Siena is the natural first day trip from Firenze. One hour 15 minutes by direct bus from Santa Maria Novella, no changes, €9.90 each way. The city fits inside its medieval walls, the Piazza del Campo is a five-minute walk from the bus stop, and the Duomo interior is the honest reason to make the day. September and May are the honest months, August is the Palio and it is a different trip.
The day, roughly
Morning: Duomo and Piccolomini Library
Book the Duomo entry for 10:30am. The Piccolomini Library frescoes and the marble floor panels are the point of the visit. Verdict: worth the day on this alone. Price band €13 to €20 with the OPA Si Pass.
Lunch: Piazza del Campo perimeter
Avoid the piazza-facing restaurants. Walk one street north to Osteria Nonna Gina for a pici lunch. Verdict: pici cacio e pepe, panforte, and a glass of Chianti Classico. Price band €25 to €45 a head.
Afternoon: Torre del Mangia climb
The bell tower on the Palazzo Pubblico gives the best view in Siena. 400 steps, timed slots, book in advance. Verdict: skip if it is over 30C. Price band €10.
Practical tips
- Autolinee Toscane bus 131 Rapida runs half-hourly from SMN. Book in advance in July and August.
- The Palio runs 2 July and 16 August. Both are full trip days, not day trips, and hotels sell out three months ahead.
- The train is slower than the bus (one connection at Empoli). Take the bus.