So I finally booked my ticket (go me!) and am now starting the actual planning. I want to spend two days in Florence and three days in Tuscany. My question for the group: Should I find a place in Tuscany and stay there for five days or should I spend a few days in Florence and then head out to Tuscany? Also, should I rent a car in Florence to use while in Tuscany or just rely on public transportation? Thanks in advance for your help. Terry
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, United States
174 posts
The most wonderful place! But for heaven's sake don't use a car in Florence. Stay there for a minimum of three or four days, walking everywhere, and then rent a car and head out. Florence is a marvelous walking city, and everything is close by. There is way too much to see to do it in two days. Have a great time!
Katharine
Posted by
Lake Forest, CA, USA
1633 posts
Terry, like you said, you should rent the car in the Florence area to use while touring Tuscany. I would suggest renting the car at the Florence airport to make sure you avoid all "no driving zones" (ZTL's) in the city. I have heard of others renting cars by the train station and then receiving a ticket in the mail a year later because they were driving a car in the city center. Yes, it's more expensive at the airport, however, it's easier to get to and to drive out of. Have fun!
Posted by
Sun City Center, FL, United States
49 posts
Take a train to Tuscany, maybe Siena or Chiusi. There are car rentals right across the street from the train station in Chiusi.
Chiusi is only a few miles from nice hill towns like Montelpulciano, Pienza, Montecino and many others.
Posted by
Campbell River, Canada
361 posts
Terry, I second the vote for walking in Florence (2 days( vs car and training to Tuscany via Chiusi. We did it in 2007 and indeed at least one rental office is across from the train station. We stayed at an agriturismo on the outskirts of Montalcino and visted the hilltop villages of Pienza, Montepulciano in one day, Volterra another day. We made several visits to the village of Montalcino for groceries, evening dining and just relaxing in the Enotecas' patios while sampling the regional wines esp. Brunello. Siena and San Gimignano were visible from the autostrada and would have also been easy to visit too. Although parking was limited, we were always able to find a spot in the various villages. Many places have swimming pools, BBQ's etc. so be sure to allow yourselves time to chill out and enjoy the Tuscan countryside. Ciao, Sherry