{"id":3796,"date":"2020-08-25T19:30:41","date_gmt":"2020-08-25T19:30:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/explorewithelisha.azurewebsites.net\/?page_id=3796"},"modified":"2020-08-30T15:13:28","modified_gmt":"2020-08-30T15:13:28","slug":"a-perfect-day-in-siena-exploring-tuscany","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/explorewithelisha.azurewebsites.net\/index.php\/a-perfect-day-in-siena-exploring-tuscany\/","title":{"rendered":"A Perfect Day in Siena &#8211; Exploring Tuscany"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>December, 2018<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-gallery-collage has-small-gutter\"><ul><li class=\"wp-block-coblocks-gallery-collage__item item-1\"><figure class=\"wp-block-coblocks-gallery-collage__figure\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2087-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-index=\"0\" data-id=\"3921\" data-imglink=\"\" data-link=\"http:\/\/explorewithelisha.azurewebsites.net\/index.php\/a-perfect-day-in-siena-exploring-tuscany\/img_2087\/\" class=\"wp-image-3921\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2087-1024x768.jpg 1024w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2087-300x225.jpg 300w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2087-768x576.jpg 768w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2087-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2087-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2087-665x499.jpg 665w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2087-347x260.jpg 347w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-coblocks-gallery-collage__item item-2\"><figure class=\"wp-block-coblocks-gallery-collage__figure\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/antonio-ristallo-LZ1e1z0bXzE-unsplash-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-index=\"1\" data-id=\"3926\" data-imglink=\"\" data-link=\"http:\/\/explorewithelisha.azurewebsites.net\/index.php\/a-perfect-day-in-siena-exploring-tuscany\/antonio-ristallo-lz1e1z0bxze-unsplash\/\" class=\"wp-image-3926\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/antonio-ristallo-LZ1e1z0bXzE-unsplash-1024x768.jpg 1024w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/antonio-ristallo-LZ1e1z0bXzE-unsplash-300x225.jpg 300w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/antonio-ristallo-LZ1e1z0bXzE-unsplash-768x576.jpg 768w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/antonio-ristallo-LZ1e1z0bXzE-unsplash-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/antonio-ristallo-LZ1e1z0bXzE-unsplash-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/antonio-ristallo-LZ1e1z0bXzE-unsplash-665x499.jpg 665w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/antonio-ristallo-LZ1e1z0bXzE-unsplash-347x260.jpg 347w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-coblocks-gallery-collage__item item-3\"><figure class=\"wp-block-coblocks-gallery-collage__figure\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2099-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-index=\"2\" data-id=\"3923\" data-imglink=\"\" data-link=\"http:\/\/explorewithelisha.azurewebsites.net\/index.php\/a-perfect-day-in-siena-exploring-tuscany\/img_2099\/\" class=\"wp-image-3923\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2099-768x1024.jpg 768w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2099-225x300.jpg 225w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2099-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2099-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2099-665x887.jpg 665w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2099-195x260.jpg 195w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2099-750x1000.jpg 750w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2099-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-coblocks-gallery-collage__item item-4\"><figure class=\"wp-block-coblocks-gallery-collage__figure\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"669\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/kristof-van-rentergem-DUecWjq04hQ-unsplash-1024x669.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-index=\"3\" data-id=\"3924\" data-imglink=\"\" data-link=\"http:\/\/explorewithelisha.azurewebsites.net\/index.php\/a-perfect-day-in-siena-exploring-tuscany\/kristof-van-rentergem-duecwjq04hq-unsplash\/\" class=\"wp-image-3924\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/kristof-van-rentergem-DUecWjq04hQ-unsplash-1024x669.jpg 1024w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/kristof-van-rentergem-DUecWjq04hQ-unsplash-300x196.jpg 300w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/kristof-van-rentergem-DUecWjq04hQ-unsplash-768x502.jpg 768w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/kristof-van-rentergem-DUecWjq04hQ-unsplash-1536x1004.jpg 1536w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/kristof-van-rentergem-DUecWjq04hQ-unsplash-2048x1338.jpg 2048w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/kristof-van-rentergem-DUecWjq04hQ-unsplash-665x435.jpg 665w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/kristof-van-rentergem-DUecWjq04hQ-unsplash-398x260.jpg 398w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-coblocks-gallery-collage__item item-5\"><figure class=\"wp-block-coblocks-gallery-collage__figure\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"520\" height=\"686\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Screen-Shot-2020-08-27-at-2.21.27-PM.