Siena and The Tuscan Countryside (Hot Springs Included!)

I've been to Italy several times before but I had never spent much time exploring Tuscany - what a gorgeous place. I am so happy Alex and I got to spend a couple of days driving through the Tuscan countryside and eating so much cheese and drinking so much wine! (not all at the same time.) We even found a beautiful natural hot spring and spent an afternoon soaking in warm waters. Siena is definitely worth one full day on your Italy itinerary. In an ideal world, I would love to have at least 3 full days exploring Tuscany as a whole, but you can definitely see a lot in 1-2 days.

Siena Tips:

Siena is the perfect base for exploring Tuscany. It's very easy to get to - we rented a car in Florence & drove the 1.5 hours to this little medieval city. The highways in Italy are clean & efficient, so driving was super easy. My only tip for renting a car in Italy is to brush up on your stick shifts because renting an automatic car is way more expensive.
Everything is walkable in Siena - cars are not allowed in the main city except for residents and cabs. It's such a small town, everything you would want to see is within walking distance.
If you have to walk up a hill, there will be a view waiting for you. You are in the Tuscan countryside - I promise walking up all the hills will be worth it.
One day is plenty - You can see everything in Siena in one day and spend the rest of your time there exploring Tuscany. (and drinking wine. and eating cheese. and eating beef. and drinking more wine.)

Things to Do in Siena:

Il Campo - The town square in Siena is beautiful. Surrounded by medieval architecture, the square and the buildings are made out of the same redish-brown color, 'Burnt Siena', which is where the crayon got its name! Il Campo is great for people watching - locals and tourists alike will sit together in the middle of the campo & enjoy the day and the views.
City Tower - Built around 1340 (!!), you can climb to the top to enjoy more Tuscan views. The tower is attached to the Civic Museum and sits in the Il Campo.
Duomo - Every once great Italian city has an impressive Duomo and Siena is no exception. Built in the 13th century, the Duomo has the traditional tuscan style stripes. What I especially love about Siena's Duomo is that the exterior marble has a pretty pink tint to it and it looks so beautiful, especially when the sun is shining. Inside, you have masterpieces from all eras - Donatello, Michelangelo, Bernini - it's 100% worth the 13 Euros to get in.
Wine Classes - The Tuscan Wine School offers wine tours and classes! We didn't have time to take any but I would definitely take a class or two the next time we go back!
Wednesday Markets - We just happened to be in the city on a Wednesday & the market was so cool! You can buy everything from organic spices or antiques to handmade children's toys!
Friday Market - Organic food market.

Food to Eat in Siena:

La Sosta di Violante - Hands down, the best meal I've ever had in Italy. I don't eat red meat much these days but if I'm in Tuscany, I have to get Florentine steak. Paired with a Chianti, it was seriously the best & I can't stop talking about it. Go to this restaurant!!
Hostaria Il Rialot - a tiny, but cute restaurant that serves traditional tuscan style dishes. I had beef again here and it was very good! There were locals eating inside, so you know it's good if the locals are there.
Nice! Gelato - a cute little gelato shop run by a husband and wife team. Delicious gelato.
Meetlife Cafe - a little cafe that serves coffee and drinks - great for an appertivo and also easy on the wallet! I think our drinks were only 4 Euro each!

Tuscany Tips:

Cascade del Gorello - (pictured below) a beautiful natural hot spring, about a 2 hour drive from Siena. It's absolutely worth the drive. The drive itself is beautiful and the hot springs are calming and relaxing. It was the perfect afternoon to sit in the warm waters on a chilly day. Best part - it's completely free. There's a changing station and a cafe on site, so you could literally spend all day here. We went in March and it wasn't crowded at all. I think it tends to get crowded more in late Spring and Summer. We got a rental car with a GPS and didn't have any trouble finding it.
Wine! I mean... you're in Tuscany. Hit up a few wineries. There are plenty of tours offered from both Florence & Siena or you can hit the road with a DD.
Tuscany Towns - the countryside is dotted with tons of picturesque little towns, all worth a stop.