming

Montepulciano is worth a visit but also time consuming to get to from Siena without a car-train is well outside of town

Take a look at ToursbyRoberto.com for recommended tours in the area

Tuscany is simpler with a car

Posted by
1149 posts

Lucca is very interesting during the day and, like so many Italian towns, the nights are a joy. Siena is one of my 'must go back there again and again' places. For Lucca, the train from Florence is easy. For Siena I would take the bus from Florence since the train station in Siena is not convenient at all.

Posted by
2110 posts

Pisa and Lucca are the very northern part of Tuscany and are interesting to visit. If you want to explore the area I would land in Pisa, make the easy transfer to Lucca and spent two or three nights letting the jet lag wear off walking the wall and making the easy 30 minute train trip to Pisa if you want to see the Leaning Tower etc.

September is usually the end of the hot weather in the region area so depending on when you're there it may still be hot or starting to cool off a bit. There will multiple musical events - both free and ticketed - across Lucca every night in September so watch the notices around town and attend anything that interests you. Lucca has way too many good restaurants for a town of the size inside the city walls (9K population) so you'll have not problem eating well.

You are multiple combinations of train>train or train>bus to get to Siena from Lucca and not all go through Florence so check your options. Siena is worth at least a whole day for itself and is a good spot for arranging tours to nearby towns if you don't want to drive yourself. A spritz in Piazza del Campo as the sun sets over the square is one of the great Italian moments IMHO.

Have a great trip,
=Tod