The marvelous medieval city of Siena as a base in Tuscany
Siena in centrale Italy is the Base to Explore Tuscany! I’ve recently dedicated an article to which is the best base to explore Tuscany and its most important attractions. Actually the question is to choose between the two main cities of art in Tuscany: Siena or Florence?
Well, make Florence’s historic center your base if you mean to use public transportation to explore Tuscany; make Siena or its scenic countryside your base if you’re going to move by car!
Siena in Italy is actually a great base to explore the best of Tuscany. I think the province of Siena is the one with more impressive and striking sights to see, you’ll find a surprise awaiting for you at every corner! Here is the typical and most photographed Tuscan scenery.
Siena: Beautiful Medieval Hill Town with Exceptional Sights
Siena itself offers a lot to its visitor! It’s a magical town full of art and exceptional sights: Piazza del Campo, unique setting for the spectacular Palio of Siena, Fonte Gaia and the underground water tunnels, the masterpieces of art preserved in the beautiful town hall, the Duomo, the beautiful frescoes at Santa Maria della Scala and within the Sanctuary of Santa Caterina…discover all of Siena’s Top Attractions here!
Staying in a charming accommodation in Siena’s town center or in a beautiful farmhouse or villa with pool amid its enchanting countryside will give you the possibility to visit some of the most beautiful sights of the region: the impressive landscape of the Crete Senesi and the Val d’Orcia, the suggestive abbeys and monasteries like Monte Oliveto Maggiore, Sant’Antimo, or Sant’Anna in Camprena, the perfectly preserved medieval hill towns like Pienza, Montalcino, San Quirico d’Orcia, Bagno Vignoni, Radicofani, and Montepulciano.
Great Day Trips from Siena
But many other treasures and special places are just waiting for you! starting from Siena you can in fact embark on a lot of great day trips, from Florence and the wonderful Chianti countryside, to some of the most beautiful villages of Tuscany like Volterra, Monteriggioni, San Gimignano, and Cortona.
You can find a full list and a Map of the Best Day Trips from Siena here.
Siena and its surroundings are simply wonderful!
Just imagine yourself lying under the sun next to a scenic panoramic pool amid a unique landscape with lush views over verdant hills and hill top villages! That’s the place to be 🙂
Your Tuscan vacation will be unforgettable!
We are considering Siena as a base for a few days but we do NOT have a car, is that going to be difficult? If so what would you recommend as an alternative? We will also be spending a few days in Florence so have that part covered. Thank you!