I would like an opinion on this Sept. itinerary.... We are planning 4 nights in florence 3 nights in venice, 3 nights in Sienna and then back to 1 night in Florence and home. We don't have any specific plans - day trips, some museums, shop, sight see. We are 2 females in our early 50's. Any advice is appreciated!!

Hello lauralubeck. Are you arriving at the Florence airport? If so, what time (morning, afternoon etc.) I ask because unless it is late in the day I would suggest that you take the train from Florence to Venice when you arrive, spend your time there, then go to Siena (perhaps I would spend one less night in Siena and add that night onto Venice) and then go to Florence and stay there. And then fly home. Of course I am going on the assumption that you are flying in and out of the Florence airport. I make my suggestion as I always feel the less hotel hopping one does the more time and energy they have to enjoy their trip. But maybe you are arriving late enough at the Florence airport that n going on to Venice the same day is not practical of course. The train trip from Florence proper to Venice (Santa Lucia Train Station is about 3 hours btw). Two friends visiting Italy..it will be so much fun!

Dear Loveitaly
Thanks for writing. We arrive in Florence at about 4pm and my friend' daughter will be there so Florence has to be our 1st stop. I was wondering if it is just too much time in the florence/Sienna area...adding an extra day onto Venice is a good option....What do you recommend as far as day trips out of Florence and/or Sienna? Bus or Train? Is one city enough (ie. Montepulcino) per day OR 2-3 small cities PER DAY as a day trip???
Thanks!!!
Laura

Hi Laura,

If you're flying in and out of Florence and want to see Siena and Tuscany, then I'd suggest renting a car as it would give the two of you much more freedom to tour.

Otherwise you could spend far more time working out bus and train schedules between towns, and missing all the beautiful villages in between.

Driving is not difficult in the countryside, and the ability to stop where you like for photos, lunch or out of the way adventures, is really enjoyable.

We rented a car in Siena from autoeurope.com and had no difficulties with one driver and one navigator..(we're also early 50's).

If you have a car, you can stay outside Siena and get a taste of the Tuscan countryside if you don't already have accomodations booked. See ~tuscany.net~

Take the train from Siena to Venice (3 nights is more than enough) and then return to Florence via train for your flight home.

Hope that helps!

Hi,
That helps alot!! I thought about a car but thought it would be expensive and confusing(??) We are flying in and out of Florence by the way...and we do have reservations in siena but I will consider your helpful information. Do we need to reserve a car in the USA in advance? Is that easier?
Thanks

Laura

Siena is a good base to use and you can visit three nearby towns in a day easy...Montalcino, Pienza and Montepulciano would be a good trio...all close by. On another day you could do San Gimignano and Volterra.

Call Autoeurope's Portland, Maine office (800-223-5555)and they'll fix you up nicely for a car ....but do not under any circumstances take the car into Florence...not at all necessary or practical. Have car available at a rental office in or near Florence, or even back at the airport, when you're ready to leave for Siena.
Stu