Uma

With 4 1/2 days in Florence, had thought we would spend one day divided between Siena
and San Gimignano. When we leave Florence,
will train to Lucca where we'll spend the
day and stay overnight. With all the things we'd like to see and do in Florence, not sure we'll have time to go to Fiesole. Now am wondering if we should divide a day between Siena and Fiesole instead of San G. Or just spend an entire day in Siena? Know this is incredibly subjective. Just wondered what others thought. Thanks. Uma

ira

Hi Uma,

You will have 3 days in Florence. You need one afternoon to take the no. 7 bus from the SMN station up to Fiesole to have a drink on the terrace of the Bar Blu and watch the sun set over the city.

If you walk around the town and see the ruins, that's a plus.

Marilyn

For me, it's a no-brainer. Fiesole is a nice place to stroll around, have a drink, and admire the view, especially in fine weather. I wouldn't even bother going if it was hazy or raining.

Siena has many attractions and giving it a half day doesn't really do it justice, IMO. San Gim has gotten awfully touristy, but is still a charming town, especially in the late afternoon when the tour busses have gone.

mamc

I would divide the day between Siena and San Gimignano. Fiesole is a lovely place with a lovely view but not nearly as interesting as San G. and certainly not as interesting as Siena, which could easily use a full day.

Uma

Thanks for your replies. Anyone else
want to weigh in? And BTW, Ira, we
have included Il Ritrovo on our list
of Florence restaurants.

bobthenavigator

I would not miss Siena and San G.

ira

Enjoy your visit, Uma

CheBird

Uma, don't skip San G!

delor

Spent 3 days in Siena in the heat wave of the century 2 years ago when Siena turned into a pre-heated casserole (over 100 by noon), but hit it in the AM and our wonderful hotel, Park Hotel Siena, had a delightful pool to relax in the afternoon. Then we returned to Siena in the evening for strolls and dinner.
San Gimignano would take 20 minutes to power walk from the front gate to the back if you avoid the art boutiques and stuffed boars with straw hats to photo!The medieval towers are the draw, but only to look, not climb due to bad construction permits of this age!
Hit the fantastic tiny castle town of Monteriggioni on the way back to Siena for lunch at Il Piccolo Castello and be glad you ate your main meal at noon! Monteriggioni is a bit larger than the average town square, a medieval walled village-fortification (with a drop gate) and so much more charming than anything
you'll see in most of Italy due to the size and hill top construction (typical castle architecture) and great view