Am headed to Italy for the first time - leaving in 20 days - woohoo!

Will be in Florence for 3 nights and will not have a car. For someone that has never been to Florence, do you think it is worth the time on the bus to also visit Siena for a day or spend all of our time in Florence?

Thanks for your help!

Hi iluv,

>..do you think it is worth the time on the bus to also visit Siena for a day ..<

It's only an hour on the bus.

I suggest that you wait until you get there. If you find Florence boring, you can always go to Siena for your last day.

Siena is a must see!

As Ira said its only an hour bus drive (assuming there is little traffic), but one can also take a cab to Siena. In Siena you can join one of the impromptu tours.

If you want to escape the crowds in Florence, Siena might not be a good bet. Both places will be rather crowded.

I agree that Siena is wonderful, but I agree with ira. See Florence first--there is so much to see--if you feel you've seen enough, then spend a day in Siena.

Another vote for Sinea! Though I liked Florence, I liked Siena MUCH MUCH more than Florence!

Thanks!

I think i read somewhere on this site that the buses from florence to siena can get quite full. Do I need to buy my ticket well in advance or make some type of reservation if i decide to go? And do i get this type of ticket at a tobacconist?

Hi iluv,

>Do I need to buy my ticket well in advance or make some type of reservation if i decide to go? And do i get this type of ticket at a tobacconist?<

You buy the ticket at the bus station on Via Canta Caterina de Siena, near the SMN train station.

You can buy your ticket 10-15 min ahead, although I got ours the day before.

There are usually 2 buses to Siena to handle the crowds.

We will be going to Florence for 2 weeks in mid-November. Can we expect it to be business as usual during this off-season? Also, we are travelling with our 7 and 8 year old daughters. Any must-see or do things with them in mind? We are up for many day trips.

I might be biased in this answer but for Switzerland I'd say

-Zermatt/Saas Fe
-Verbier
-Gstaad
and a little known village called Leysin that offers unbelievable skiing and a relaxing environment. I live in this town during the school year, and while Zermatt, Saas Fe, Verbier, etc... offer far more piste, Leysin offers you great skiing for everything from expert to beginner, and access to Diableret, Chateau D'Oex and several other smaller resorts in the area on the same ski pass.

The resort is far cheaper than many other resorts, just because it is not as famous as others around it. Leysin is a 2 hour train ride from Geneva, and 45 minutes from Montreux. This travel times includes the 30 minute Cog Train ride up from Aigle.

Making a trip to Leysin is something I highly recomment. HOWEVER! The ski season ended last weekend, and, unfortunately for us, there was just a massive dump (15 Centimeters).

Feel free to email me about skiing in Leysin or other resorts around Swiss Romande and the French alps.

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