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-index=\"4\" data-id=\"3922\" data-imglink=\"\" data-link=\"http:\/\/explorewithelisha.azurewebsites.net\/index.php\/a-perfect-day-in-siena-exploring-tuscany\/screen-shot-2020-08-27-at-2-21-27-pm\/\" class=\"wp-image-3922\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Screen-Shot-2020-08-27-at-2.21.27-PM.jpg 520w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Screen-Shot-2020-08-27-at-2.21.27-PM-227x300.jpg 227w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Screen-Shot-2020-08-27-at-2.21.27-PM-197x260.jpg 197w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Using Florence as a home base, it is easy to explore the Tuscan region and get into the smaller medieval towns south of Florence.&nbsp;&nbsp;Siena is known for its old-fashioned brick buildings, the fan-shaped central square, the Gothic town hall and of course, the Torre del Mangia.&nbsp;&nbsp;It is a short bus ride taking the rapida (fast bus), which is non-stop to this mysterious town within 1 hour and 15 minutes.&nbsp;&nbsp;We chose the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.airbnb.ca\/rooms\/plus\/3805230?source_impression_id=p3_1597757472_%2Fa9eKugrqOOslVKC\">AirBnB<\/a>&nbsp;in Florence for its proximity to the bus and train stations (&lt;10 minutes) for quick day trips like these.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Piazza del Campo<\/strong>&nbsp;is at the heart of town and from here you are within walking distance to all the sights and yes, Siena is best discovered on foot.&nbsp;&nbsp;Being in Siena, under the Tuscan sun is something you see in a postcard.&nbsp;&nbsp;When I close my eyes and remember this day, I think of sitting at a restaurant in a cobblestone piazza in the heart of the city, with a plate of pasta and a glass of Tuscan red wine, with the Tuscan sun bathing us and the surrounding historical buildings.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want this view, then you will need to work for it, climbing 400+ steps to the top of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.comune.siena.it\/La-Citta\/Cultura\/Strutture-Museali\/Torre-del-Mangia\">Torre del Mangia<\/a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Not for the faint hearted, but worth every step.&nbsp;&nbsp;Taking in the entirety of this town, you can easily plan your day from up here.&nbsp;&nbsp;Perhaps the black and white cathedral of the Duomo, Basilica Cateriniana San Domenico, Centro Storico di Siena, or the Facciatone which has one of the city\u2019s most panoramic view points.&nbsp;&nbsp;Your sight-seeing list is truly never-ending.&nbsp;&nbsp;From here, you can also visit the Sienna City Hall and the Civic Museum offering a unique history lesson into Italy\u2019s government.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2098-1-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"3928\" data-link=\"http:\/\/explorewithelisha.azurewebsites.net\/index.php\/a-perfect-day-in-siena-exploring-tuscany\/img_2098-1\/\" class=\"wp-image-3928\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2098-1-768x1024.jpg 768w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2098-1-225x300.jpg 225w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2098-1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2098-1-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2098-1-665x887.jpg 665w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2098-1-195x260.jpg 195w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2098-1-750x1000.jpg 750w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2098-1-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/wolfgang-hasselmann-AIIkVZwhiVQ-unsplash-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"3933\" data-full-url=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/wolfgang-hasselmann-AIIkVZwhiVQ-unsplash-scaled.jpg\" data-link=\"http:\/\/explorewithelisha.azurewebsites.net\/index.php\/a-perfect-day-in-siena-exploring-tuscany\/wolfgang-hasselmann-aiikvzwhivq-unsplash\/\" class=\"wp-image-3933\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/wolfgang-hasselmann-AIIkVZwhiVQ-unsplash-683x1024.jpg 683w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/wolfgang-hasselmann-AIIkVZwhiVQ-unsplash-200x300.jpg 200w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/wolfgang-hasselmann-AIIkVZwhiVQ-unsplash-768x1152.jpg 768w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/wolfgang-hasselmann-AIIkVZwhiVQ-unsplash-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/wolfgang-hasselmann-AIIkVZwhiVQ-unsplash-1366x2048.jpg 1366w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/wolfgang-hasselmann-AIIkVZwhiVQ-unsplash-665x997.jpg 665w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/wolfgang-hasselmann-AIIkVZwhiVQ-unsplash-173x260.jpg 173w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/wolfgang-hasselmann-AIIkVZwhiVQ-unsplash-scaled.