Some said it takes only one hour by public bus to reach Siena and San Gimmiano from Florence. However, I heard that going to Siena is doable, while a trip to San Gimmi can be a hectic.

Could you pls advise how to daytrip to both places by public transport? I don?t intend to drive.

Janepost

You can do Siena from Florence either by bus or by rail..frequent services. Trip by rail takes about 1 1/2 hours w/possible changes in Empoli although there are direct services, too. Bus may be a little faster and direct. Bus station in Siena is somewhat more conveniently located to the center of town than the rail station.

That's very helpful, Topman. Thanks. I'll take a bus then.

Anybody please give me an input on San Gimmi daytrip?

It is a 2 step process. You can train to Poggibonsi and then take the local bus to San Gim. I am not sure how often they run.

If you plan to visit both places at same day,it is better to take express bus from Florence to Siena, then take direct bus from Siena to S.G. Afterward take a short distance bus to Poggibonsi, then change bus back to Florence.

For bus timetable, please check www.turismoverde.com.

too much of a hassle changing buses and what not. Why not go to Florence to Siena via SITA BUS (they are blue buses...can't miss them) next to the train station. It takes about 1 1/2 to get to Siena. Stay in Siena for the night, and the following day go to San Gimignano via Sita Bus, it takes approx. 2 hours to get to San Gimignano from Siena

Mwah! Muah! I love all of you.

I think too many connections can be a problem for me, since I'll be on my own and I can't speak Italian. You think I should skip San Gimmi? Is it worth going?

Interesting, I have never heard it referred to as "San Gimmi"!

In comparing Siena with San Gimignano, Siena is a larger city with its famous Piazza del Campo, Duomo, etc. and full of charming side streets, shops, and restaurants. San Gimignano is smaller than Siena and because of that, seems more compacted with tourists and souvenir shops. It is known as the "city of beautiful towers" and the many towers dating from the 13th Century onward do indeed make the skyline very unique. I would think it is worth a trip, however, keep in mind that it is a very touristy place.

As the others have said, there is no direct train connection to it. I took a train to Poggibonsi, then caught a local bus outside the train station to San Gimignano. The bus goes to the outside of the city walls, stopping at the base. If you leave early in the morning from Florence and give yourself enough time for the train/bus transfers, it is quite easy and entirely do-able to see San Gimignano in an afternoon, then return back to Florence. (I did it as a day-trip from Livorno - even further away from Florence on the Tuscan coast).

You don't really need to speak Italian to do this trip...but planning ahead a little and knowing what to expect (which is what people are trying to help you with here) will help.

GET OUT of that mode of thinking "I can't possibly do this." You CAN do it and once you HAVE done it it will seem like a piece of cake.

Hi Jane,

The SITA bus station in Florence is on Via Santa Caterina de Siena, across the street from the SMN train station.

Bus schedules for Siena/SG are at
http://www.sangimignano.net/bus/

Jane, I know that tours are eschewed by most of the posters here. But for solo travel, I think day tours can be just the thing. I took the CAF Tour from Florence that gave us time in both SG and Siena. While I would prefer to actually stay in both places for a few nights, I really thought the tour was very good.

www.caftours.com

I feel much more confident in doing it alone (but will consider Grasshopper's suggestion if I am too tired).

If ever one thing I can NOT do is to thank you enough. I'm so impressed in your helpful, thoughtful, inspiring words of advice : )