I realize that San Gimignano is crowded with tourists during the day. Which would be a better focal point for us San G. or Siena. We will be in Tuscany for 4 days and we plan on using the days to take day trips to big cities. Yes Florence included. We are a family of four (traveling with a 3yr old)and would rather stay outside Florence, and spend the day in Florence and or other big cities. This is a well research dicision so please don't respond with why it is better to stay in Florence. I would like input btween the two towns.

I would pick Siena. More to see when you're not taking off running around.

Hi Terri!<BR><BR>Both are very nice, but Siena would be easier acccess to Florence. Both, by the way, are jammed with tourists during the day so don't let that be a decision factor.<BR><BR>We stayed in Chianti. From there we did day trips to<BR><BR>San Gimignano/Voltera - a long day<BR>Siena<BR>Greve/wine tasting<BR>Badia a Coltibuono for lunch<BR><BR>Buon viaggio!

I agree, we enjoyed Sienna more than San Gimignano, more to do, and just a beautiful city.

I would stay at the Relais la Suvera in Pievescola and avoid the crowds.<BR>http://www.lasuvera.it/<BR>This place is gorgeous! The service and the food are amazing, but it is a very friendly place. Don't go if you don't like cats, though. The Princessa Massima feeds them pasta, and there are about 15 who live on the property. Another alternative is Monteriggioni. One of the best restaurants in all of Tuscany is right across the street from the hotel, Il Pozzo.

TO ALL ABOUT SIENA & SAN GIMIGNANO: We will be in Florence the week days of May 14-16, and hope to take a day bus tour to Siena and San Gimignano. Is a week day this time of May expected to be very crowded? Hopefully not like high tourist time of June, July & August! ALSO: is there very much hilly walking as we are concerned one member of our party can do limited long, uphill grades?

Hi Mary! If you do bus tours to both towns, the walking will mostly be gradual uphills, nothing too difficult. There will be lots of tourists, just not as many as summer.<BR><BR>Just take a few steps off the main street/piazza & you'll be almost by yourself.

Siena. I just think its more interesting. Like someone above said, both will be crowded in the day, both will empty out at night. Siena's Campo is a great place for the evening. And, I could be wrong, but if I remember Siena seemed easier to walk around; less hills, though it is by no means flat.