Hi!
I'm traveling to Italy (unfortunately with very limited time) in late September and am looking for a day trip somewhere in Tuscany 1-2 hours from Florence. I've heard great things about Sienna and Cinque Terre. Any suggestions?
Thanks!

SIena is great and San Gimignano, even closer to Florence, is a good day trip. I don't think I would day-trip to Cinque Terre, it is a bit longer than 1-2 hours.

bebs, will you have a car or be taking public transportation?

San Gimignano!!

We will be taking public transportation.

mamc and eroz,
What did you like best about Siena and San Gimignano?

Hi bebs,

You can take a bus from Florence to Siena for 13E RT. 1 hr ride.

See http://www.sita-on-line.it/HomePage.htm

Also see http://www.galeit.com/siena.htm

I haven't been to San Gimignano so I can't compare, but we took a wonderful daytrip to Siena this past March. It is an easy bus trip, and a wonderful place to spend the day exploring.

Another vote for San Gimignano. We did both Siena and San ´´Gimignano in one day. and it worked out fine. We did like San Gimignano better though.

bebs,

I would love to know what your interests are. Art? Architecture? Churches? Shopping? Eating? Antiques?

Siena is a largish town; after Florence, what would you like in size?

I might suggest Arezzo, also. But it depends on what you like.

Siena hands down. It's incredible. Just the main square, the tower and the duomo are worth a visit. But as you start walking through this city you'll be in awe. San Gimi is nice, but if you have a bit of time visit the small castle right next to Siena - Monteriggioni. There are buses from Siena that will take you there and you need to spend only an hour or so. You might even be able to catch a bus to Florence from there. Start early to Siena, do the tower first, then Duomo, walk around, have a leisurely lunch on the square, and you will still have time to do other things.

Have fun.