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Another wonderful city we visited was Siena in Tuscany. It is actually one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy.
It is famous for its art, cuisine, museums, outstanding beautiful architecture and the very famous Palio, a horse race that is held twice a year. Actually, the Palio is such a big event I will do a separate post on it.
Siena is easily one of Italy’s loveliest medieval cities. It is so worth while to take the trip when you are in Tuscany. A day visit is great however if you have the time stay a couple of days. There is just so much to do and see in this gorgeous city.
There are a few options in getting to Siena from Florence. I have travelled by coach, I have driven and also take the Sita bus from Florence. I learned that although taking the train into Siena is an option it is not the best option. Siena does have a train station, however it is located further from the historic city centre than the bus station.
The SITA company runs the buses between Florence and Siena, and the departure point in Florence is just across the street from the city’s main train station, Santa Maria Novella. Siena’s bus stop is at Piazza Gramsci, well inside the old city walls.
The journey between the two cities takes roughly 1.25 hours on the fast bus. This is a direct trip. There is another bus which stops several times including a stop at Poggibonsi where we stopped on the way to San Gimignano.
If you are travelling from Florence by car, the quickest way to get to Siena is on the autostrade which only takes 1 ¼ hours and goes through the very beautiful Chianti region. If you decide to go via the scenic route, make sure you have a very good detailed map and or a GPS
If you are not from Florence, I highly recommend seriously considering not driving in Florence. It is not the most driveable city in Italy and is very frustrating. If you plan on renting a car, wait till you are ready to leave Florence.
At then end of the day of my last trip to Siena, after walking till our feet ached, we chose to sit in a great bar overlooking the piazza and drank our wine and people watched.
Now this is an activity I can thoroughly recommend. When I travel I want to make every post a winner but some times I just need to sit back, reflect and watch the world go by.
There is so much to see and do in Siena I will do another post at a later date.
I agree with not-driving-but-bar-hopping in Florence! And Siena is so beautiful I also think it warrants a good walk through the streets (empty bags for buying ceramics!). I am enjoying this little trip! Ciao cat
Ciao Cat And I am enjoying your comments. When I am in Italy I never miss a day of a little bar hopping. Such a great way to meet new friends, reflect on what I have already seen and people watch. I can hardly wait to come back to Italy
You must let me know when you are here next and we can do some bar-hopping in Veneto!
Thank you Lyn. I want to go to Tuscany next year and this gives me some good information.
Very beautiful post Lyn! Than you!
Thanx Roberto I always welcome your comments
I forgot the “k”… The key to discover Tuscany…
Nice touch
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Lovely post it looks just beautiful, and very interesting. Can’t wait to see it all
Yvonne
I agree do not drive in Florence all roads lead to Firenze but very few let you leave. We drove for 2 hours trying to get out and got a ticket for travelling in a bus lane. I would love to visit Sienna now I have read your post it was wonderful and cannot wait for your one on the race. Love your work
Het Donna. Your comment makes me smile. Maybe Florence does not want you to.leave. I know you would love Siena. It is another hill top town and it is a party town. I could easily stay a few nights. I will include a 3 night stay in the escorted tour next year. Thanx for all your support xxx
Gorgeous photos! And by the sounds of it, you’ve really enjoyed your stay there. It’s a good idea to just sit back, relax and watch. I love Siena, it’s one of my favourite places anywhere.
It is very special. Thank you for your feedback
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Would like to spend more time in Siena, we stayed just outside the town and only spent a day wandering the streets, the cathedral is really magnificent and we ate the tastiest roast pork sandwiches there.
Great photos. It looks like there lots of lovely old buildings in Siena.
There are lots of old buildings in Siena. It really is a must see if you ever go to Tuscany