lunaluna

We arrive in Florence just before noon on Sep 28, will rent a car and head through Chianti/Siena area - want to stay in this area the night of the 28th , then the nights of 29th and 30th stay in Montalcino/Montepulcano area.

My husband's sisters have insisted that San Gimignano is a better place to stay because Siena is too touristy - they said they didn't really like Siena.

I've definately read on this site some differing opinions!

for staying only one night, would san gim be nice?

monica71

This question came up as I was planning my trip. Everyone suggested Siena or San Gim. I decided to do San gimignano and was not disappointed. We also spent one night there and found it charming after the flood of tourist subsided after 4pm. I found Siena too touristy and too big. We were driving so I felt that doing a day trip out of siena was more difficult. I only wish my stay was longer..... San Gimignano gets my vote....especially if its only one night.

lunaluna

thanks!
where did you stay - were you happy with it?
(i've read a lot about La Cisterna on this web site - seems to be a good choice)

grammy3

My first thought was to recommend staying in Sienna. We were there in April for 2 nights, and could have stayed longer-we loved it. We then spent one night in San G, and loved it there,too. There is much more to see and do in Sienna, however, it was difficult to drive into, whereas, San G was a breeze. You park right outside city walls and walk in the main cobblestoned carfree street. Our hotel was Belsoggiorno which was the 1st one you come to along the street. It was absolutely wonderful. We ahd a room with a huge terrace which overlooked the valley. The breakfast buffet was plentiful and very good. We did see the La Cisterna which was further up into the main square, but I can't imagine any nicer than Belsoggiono which we booked from venere.com. The very best gelato on our 2 week trip was in San G right at the top of the street on the right as you enter the main square! So, my advice since you really only have a few hours would be to stay in San G since it is much smaller town versus Sienna which is harder to drive into, and is much bigger city. Save Sienna for another time when you can spend at least 2 nights.

sandi_travelnut

San G. will be crowded with tourist until early evening when the buses leave. It's tiny but beautiful. You'll have more to do in SIena but for one night would be great. Most of the cities will have an area that's more touristy than other areas and San G. is no different. Lots of the shops cater to tourists.

lunaluna

Thanks everyone for the input!
We have decided to stay in San Gim. Since our flight doesn't get in until almost noon - we figure it'll probably be around 4:00 by the time we get to San Gim (after doing some lunch and scenic driving) - Think it'll be a perfectly relaxing and enjoyable place to spend our first evening in Tuscany.

(We'll be staying at Hotel LaCisterna in a room with a balcony and view of the valley.) By the way - would anyone recommend their restaurant? It'll be our only night to eat in San Gim - would definitely be convenient to eat there - read they have great valley view from restaurant - Somewhere better?