Road Trip From Florence To Siena and Saturnia

A Day Trip From Florence To Siena And Saturnia

I saw photos of Saturnia, a town with hot springs in the Tuscan countryside, and I knew it was one of the places I wanted to visit. So when I was planning a trip to Florence, Italy I added it to the itinerary of a one-day road trip around Tuscany.

Florence is a great homebase to see the rest of Tuscany. It is easy to hop on a train and see other surrounding towns, but for this trip, we decided to rent a car to do something different, which was perfect since the only way to get to Saturnia is to drive.

So on an early Sunday morning, we got our rental car and started our journey. We decided to go to Saturnia first since it is further away than Siena. The town is about three hours away from Florence, and it was an easy drive on the highway.

Visiting Saturnia Hot Springs

Saturnia Hot Springs, also known as Cascate del Mulino or Terme di Saturnia, is a natural spa located in the Maremma region of Tuscany. It boasts a unique natural phenomenon—a series of cascading thermal waterfalls formed by the flow of underground hot springs. The thermal waters are rich in sulfur, minerals, and other beneficial properties, making them popular for their therapeutic and relaxing qualities. The water maintains a constant temperature of around 37.5°C (99.5°F), creating a soothing and rejuvenating experience.

The hot springs at Saturnia form a series of cascading pools, creating a visually stunning sight. The water flows over natural limestone formations, creating terraces and small basins that visitors can immerse themselves in. But, I must say, it doesn't look quite like the photos on the internet and social media. The water isn't a milky blue in real life! So if you want to go there for a perfect IG post, you'll be disappointed.

But, if you go there to try the natural hot spring, then you are in for a treat. It is a true Italian experience where locals go to relax. It can get crowded on weekends but there are numerous pools so you should be able to find a spot to soak in.

There are changing and shower facilities on-site along with a small cafe for snacks. The parking lot was about a 10-minute walk away.

The town proper was about 20 minutes away, and we headed there for lunch. Luckily, there were some restaurants open and we got to try some dishes with truffles. And boy they did not skimp on the truffles which they shaved onto the plate tableside.

If you want to do something off the beaten path, then this is one of the best day trips to do.

Visiting Siena

After lunch, we headed to Siena. The drive was through winding roads that were a bit of a challenge to navigate, but I enjoyed it! The first sight of Sienna was amazing! The medieval town was glistening under the afternoon sun. The parking facilities are outside the historic center and about a 15-minute walk.

In the plaza was a small market with tons of vendors selling chocolates. It was a bit chilly so we opted for a glass of mulled wine and walked around to see the sites.

What To See In Siena

Siena, located in the heart of Tuscany, is a captivating city that exudes history, charm, and architectural beauty. Here are the top sites to visit while on a day tour of the ancient city:

Piccolomini Library: Located inside the Siena Cathedral complex, the Piccolomini Library is a small yet remarkable library known for its exquisite Renaissance frescoes. The library was commissioned by Pope Pius III to honor his uncle, Cardinal Francesco Todeschini Piccolomini. The frescoes, painted by the renowned artist Pinturicchio, depict scenes from the life of Pope Pius II and are known for their vibrant colors and intricate details.
Palazzo Pubblico: The Palazzo Pubblico, also known as the Siena Town Hall, is an impressive Gothic-style building situated in the heart of Siena. It serves as a symbol of the city's civic power and houses the offices of the municipal government. The palace's grandeur is highlighted by its soaring tower, the Torre del Mangia, which offers panoramic views of Siena from the top. Visitors can explore the palace's interior, including the Civic Museum, which contains important artworks and historical artifacts.
Piazza del Campo: Considered one of the most beautiful medieval squares in Italy, Piazza del Campo is the main square in Siena. This unique shell-shaped square is famous for hosting the renowned Palio di Siena horse race twice a year. Surrounded by historic buildings and lined with cafes and restaurants, the piazza is an ideal spot to relax, people-watch, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. The Fonte Gaia, a magnificent fountain adorned with sculptures, is also a prominent feature of the square.
Torre del Mangia: Standing adjacent to the Palazzo Pubblico in Piazza del Campo, the Torre del Mangia is a magnificent tower that rises to a height of 88 meters (289 feet). Constructed in the 14th century, the tower offers visitors an opportunity to climb its 400 steps to reach the top and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Siena and its surroundings. The climb is rewarded with a stunning vista that includes the cathedral, the rooftops of Siena, and the rolling Tuscan countryside.

