Itinerary Check please!

jaylemae

New member


Hello, Lourdes...
Buongiorno!

I'm so glad to come across this website as there are so many helpful info to be had---Big thanks for all you do!

Just now starting to research and plan an itinerary to see some regions in Tuscany in April/May time frame. There are two of us, possibly a third one, all female in early 60's. The plan is to fly to Milan from California and after a few days in Milan and Lake Como, we'll take the train to Cinque Terre (spend 3 days) and then to Siena by train.

From what I gather on many threads here, Florence would be a good base because of the availability of public transportation. However, we'd like to spend three days in Sienna that will include a side trip to San Gimignano and perhaps Chianti? We're thinking to fly out of Florence to Amsterdam.

Also, I would like to mention that I'm into photography and I've seen fantastic pictures of rolling hills in the region, but without a car how is it possible to reach these places? I've looked at a private driver for a day but the charge is prohibitive! (and it doesn't even include the car hire). Any other advice, please?

Greatly appreciate any input/suggestions--thank you!
 
Via Francigena

Buongiorno,

If you really want to get up close to those rolling hills you could look into walking the Via Francigena. There is a section of the trail that starts just outside Siena's stone doors, and will take you to a town where you can pick up the train back to Siena.

If you read this article, it will give you more details. I actually walked this track and it is easy (no big changes in altitude) and quite panoramic. It is suitable for all ages.

https://www.discovertuscany.com/iti...ia-francigena/siena-to-monteroni-d-arbia.html

Buon Viaggio,

Donna Denise
 
Hi jaylemae, glad you found us!

The walk along the Via Francigena that Donna suggests will get you into beautiful countryside to the south of Siena, which is panoramic views of rolling hills of what is known as the Crete Senesi. If you want to go into Chianti, then you could take a bus from Siena to Castellina in Chianti and you'll get lots of hills with vineyards on them. I think both are doable on your own so that you can get out and take photographs.

Or since you're already planning a day trip to San Gimignano (take bus), from there do a walk/hike around the town, there are great views of the medieval tower with its towers to be enjoyed from the hills all around and many vineyards -- and then you walk back -- or could make your way to Monteriggioni or Gambassi Terme on foot.
Here is a ring walk around San Gimignano you can do that we did ourselves: https://www.discovertuscany.com/san-gimignano/hike-view-san-gimignano.html

Here's info on getting to San Gimignano by bus: https://www.discovertuscany.com/san-gimignano/how-to-reach-san-gimignano.html

Let us know if you have more questions we can help you with!
 
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