day trips from Florence
 

Given a week in Flo I think we could manage 2 side trips of a day ea.(agreed?)We will have to choose between Pisa, Lucca, Siena & San Gimignano I guess. Any recommendations with transportation details please!We did Monet's gardens etc in Giverny last year and although it involved the train & bus it was unforgettable.

Yes and you have great choices. Buses probably best and cheapest bets to Siena and San Gimi - i'd take train to Pisa and Lucca. bus for Siena and San Gimi because take you right up to the hilltown - San Gimi train station is about six miles away in Poggibonsi. Could take bus between Siena and San Gimi if want to do both in same day - i'm not recommending this but possible. Same for Pisa and Lucca - Lucca i think is a total gem as is Siena. Bus station right next to Florence train station. No reservations needed just board - but inquire about this at station. Very freqeunt service. Siena bus may go via Chianti, the town - a more scenic ride than via train.

Hi M,

If you must visit Pisa.......

I suggest any two of Siena, Orvieto, Bologna, Lucca (very quiet and calm).

((I))

I did Siena as a day trip from Florence and loved it... a beautiful town! Not sure about bus service as I took the train (~1 hr. ride) and it was very easy, except that old-town Siena is a good 25 minute walk, mostly uphill, from the train station. It was no problem for us but it may be something to consider. I hear Lucca is amazing too but I haven't been. Have a great trip, whatever you choose!

milliebest,
You could go to both Pisa and Lucca on the same day if you start early. Take the train to Pisa, the commuter train to Lucca and the commuter train or a bus from Lucca to Florence.

Sita buses would work better for both Siena and San Gimignano, though I'd suggest that you visit only one of them. I loved both cities and I'll try to give you the salient features of each that I remember:
- Siena felt more lived in. Its a bustling college town with a magnificent square, lots of restaurants, young people (the college town factor) and a night life. Its historic rivalries with Florence made it seem richer to me, but then, I don't know as much about the history of San Gimignano. It is easier to get to/from.

San Gimignano is a delight. Narrow bricked or cobbled roads. Towers jutting up everywhere, a well in every square. Golden yellow walls, flowers splling out of windows even in November. Very tourist oriented. Lovely at night, but that won't help on a daytrip. If was to get married in Tuscany, I'd pick San Gimignano, but if was to go with a bunch of friends I'd pick Siena. San G is beautiful and charming, Siena is beautiful and fun and I loved the atmosphere.

Good luck deciding!