Siena to Florence via San Gimignano
 

Will be going from Siena to Florence. I'd like to stop in San G on the way. Is there a good way to do it? Is there a place to check my luggage? Or should I just plan to do San G as a day trip from Siena?

There is no baggage storage in SanG, according to recent guide books. It is a 75 min bus ride from Florence, if you want to make it a side trip.

Do San G. from Siena by bus. Or, train to Poggibonsi and bus from there.

I take it that you do not have a car? San Gim is not really "on the way" so better as a day trip.

Thanks. I will not have a car. Is San G so touristy that I should go somewhere else as a day or half day trip from Siena? Any thoughts?

I would consider Montelcino as a trip from Siena but it certainly isn't on your way to Florence.

Rick Steves seems to think that San Gimignano is too touristy and has sent his book readers to Siena (book in hand) for the last few years. And that is one reason we decided to make it our base! I read the suggestions about sightseeing etc - but tend to avoid the hotels and restaurants he sends his readers flocking to. <BR>But for you - it probably would depend on the month you are visiting. If it's during a peak season - I have read that it is better to visit in early morning or late afternoon.<BR>Have a great trip.

JEFF, there are a lot of possibilities for day trips from Siena, depending on your interests. Many of the towns, charming as they are, are more of a half-day experience (Pienza, Montalcino, Colle di Val d'Elsa) or even less (Monteriggioni). Other areas, such as the Chianti country, are best seen with a car so you can stop at several of the small towns.<BR><BR>If you are interested in Etruscan civilization, let me suggest Volterra, which has an excellent museum of Etruscan art and artifacts. It is also a large enough town with other sights to see to occupy you for a full day.<BR><BR>Another possibility is Montepulciano, also a larger town with more to see, although not my personal favorite.<BR><BR>If you read up in a guidebook on some of these towns you can figure out which would be most rewarding for you.