Florence to San Gimignano/ What to wear?
Aug 26th, 2011, 03:38 AM
#1
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Florence to San Gimignano/ What to wear?
Greetings;
I will be traveling in Italy the first two weeks of October; visiting Florence then Naples and lastly Rome. While in Florence I would like to take a afternoon day trip to San Gimignano. I've looked at the Sitabus site and find it very confusing. Is anyone familiar with the bus schedule who can help me determine which bus route would work best for me. I would like to leave Florence mid morning; 10:30ish. I see that there is a transfer in Poggibonsi. Are some routes quicker then others and are there any that go directly to San Gimi?
I am also looking for a travel agency in Florence where I can purchase train tickets, as opposed to going and waiting in line at the Santa Maria Novelle train station.
One other question that I have is what to wear while touring. Do Italians dress in linen in October? Is it rainy, cool? Should I bring shorts and sandals for daytime touring?
Thank you!
I will be traveling in Italy the first two weeks of October; visiting Florence then Naples and lastly Rome. While in Florence I would like to take a afternoon day trip to San Gimignano. I've looked at the Sitabus site and find it very confusing. Is anyone familiar with the bus schedule who can help me determine which bus route would work best for me. I would like to leave Florence mid morning; 10:30ish. I see that there is a transfer in Poggibonsi. Are some routes quicker then others and are there any that go directly to San Gimi?
I am also looking for a travel agency in Florence where I can purchase train tickets, as opposed to going and waiting in line at the Santa Maria Novelle train station.
One other question that I have is what to wear while touring. Do Italians dress in linen in October? Is it rainy, cool? Should I bring shorts and sandals for daytime touring?
Thank you!
Aug 26th, 2011, 03:54 AM
#3
When I was in San Gim last SUMMER there were actually more than a few folks wearing shorts but it was hot. And most of those shorts wearers appeared to be from Europe. I would think you should wear what will make you feel comfortable since
nobody will know WHO you are
there will be visitors from all over
you will not "fit in" nor will any of the other visitors and why would you want to?
nobody will know WHO you are
there will be visitors from all over
you will not "fit in" nor will any of the other visitors and why would you want to?
Aug 26th, 2011, 04:06 AM
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Shorts and sandals in October? I guess if you are very heat sensitive (as in can't stand temps above 60 F) then this would be ok but you will definitely stand out! Sandals are not the best on cobbles and if it rains your feet will be wet and dirty and you may be cold.
You should go to San Gimignano during the week as it's typically packed on weekends.
You can find a travel agency when you get to Florence. Ask at your hotel. There's no point in someone here recommending a travel agency if you have to walk a half hour to get there. You'll want a TA close and convenient to where you're staying.
You should go to San Gimignano during the week as it's typically packed on weekends.
You can find a travel agency when you get to Florence. Ask at your hotel. There's no point in someone here recommending a travel agency if you have to walk a half hour to get there. You'll want a TA close and convenient to where you're staying.
Aug 26th, 2011, 04:29 AM
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As adrienne said, your hotel can advise on the closest travel agency that sells train tickets. Also— I have never had to stand behind more than one person (if any) before buying a ticket from the machines at Firenze Santa Maria Novella.
Aug 26th, 2011, 11:29 AM
#15
"Has anyone taken a bus to San Gimignano from Florence?"
No. But I have done all the component parts - The normal SG buses start from Siena, and go to SG via Poggibonsi. Buses from Poggibonsi to SG are quite frequent - looking at the timetable they go at 8:50, 9:15, 9:25, 9:50, 10:20, 11:00, 11:25 and 12:05 (just those around the times you were suggesting.)
So leave SMN bus station at 10:10, arrive in Poggibonsi and change immediately for SG (in my limited experience, the bus company expects loads of people to be making this change, so waits for the arriving bus before departing)
No. But I have done all the component parts - The normal SG buses start from Siena, and go to SG via Poggibonsi. Buses from Poggibonsi to SG are quite frequent - looking at the timetable they go at 8:50, 9:15, 9:25, 9:50, 10:20, 11:00, 11:25 and 12:05 (just those around the times you were suggesting.)
So leave SMN bus station at 10:10, arrive in Poggibonsi and change immediately for SG (in my limited experience, the bus company expects loads of people to be making this change, so waits for the arriving bus before departing)
Aug 26th, 2011, 04:16 PM
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you can google. Weather almanac and your town and you will find the average historical weather for when you are in Italy. I don't know where you live (we live in very dry climate in America) but it is more humid than we are used to, so more intense for us.
Mid October should be about 60 to 65 during the day and 50 or so at night. The vines will have beautiful fall colors. The Italians will not wear shorts or maybe even sandals and you might need to layer a little.
Mid October should be about 60 to 65 during the day and 50 or so at night. The vines will have beautiful fall colors. The Italians will not wear shorts or maybe even sandals and you might need to layer a little.
Aug 26th, 2011, 04:30 PM
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You may be lucky and get a couple of very warm days - but it is likely to be too cold for shorts (esp in the evening) and IMHO sandals are never a good idea on cobblestones (too easy to stub your toe and trip - never mind that your feet will be filthy - and wet and filthy when it rains (and it will).
