Hi, my wife and I are traveling to Italy this spring. We fly into Rome, and out of Milan, and have 12 days in between to make our way north. We've both been to Italy before but have not experienced Tuscany or Lake Como, so want to spend at least 3 days in each of those. We'd also like to spend 2 days in Florence. We don't need to see Rome as we've seen it. What are your thoughts about Orvieto, Siena, and then other towns in Tuscany, before Florence and Lake Como? We will have no car, so just relying on trains and buses. Thanks for any help you can give... Suggestions for places to stay (specific inns, b&b's, etc) appreciated as well.
Posted by
Alachua, FL, USA
238 posts
Personally I love Siena. Some find it boring but I find it very interesting yet also peaceful. You can walk to the bus station to take day trips to other Tuscan towns.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32201 posts
Nathan, The basic route you outlined would be a good one to consider. For example.... > Flight to Rome - take train to Orvieto - 3 days > Train or Bus to Siena - 3 days > Bus to Florence - 3 days > Train to Lago di Como (Varenna) - 3 days > Train to Milan for flight home The time in each location won't be a full 3 days, as that includes travel times. Three days in Orvieto might be a good idea, as that will not only allow some time to recover from jet lag, but also a day trip to Civita di Bagnoregio (one of Rick's favourite hill towns). Depending on what time you book your flight from Milan, you could perhaps travel directly to MXP from Varenna, which would save going to Milan for one night. Happy travels!
Posted by
Toledo
653 posts
Nathan, I've used Florence or Siena as a base and daytripped to Montepulciano, Montalcino, and other places in Tuscany. All are accessible by train and/or bus, although the bus will probably you closer to the center of the city. Monteriggione is an interesting little walled town near Siena. I've stayed at Hotel Medici in Florence most recently, and it was a bargain! About two blocks from the Duomo with a rooftop terrace that has almost 360-degree views of the city - close enough to see people climbing the bell tower of the Duomo! It's not a long walk from the train station, but it is cobblestones all the way. Everything in Florence is in a compact area. Other towns near enough: San Gimignano, Cortona, Arezzo, Todi, Assisi...do you have any particular interests?
Posted by
Land of La
8660 posts
Casa Rovai in Florence and if you decide to explore Venice as well this is a wonderful apartment located on the east end of the island. http://www.dreamofvenice.com/ One word of caution though the stairs are steep. Like the trail to the Griffith Observatory from Ferndale. Pack light.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Boy, aren't you the lucky one?! It's hard to go wrong with the places you're considering. Here's one vote for Orvieto. We were there this past May and absolutely loved it. Here's a link to some of the photos and video clips of Orvieto that I took while there. Lake Como is beautiful and Siena is also great. You're going to have WAAAAY too many wonderful choices to pick from. Don't torture yourself too much with trying to find the "perfect" place. (I assume you have a recent RS Italy book so you can read up on these places as well, right?) Happy travels.