Ducko

Will be staying 3-4 nights in Siena. Three ladies, including Mom (80's). Want to do a little touring of the Tuscany small villages--can anyone recommend a good tour company or reasonable alternative to get around? Don't want to rent a car this time--don't have a problem taking the bus. What villages are your favorites and how to get there keeping in mind Mom's age and wanting to just take it as easy as possible! (Is it possible??)

kybourbon

You can take the bus easily to Montalcino (about an hour - no Sunday service) and several other towns. There are also lots of tours from Siena (the hotels always have lists). Which villages did you want to visit?

macanimals

Having escorted similar aged relatives, I would highly suggest using a guide or car service. Even Siena will have its walking challenges but a car or taxi delivery and pick-up will greatly reduce the stress on your 80 yr old mother. A knowledgeable guide with a car can deliver you to the center and pick you up, something not possible on a bus.

The chianti villages are fairly easy to walk--Greve, Castellina, Gaiole and Radda. To the south of Tuscany--Pienza is by far the easiest to walk along with San Querico, Montepulciano is great but very hilly as are parts of Montalcino.

Never fear however as there are plenty of sidewalk cafes and bars to rest and relax in.

Good luck--Paul

Sorry I have no referrals but have played the chauffeur--"locals" can do it better.

kybourbon

Here's a bus map for the area. Keep in mind service is not frequent to all towns and a few of the routes shown may be seasonal.

http://www.sienamobilita.it/mappe/Mappa_EXT.pdf

You can search schedules on this link. Some buses depart from Piazza Gramsci at the edge of the historic center and others depart at the train station.

http://www.busfox.com/timetable/

DonnaD44

Take a look at the offerings from Tuscan Wine School. They offer all sorts of tour options within and outside Siena. We have taken their wine class as well as a walking tour to discover the indiginous foods of Siena.

Reading54

Consider Hills and Roads (http://www.hillsandroads.com/) for a day's driving tour to the villages you wish to see, but are not convenient to reach by public transportation from Siena.

Hills and Roads is based in Siena. Although they will suggest an itinerary by email but you do not have to take any of that, you can customize your itinerary to visit the villages you want.

You can take public bus to San Gimiginano and back for a DIY day trip too. But you'll cover more in a day with your own driver/guide.

Ducko

Thank you to all you replied. I was thinking some of these same thoughts and now will do a little more research. Wonder if I needed to set up anything before we go so will do more investigating.

latedaytraveler

Hi Ducko,

I would recommend COUNTRY TOURS out of Siena. It’s been several years since we used them but we were very satisfied. http://www.country-tours.com/tuscany-travel-agency.html

Looking at their website, they appear to have enlarged their scope. We had a great day with Fabio in the wine towns in southern Tuscany. And we had a car too but found getting around quite challenging. They will take you wherever you want to go – definitely worth it in my book.

Also would recommend Palazzo Ravissa Hotel in Siena - strong accolades on this board.

Jean

Correct spelling... Palazzo Ravizza.

http://www.palazzoravizza.com/

The hotel has a nice garden on its south side. If you'd be there outside of the hot summer months, it's a lovely spot most times of the day. Rooms overlooking the garden also have a nice view of distant hills. The staff are friendly and helpful, although we didn't like most of their restaurant recommendations.

The only negative might be its location relative to the Campo. The distance isn't far, but it's a steady uphill walk from the hotel. Hopefully, everyone in your group is fairly mobile. Just take your time and notice the little signs at various corners identifying the different contrade/neighborhoods.

Ducko

Thanks, am researching the Country Tours! I so appreciate everyone's comments.

latedaytraveler

Hi Jean, thanks for the spelling correction.

The view from the rear rooms at the PALAZZO RAVIZZA is spectacular as I recall - right out of a Renaissance painting.