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2089-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3930\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2089-1024x768.jpg 1024w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2089-300x225.jpg 300w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2089-768x576.jpg 768w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2089-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2089-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2089-665x499.jpg 665w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2089-347x260.jpg 347w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>If Campo is the heart of Siena, then the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/operaduomo.siena.it\/en\/\">Duomo<\/a>&nbsp;is the soul.&nbsp;&nbsp;This basilica is visible for miles and you cannot miss the white and black stripes, which is lavished with statues and mosaics.&nbsp;&nbsp;Taking a tour inside will feel like you\u2019ve entered an art museum with works of Michelangelo, Bernini, and Donatello.&nbsp;&nbsp;Be prepared that there will be lines with so many people!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2101-1-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"3931\" data-link=\"http:\/\/explorewithelisha.azurewebsites.net\/index.php\/a-perfect-day-in-siena-exploring-tuscany\/img_2101-1\/\" class=\"wp-image-3931\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2101-1-768x1024.jpg 768w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2101-1-225x300.jpg 225w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2101-1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2101-1-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2101-1-665x887.jpg 665w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2101-1-195x260.jpg 195w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2101-1-750x1000.jpg 750w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2101-1-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/mateus-campos-felipe-bNVARJMlves-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"3932\" data-full-url=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/mateus-campos-felipe-bNVARJMlves-unsplash-scaled.jpg\" data-link=\"http:\/\/explorewithelisha.azurewebsites.net\/index.php\/a-perfect-day-in-siena-exploring-tuscany\/mateus-campos-felipe-bnvarjmlves-unsplash\/\" class=\"wp-image-3932\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/mateus-campos-felipe-bNVARJMlves-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/mateus-campos-felipe-bNVARJMlves-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/mateus-campos-felipe-bNVARJMlves-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/mateus-campos-felipe-bNVARJMlves-unsplash-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/mateus-campos-felipe-bNVARJMlves-unsplash-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/mateus-campos-felipe-bNVARJMlves-unsplash-665x443.jpg 665w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/mateus-campos-felipe-bNVARJMlves-unsplash-390x260.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Throughout Siena you will find steep lanes and streets that are far from straight making it easy to get lost.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, that\u2019s the beauty of being on vacation &#8211; allowing yourself to get lost without any real rush to be found.&nbsp;&nbsp;This medieval paradise takes on a different vibe as dusk falls, as the street lights offer hues of gold decorating the streets.&nbsp;&nbsp;The best part of Siena is that most of the streets only allow for pedestrians as it is ringed with a medieval wall.&nbsp;&nbsp;This truly allows you to soak in all the beauty without watching for cars.&nbsp;&nbsp;Slowing down, take time to venture in and out of all the specialty shops offering boar prosciutto, divine olive oils &amp; balsamic vinegars, home-made biscotti, and vintage Chianti.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-3 is-cropped\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/ye-zhang-ST-JoXKHv90-unsplash-819x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"3936\" data-link=\"http:\/\/explorewithelisha.azurewebsites.net\/index.php\/a-perfect-day-in-siena-exploring-tuscany\/ye-zhang-st-joxkhv90-unsplash\/\" class=\"wp-image-3936\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/ye-zhang-ST-JoXKHv90-unsplash-819x1024.jpg 819w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/ye-zhang-ST-JoXKHv90-unsplash-240x300.jpg 240w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/ye-zhang-ST-JoXKHv90-unsplash-768x960.jpg 768w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/ye-zhang-ST-JoXKHv90-unsplash-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/ye-zhang-ST-JoXKHv90-unsplash-1638x2048.jpg 1638w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/ye-zhang-ST-JoXKHv90-unsplash-665x831.jpg 665w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/ye-zhang-ST-JoXKHv90-unsplash-208x260.jpg 208w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/ye-zhang-ST-JoXKHv90-unsplash-scaled.