Florence day trips around

[jennifer]

Hi!
I'd like to know, I've heard about daytripping from Florence as my base.
Could you tell me if

1. This is possible and worth it transportation wise?
2. Will I be seing enough in these cities or are they worth being there longer?
3. What is there mainly to see in these cities I should not miss?

San Gimignano
Sienna
Lucca

Thanks!

[Cynthia]

I have been to Sienna and it is definitely worth a daytrip. ( I've heard the same about the other towns on your list.) You can take a tour or for less, take a bus or train. There is frequent service and you don't need a tour guide to enjoy the place. Beware, the streets leading to the main square are extremely steep. I was passed by several elderly local ladies...must be in their genes. Sienna has a few main sights and a lot of charm. Having lunch and strolling through the streets is very enjoyable.

[Caroline]

I also took a day trip to Sienna from Florence.
Definitely worth the travelling time. It's such a quaint city with lots of culture (but of course there are still tourists). The Campo was very impressive. A day trip would be enough time to enjoy it.

[caitiebelle]

I've never been to Italy (yet!) but have heard LOVELY things about San Gimignano. I might be mixing my cities, but I think it is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Italy, with the most spires (or turrets or towers or something). I'd give it a look!

[jennifer]

Oh! Everyone telling me everywhere is beautiful, it's going to be hard not to miss out on anything!
Thanks for the advice guys!

[mewell]

Jennifer,
We stayed in Florence 2 years ago and did 2 day trips: one by bus to Sienna (very nice) and one by train to Lucca (fantastic!)
I would recommend Lucca over Sienna, although either would be great. I loved walking on the ancient wall all around the town, seeing the Alps in the background.
We went in February, but had wonderful weather. That might be a good way to decide: if great weather, do Lucca, iffy weather do Sienna.
We tried for SAan Gim. and it was too complicated to get their via public transportation. Have to take another tip, I guess!
Enjoy:)

[triple5funk]

i took a daytrip to siena from florence..definitely worth it! it's a lot smaller than florence - but there is nice things to see. the creepiest thing was going to san domenico church and seeing st. catherine's preserved head...

[snorkelman]

yes, take a quick day trip to many places such as San Gimignano, Siena, Lucca, or Pisa. If you are considering such a day trip, look into www.fs-on-line.com because it lists the train schedules you'll need.

San Gimignano is 24 miles northwest of Siena, and 35 miles (57 km) from Florence. San Gimignano does not have a railway station – (that is why many backpackers miss it) so you have to reach it by bus. The problem is that there are no direct regular buses from Florence to San Gimignano. The best way to travel from Florence to San Gimignano is to take a train from Florence to Poggibonsi/San Gimignano railway station (75 minute ride). From Poggibonsi/San Gimignano railway station take a bus 25 minutes to San Gimignano.

A great day trip would be to leave Florence in the morning, and see Pisa (only 80 km (50 miles) from Florence) for a few hours and then return to Florence by way of Lucca, where you can have lunch and stroll through the town. Lucca is only 12.5 miles from Pisa.

As an idea for the cost, from Florence to Pisa (45 minute ride) you buy a point to point ticket from Florence to Pisa - expect to pay about $4 USD

[WillTravel]

Snorkelman, do you travel Florence-Pisa-Lucca-Florence by train completely?