I'm interested in a day trip to Siena and San Gimignano from Rome or Florence. Any recommendations on which city would be a better starting point for the trip?

Also, I'm thinking about doing it by bus since the rail connections are lengthy and San G isn't reachable by train. Does anyone have a good recommendation for an inexpensive tour bus option rather than dealing with the regional bus route? Thanks

Florence is the better base for a day trip to Siena and San Gimignano. It's not hard to do, and since the bus station is more central than rail in Siena, and bus is the way to get to SG, you are making a good choice.

Try a google search for bus trips to Siena and San Gimignano from Florence. Or ask at the IT offices in Florence. The bus company has a site too.

Siena is 3 hours from Rome by public transport (bus is easier) so a daytrip would be difficult (and no chance of SG on the same day as that is a further hour).

I believe Siena from Florence is around 75 minutes (but have seen it reported as less).

If relying on public transport, I think that Siena and SG in one day would be very difficult.

Stayed for a week in San G and did a day trip from there to Siena by bus then train. Went back last year with my husband & we did a day trip from Florence with a tour group. The group from memory was the same one that does the walking tours of Florence. Just found it. Website below. It was a great day
http://www.tours-italy.com/florence-...nano_siena.htm

I've day tripped Siena/SanG from the FLorence base, but only by car.

Thanks everyone. Trumps, thanks for the website as well. I think public transit would be too much of a hassle, but agree if she can get onto a day tour.