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/shurong-li-P4HpQblNIIA-unsplash-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"3938\" data-link=\"http:\/\/explorewithelisha.azurewebsites.net\/index.php\/a-perfect-day-in-siena-exploring-tuscany\/shurong-li-p4hpqblniia-unsplash\/\" class=\"wp-image-3938\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/shurong-li-P4HpQblNIIA-unsplash-683x1024.jpg 683w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/shurong-li-P4HpQblNIIA-unsplash-200x300.jpg 200w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/shurong-li-P4HpQblNIIA-unsplash-768x1152.jpg 768w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/shurong-li-P4HpQblNIIA-unsplash-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/shurong-li-P4HpQblNIIA-unsplash-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/shurong-li-P4HpQblNIIA-unsplash-665x998.jpg 665w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/shurong-li-P4HpQblNIIA-unsplash-173x260.jpg 173w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/shurong-li-P4HpQblNIIA-unsplash-scaled.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2107-2-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"3943\" data-full-url=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2107-2-scaled.jpg\" data-link=\"http:\/\/explorewithelisha.azurewebsites.net\/index.php\/a-perfect-day-in-siena-exploring-tuscany\/img_2107-2\/\" class=\"wp-image-3943\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2107-2-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2107-2-300x300.jpg 300w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2107-2-150x150.jpg 150w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2107-2-768x768.jpg 768w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2107-2-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2107-2-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2107-2-100x100.jpg 100w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2107-2-665x665.jpg 665w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2107-2-260x260.jpg 260w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_2107-2-200x200.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For lunch, I recommend grabbing a table on the patio in the Campo to soak in the sun and views.&nbsp;&nbsp;We grabbed a table on the patio at&nbsp;<strong>Alla Speranza,<\/strong>&nbsp;allowing us to soak in the piazza splendor and some home-made pasta.&nbsp;&nbsp;Trust me though you will pay for the view \u2013 that\u2019s what you get in the heart of the city.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you can get off to one of the side winding alley streets, you will find cheaper prices and quality food perhaps without a terrace or view though.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you are on a budget, you can easily find a pizza for&nbsp;\u20ac5&nbsp;and coffee for under&nbsp;\u20ac2&nbsp;on the side streets.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For dinner, consider&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/zestsiena.com\/en\/\">Zest<\/a>&nbsp;\u2013 Siena\u2019s hidden secret.&nbsp;&nbsp;It\u2019s the perfect spot offering views of the cathedral across the valley.&nbsp;&nbsp;My type of place, sipping fine wine and sharing small plates with the one you love.&nbsp;&nbsp;Could an evening really be any better than this?&nbsp;&nbsp;We recommend the savoury tart filled with leek, Gorgonzola cheese and caramelized onions along with the selection of daily appetizers &amp; Tuscan cold meats.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pair that with a mouth-watering Chianti red and you will want to linger longer in the twilight of this magical moment.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Prior to leaving, we stumbled across a winter Christmas market offering unique food vendors, artisans and a skating rink in the heart of the market.&nbsp;&nbsp;We toured the market like locals and decided to lace up some skates, making it feel more like a Canadian winter in Italy.&nbsp;&nbsp;A fun surprise to end the day.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>December, 2018 Using Florence as a home base, it is easy to explore the Tuscan region and get into the smaller medieval towns south of Florence.&nbsp;&nbsp;Siena is known for its old-fashioned brick buildings, the fan-shaped central square, the Gothic town hall and of course, the Torre del Mangia.&nbsp;&nbsp;It is a short bus ride taking the 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