Florence to Radda and back
 

The mission: while in Florence, visit a friend in Radda for 4-6 hours on a upcoming Saturday afternoon/evening. The options (as I know them):

1) Rent a car. Looks like about 80 Euros w/ gas. I've never driven in Italy, but I have driven in Manhattan, so I'm not too timid, and I can drive a stick shift.

2) Taxi. Looks like it might be 200-220 Euros, RT. I'm concerned about the return trip. What if a pre-arranged taxi doesn't show up at 8 pm or so? Being stuck in Radda for the night would be a problem.

3) Bus. I've seen references to a bus that runs this route, but I don't have any information on it.

Does anyone with experience in Tuscany have any thoughts on this? Thanks in advance for your time.

Renting a car may be your best option. Have you tried AutoEurope? We have a great deal for next week in Florence with them. (Avis)

Sita has a bus #7 that goes to Radda, probably right from the train station in Florence. Here is the site

http://www.sita-on-line.it/HomePage.htm

On the left, select Toscana, then select Chi Siamo, then #7 nella provincia di siena

I'll let you find the rest and translate the timetable. ;)

Chgo, thanks very much for the info. I had been to that site previously, but I was confused. It looks like route 7 runs from Florence to Radda and back, but I couldn't figure out anything more than that. Best I can tell, the timetables on the site are for different, local routes.

I have driven a couple of times. No big problems, of small ones. I'd recommend to autoroute down toward Sienna,and then turn east. It will take a lot longer than you can possibly believe.

The roads in Chianti country are really crooked and narrow. They are also full of bikers,hikers, and tour busses. I have never done the direct route, straight north and south.

Getting back into central Florence can be a problem. Seems only the locals are allowed. Also, every street seems to be one way, and they are switched in direction at frequent intervals. Unless you are going to an obvious landmark, finding your way is not trivial.

Your best bet there may be to pop into the train station while your are in Florence, and see if a SITA agent there can help with the times for the bus.

As Slawecki said in his note, driving back in can be a chore. There are several threads on Fodor's and Slow Trav about driving in Florence. We opted for the Porta Romana route via Galuzzo. Michellin has (in my opinion) the best maps, but Mappy.com has the best verbal directions.

Don't plan on travelling on May 20-21st! Strike planned. (see my other note/thread here)

Renting a car is off the table
 

Ok, folks -- I'm not renting a car. Traffic restrictions in Florence and tricky mountain roads are not worth the hassle, especially after enjoying some of Tuscany's fine wines!

It's down to either the bus, taxi or a driver arranged through my hotel. I've sent an email to the conceirge at the Hotel Savoy in Florence asking for info. on these options. I think my limit is 250 euros. Pricey, yes, but it would be fun to hang out with my friend, who by coincidence will be in Radda.

I'm very grateful for your thoughts on this, ChgoBob and slawecki.