We are beginning to plan a trip for late April-early May 2017. Usually AirBnB when we travel, but not necessarily. We'd like suggestions about locations. We are walkers and enjoy getting by on foot as much as possible while in Rome. A nice town well-located in Tuscany that has nice local markets and restaurants, not too touristy. We'll have a car after leaving Rome. We've been to Florence twice so no need to return there for now. Thanks for suggestions.
Posted by
Northeast Ohio, USA
683 posts
If you google "hiking tuscany," you'll find a number of helpful websites, and the same search on Amazon will turn up several books. Here are a couple of the books from Amazon:
FWIW wife and I will be staying in San Quirico d'Orcia for a few days this summer, and there are hikes all over that area. But, from searching for a small-town home base, I have the impression that it is hard to go wrong no matter where you stay.
Posted by
1172 posts
I am just looking at booking an apartment in Rome right now. Like you, we enjoy walking everywhere. I am looking at both Trastevere and the Pantheon neighbourhoods. Trastevere seems to be a little further out and therefore cheaper but still walkable to all major sites. According to RS, the Pantheon neighbourhood is the place to be.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15144 posts
Try Colle Val D'Elsa or nearby. Not very touristy, yet quaint and beautiful. The location is the best in Tuscany for day trips, right along the Siena Florence freeway and at the crossroads of highways to Volterra, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, Alta Val D'Elsa, Chianti hills (Castellina) as well.
Nearby Poggibonsi is a bit bigger and probably offers more in terms of shops, stores, etc. but I think Colle is prettier
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11301 posts
In Rome, I suggest either Prati, near the Vatican, which is not as touristy as you might think and very easy to walk to the historical center. Also well-connected via tram, bus, and Metro. There are MANY apartments on VRBO.com in Prati and restaurant choices that tend to be patronized more by Italians who live in the area than tourists. I can highly recommend SiciliainBocca, BTW.
Otherwise, in Rome, consider the Pantheon/Piazza Navona/Campo dei Fiori area for a great location for walkers. Stayed there twice when traveling and it is indeed atmospheric. We are not big fans of Trastevere. It is atmospheric but has become too popular, too crowded, and the restaurants, with few exceptions, mediocre. That overwhelms the charm, IMO.