mbw220

I'm taking a group of college students and faculty to Italy in February. Their ages range between 24 and 50. Four of them want to rent a car and drive from Florence to Siena for a day trip stopping along the way at a winery for a lunch/tour/tasting. Do you think this is a good idea, or would they be better off taking the train?

Also does anyone have a recommendation for a winery/lunch stop along the way?

Mary Beth

ira

Hi mb,

The RT bus fare from Florence to Siena is 13E. I think that this is less than the cost of a car for 4.

If they want to taste the regional wines, they can do so at the Enoteca Italiana at La Fortezza Medicea.

rex

And not only a better value on the bus (than the train) - - the train leaves you at the "base" of Siena, with a very big hill to climb to get up TO Siena - - the bus does not.

Getting a car to where you want to be is also very difficult for a day tripper to Siena. Not to menton that one-day car rentals typically cost the same as three-day car rentals.

Best wishes,

Rex

StCirq

That sounds like more hassle than it's worth to me. A one-day rental is usually expensive, getting out of Florence could be a real pain, and you can't do anything with the car in Siena except park outside the walls.

I'm sure the four of them could find a great place to have lunch and do a wine tasting right in Siena.

There are also buses running between the two cities. Theoretically, they could take a bus to some midway point, have lunch and a wine tasting, then continue on to Siena. I know years ago I took such a bus and stopped in a few beautiful small towns along the way.

macanimals

I have to agree with Ira on this one. I have rented cars out of Florence and driven the area many times including parking in Siena. While there would be a great adventure in the experience, cost and hassle with parking, driving and directions will severely limit their enjoyment. A one day car rental just isn't worth it over the convenience of a bus to a city like Siena. If the priority is a country winery experience, that is a different story--but still a challenge logistically.
Best advice is to keep it simple.
Ciao, Paul

mbw220

Thanks for all your suggestions. I will share this information with the students. I didn't think is was a good idea either.

Mary Beth

bobthenavigator

Look at CAF tours.

mbw220

Thanks for all your help. They did take the train and it worked out perfectly.

MB

ira

Very good, MB.

So, how was the trip?