Hi. We will be staying in Florence at least 11/13-11/17, possibly through 11/18. We fly back to the US early 11/21. We want to also see San Gimignamo and Sienna. I also would like to show my husband Orvieto. I’m having trouble figuring how to fit it all in. Ideas 1) stay in Florence through 11/18 and do Sienna and San G by private car on the Monday we are in Florence, then get to Orvieto for one night, back to Florence 11/20, 2) go to Sienna on 11/18 and stay through 11/20, returning Florence 11/20, with Orvieto side trip during that time. Any suggestions? Also, does anyone know if the Ristorante La Badia is still in biz? I having trouble reaching them by phone and email….
Thanks!

I just discovered the restaurant mentioned above is permanently closed - a shame.

"san Gimignano" and "Siena"

One thing to think about is that Monday is the day when anything that could shut will shut and November is off season.
The road to san Gim is pretty wiggly
You know about ZTLs for Florence

I think I'd dig into the websites on exactly where you want to go and make sure they will be open on the days you want

Are you arriving and departing from Florence? Where will you be before and after Florence?

You have a second thread with the same title. You might want to have it removed.

You can definitely do both San Gimi and Siena as separate day trips from Florence.

There are direct buses from Florence to Siena.
To get to San Gimi by public transportation you'd need to take either a bus or train to Poggibonsi, then connect from there by bus.

An organizzed day tour by motor coach may also be an option if you don't want to travel DIY.

Personally, I'd pick one (Siena) or the other, but not try to do both in the same week. Siena is a much larger, more substantial place to visit. San Gimi is cute, but not really that much there that I'd put on my must-do list.

Do you know exactly what you want to see/do in both SanG and Siena? Or do you feel you need to visit both just because you're in the area?

If you're planning to hire a driver for a day or several hours, I'd rather be driven south through Chianti, with perhaps a short stop or two, and be dropped in Siena. I'd take a late train back to Florence. (Pre-Covid, the last train was later than the last bus, but check current timetables.)

For me, SanG was the most interesting when viewed from a distance, seeing the towers rising above the town. There are a few interesting/worthwhile things to see in the town, but that can be said about every town. If you want to see both, I'd consider an organized day tour (such as Viator). Yes, your time in each place is dictated, but having transportation provided makes for a no-stress day. In the past, Viator provided an optional guided walking tour for part of the time in Siena.

Oriveto is a tougher excursion from Florence. Too far by train IMO (2+ hours each way), esp. if you must return to Florence. If you were starting or ending in Rome, you could stop in Orvieto for a half day before continuing.

Make sure you plan your days in Florence before plotting out trips away from the city. Not all of the main sights are open every Sunday and Monday.

We are in Israel for 10 days before Italy and wanted to visit Florence and surrounding environs. And yes, we are flying into and out of Florence on flights that are already booked.

You have 8 nights and 7 full days? Also by private car this means that you are not renting a car and driving?

Yes as to nights and days and yes, I was thinking private car vs driving but am open to suggestions.

"CIAO FLORENCE TOURS & TRAVELS" has tours from Florence to Siena and San Gimignamo in one day.
It is true that your time in Siena will be limited, but it saves you time from making two separate day trips thus taking up two days.

What time do you arrive in Florence?

Also can you drive a stick?

Thanks to you all! We have made arrangements for a private tour of Siena and San G on one day and will decide about Orvieto later. Can't wait! Best to all!