So, after hours of researching, I found many trips itineraries, but they are mostly for more than 1 day trip. I allocated one day for the drive in Tuscany. Would this itinerary be good for one day? Is too packed, moderate, relaxed? Rental opens at 8 am, planning to return the car late in the evening. Is this order is good or better going in vise versa direction? Florence airport-Siena (SR222)-San Gimignano-Pisa- Florence airport.
Thank you
Posted by
Tucson, AZ
61 posts
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Good idea, but i wanted to add Pisa, if possible.
Posted by
San Diego, California, USA
1147 posts
Hello leopoldus, and welcome to the forums!
Driving or not that seem like a lot for one day. Aside from actually seeing the towns I count at least 4 and probably 5+ hours of just driving time in your itinerary. Even if you plan on a 13 hour day that's more than a third of your time spend just driving and no more than 8 hours divided between three different towns.
I think I would see if you can settle on two of these and that might be a bit more realistic. Also be sure you're getting to Pisa in time to see the monuments - assuming that's why you're going - because depending on the time of year the tower can close at 5:00 pr 6:00.
I think Siena deserves a whole day while SG and Pisa (if you're only interested in the tower and surrounds) can both be half-day attractions. Both Pisa and Siena can by done by train, but doing both by train will take longer than doing both by car.
I might suggest SG and Volterra as a nice driving day trip loop adding in Pisa if you feel you must do three sites which at least cuts down on some the driving.
For rural country roads in Tuscany add at least 15% to driving estimates and don't forget time spent looking for parking. I've done the parking cruise in Pisa anywhere near the famous sites and eventually got lucky but eventually.
I know planning means making some hard choices but while this seems do-able on paper in the states I think your experience on the ground in Italy will be much less enjoyable than it seems.
Whatever you decide, have a great trip,
=Tod
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you for your advice.
Would this be doable?
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1iBDeneDPwns_l9C2PMztosyZoTZDWXE&ll=43.741990932574666%2C10.770403698865389&z=10
Posted by
Santa Cruz, CA
75 posts
I totally agree with hiredman, this is too much for one day. The opposite of relaxing. Add to that the learning curve of driving in Italy, especially if you've never done that before (or even if you have). Siena alone is worth a full day, and you can get there from Florence by bus or train. The RS guidebook suggests that the bus from Florence to Siena is more efficient.
Also, if you decide to rent the car and return it "late in the evening" at the airport, be sure to verify that this is an option. I do not know, but I would check.
Posted by
San Diego, California, USA
1147 posts
Sorry leopoldus, I can't see the document from the link you posted. (You probably have to change the permissions on the file so anyone with the link can view it.)
Only you can decide how much time you want to spend in a place and how much travel time and trouble it is worth to you. Some places you go to see a thing like the leaning tower or one museum and a couple of hours is probably enough. Other times you're just going to see a city and how long it takes you to "see it" depends on how interested you are in it. The other thing is staying someplace long to "catch the vibe" of a place. Part of the charm of Tuscany to me is the slower pace and rhythm of life and that can be elusive when you're on the clock.
My $.02, happy planning,
=Tod