biscuithead

Is there any way to travel from Rome to Florence and stop in San Gimignano? I was planning on travelling by train but if that won't work, I'd be willing to explore other options. We're going to do Rome (7days)-Florence(3days)-Venice(3 days) in June/July but would like a taste of the countryside too. Any other suggestions are welcome.

Eloise

San Gimignano isn't the easiest place on earth to reach; you certainly can't do it on the way from Rome to Florence.

If your heart is set on San Gimignano, take a day from Rome, add it to Florence and take a day trip, which will involve a train to Poggibonsi and a bus from there to San Gimignano. But be aware that San Gimignano can be very crowded during the day and is most charming in the evening after the day trippers have left. You can also take a bus tour that includes San Gimignano and Siena.

If you'd just like a day in the Tuscan countryside, consider one of the towns in the Chianti region. Most of them can be reached quite easily by bus from Florence.

Or if you're just looking for a breath of fresh air, take the No. 7 bus (beware: "pickpocket special&quot in Florence up to Fiesole.

JeanneB

If you take a day off Rome, why not spend that night in San Gim? Train to Florence and immediately take the train/bus to SG. The next afternoon you can go back into Florence and pick up your original itinerary.

bobthenavigator

Yes, do it from Florence by local transport or private driver--which is better.

biscuithead

It doesn't HAVE to San Gimignano but a friend of mine says it's magical. Would somewhere closer to Florence be better?

ellenem

If you're just trying to get "a taste of the countryside", another easy option is to stop in Orvieto on the way from Rome to florence. Orvieto is on the direct train line and is a lovely hilltown with great countryside views.

Dayle

Hi Biscuithead,

My vote would be to take a day from Rome and a day from Florence and stay 2 nights somewhere in Tuscany. Rent a car for 3 days and really enjoy the countryside!

If you can't do a car for some reason, Orvieto is a great choice. Super easy by train and good for a full day/ 1 night stay on its own.

Buon viaggio!

Eloise

Orvieto is lovely, but it is not anything like San Gimignano.

I think JeanneB's suggestion is an excellent one. Take a day from Rome, take a fast ES train to Florence, then go on immediately to Poggibonsi and San Gimignano, stay overnight and return to Florence for the rest of your itinerary.

There are frequent trains from Florence Santa Maria Novella, the main train station, to Poggibonsi. Choose one that does not require you to change at Empoli. It will take about one hour.

For buses from Poggibonsi to San Gimignano, look at

http://www.trainspa.it/home.html

Go to "Orari", then "Extraurbano", then look at schedules for 130A and 133A. FER means weekdays, Mon thru Sat.

FF/SS is, as far as I can tell, the Poggibonsi train station. In San Gimignano, the main stop is Porta San Giovanni.

It's not exactly a walk in the park, but it can be done. Or rent a car for a day. Or hire a private driver for a day.