Siena

Now it’s time to venture a bit out of Florence. You can reach Siena by direct buses running from SITA bus station, which take around an hour and a half. In case you prefer to drive then rent a car, not only will you have the flexibility to go at your own pace but also stop at scenic spots to admire the beautiful views, however, parking will be slightly challenging. Reach the historic city centre of Siena, which is one of the best preserved medieval towns. Narrow maze-like alleys will lead you to the huge square called Piazza del Campo. Before you explore the square (for which you will certainly need energy and stamina) make sure that you have a hearty meal. Go to any of the cafes, take a glass of house wine (which is as cheap as 2 Euros for a glass) and enjoy freshly made pizza with pickled sun-dried tomatoes. Sun-dried tomatoes are a Tuscan specialty and you will relish every single bite.

Piazza del Campo is a huge square that will effortlessly put a magic spell on you. It has the white marble fountain, Fonte Gaia, on one side and a view of the towering La Torre del Mangia on the other. With a height of 102 m, the Mangia Tower seems to touch the sky. There are many popular places of interest in Siena, with notable being Palazzo Comunale (Town Hall), the Chapel of the Virgin, the Courtyard of the Podesta and Siena Cathedral (Duomo). For history lovers, there is plenty to see and admire, including museums such as Santa Maria della Scala and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo. While admiring the tourist attractions of this beautiful medieval town you can also buy some souvenirs, collect locally-made fruit wine, enjoy Tuscan food in an old fashioned cafe and much more.