Getting there:  Probably the best way to get to Siena is to take the bus from Florence.   The bus leaves Florence from the bus depot to the left of Santa Maria Novella (SMN) train station.  It is to the left of the tram tracks as you look at the station from the street.  The hilly ride into Siena arrives at the Piazza Gramsci and will depart for Florence at the same place.

The bus ride is about an hour or so.  Notice the American Military Cemetery on your right, about 7.5 miles south of Florence.  

Siena is a perfect example of a medieval Italian city.  It is perched atop a Tuscan hill.

The major sites are:

Il Campo:  best square in all of Italy.  A cafe on the square here is a must for all travelers.    Twice each summer, the square is converted into a race track where the wild Palio horse races take place.  The Fountain of Joy is the centerpiece of the square.   The City Tower overlooks the square and it can be climbed.  However, the views from the Museo dell 'Opera e Panorama are much better.

Duomo Museum (Museo dell'Opera e Panorama):  If you wish to tour, buy the combo ticket for the cathedral and Santa Maria della Scala.   This museum houses the great artworks of the cathedral.  Make sure to go upstairs to the back of the room and go up the 131 narrow, corkscrew steps that lead to the Panorama del Facciatone.  For me, it is the best view in all of Tuscany.

Duomo Cathedral:  Much more beautiful and interesting than the Duomo in Florence, this cathedral houses works of Bernini and Michelangelo.  Statues of over 1,000 years of popes spy down from the rafters. 

Baptistry:  Entrance is behind the Duomo, part of the way down the stairs.

Siena is a walking town.    Even I enjoy window shopping here.  The main street is Via Bianchi di Sotta.  Take your time, relax, and enjoy yourself.

For more Italy travel information, see www.travelingprofessor.com