Siena Duomo: The Siena Cathedral, or Duomo di Siena, is a masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture. It is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary and features a magnificent facade adorned with intricate sculptures. Inside, visitors can marvel at the stunning interior, which includes works of art by famous artists such as Donatello, Bernini, and Michelangelo. The highlight of the cathedral is the Piccolomini Library mentioned earlier.
Piazza del Duomo: Located in front of the Siena Cathedral, Piazza del Duomo offers a picturesque setting with its grand architecture and lively atmosphere. The piazza is surrounded by historic buildings, including the Duomo, the Baptistery of San Giovanni, and the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo. The square provides a perfect backdrop for admiring the stunning facade of the cathedral and soaking in the beauty of the surrounding architectural gems.
Santa Maria della Scala: Situated near the Duomo, Santa Maria della Scala is a historic complex that once served as a hospital, orphanage, and pilgrimage site. Today, it has been transformed into a museum and cultural center. Visitors can explore its various halls and galleries, which house a diverse collection of art, archaeological artifacts, and historical displays. The complex also includes underground tunnels and chambers that offer insight into its past as a hospital and its role in Siena's history.

Believe it or not, we were hungry by six o clock and decided to get pizza. Even though we had been in Italy for five days we hadn't had a proper Italian pizza. The spicy sausage and four-cheese pizza did not disappoint!

We then headed back to Florence and returned the rental car.

Other Day Trips From Florence

Florence is a fantastic starting point for road trips that allow you to explore the beautiful landscapes and charming towns of Tuscany and beyond. These were the other places I considered visiting while planning the trip:

Pisa: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site Piazza dei Miracoli (Piazza del Duomo), where the Leaning Tower, Cathedral, and Baptistry are located.
Chianti Region: A journey through the picturesque Chianti countryside, known for its vineyards and olive groves. Drive through scenic roads, visit medieval villages like Greve in Chianti and Castellina in Chianti, and enjoy Chianti Classico wine tastings at local wineries.
Val d'Orcia: A UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, and medieval towns. Visit towns like Pienza, Montalcino, and Montepulciano, and indulge in the region's famous wines, Pecorino cheese, and breathtaking vistas.
San Gimignano: San Gimignano is a small medieval town in Tuscany, Italy, known for its impressive towers that dominate its skyline, earning it the nickname "Medieval Manhattan." The town's well-preserved historic center, with its narrow streets and charming atmosphere, offers visitors a glimpse into its rich history and medieval heritage.
Cinque Terre Day Trip: A coastal road trip from Florence to the picturesque Cinque Terre, a collection of five colorful fishing villages perched on the cliffs of the Ligurian coast. Enjoy scenic drives, hike the coastal trails between the villages, and savor fresh seafood by the seaside.
Umbria and Perugia: The region of Umbria and visit the charming town of Perugia, known for its historic center and chocolate production. Explore other towns like Assisi, Orvieto, and Spello, each offering a glimpse into Umbria's rich history and art.
The Tuscan Coast: Visit coastal towns such as Viareggio, Forte dei Marmi, and Castiglione della Pescaia. Relax on the sandy beaches, indulge in delicious seafood, and enjoy the vibrant beachside atmosphere.

It was a tiring full day of touring, but it was great to go on a road trip and be able to see Saturnia and Siena. We wouldn't have been able to do that if we had taken the train. It also made the whole trip unique and different, so I definitely would recommend it!