I'm going to Italy for my honeymoon in a month. I'm finishing the trip planning and wanted some help. I have 5 nights in Vernazza (time to unwind from the wedding) and end with 4 nights in Rome. In the middle I have 4 nights and I'm not sure where to go. The obvious answer is Florence/Siena but I value culture and walking around more than museums and the same is true of my fiance. The honeymoon is actually a surprise (the destination not that we're taking one). What thoughts do people have? I should say that I've been to both Siena and Florence and enjoyed them both, but maybe I should do something different this time.
Posted by
In the Mountains, USA
689 posts
We didn't visit a museum in Florence until our second visit.
Is a car an option? If so, pick a hill town - and an agriturismo. Explore all around your base town!
Safe Travels.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
27 posts
We have similar plans. I'm going to Italy in early July and will be in Vernazza for 4 nights.
For Tuscan hill towns, there are lots of good options like Volterra and Montepulciano. In Umbria good options are Orvieto and Civita di Bagnoregio. All of these are small, walled medieval cities.
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1003 posts
i'm not a museum person at all. I have skipped most of Florence's museums though I have spent a total of 10 or so days there. Just wandering around is my favorite thing to do there. Don't skip Florence just because you're not interested in museums. The food is great, as is the gelato, the people are friendly, the shopping is fabulous, the scenery is beautiful, and I could go on and on. You shouldn't go anywhere just to say you've been there, you should go where you want, but I would hate to see you miss my personal favorite city in the world just because you think it's just a museum city.
Posted by
Fort Lauderdale, FL
1241 posts
I agree with others - Orvieto, and Civita are awesome. If you stay in Orvieto, you can take a day trip to Civita, or you can stay in both places for 2 days each. I have stayed in both and loved it! I,too, prefer small towns and culture.
Vernazza is my favorite-been there 4 times!!
Feel free to message me!
Posted by
Richmond, Ky, USA
278 posts
For our 25th anniversary, we spent time in CT, and then rented a car and spent 6 great days in Montepulciano doing day trips out to every town we could get to. No itenerary, no schedule, just enjoying Tuscany and each other. We have never enjoyed a trip as much, or enjoyed our time together. No stress, just fun. Enjoy, Jeff
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
With a car, using Montalcino, Pienza or Montepulciano as a 4-night base to explore rural Tuscany would be a great option. Pick up the car at La Spezia or Pisa airport and drop it off at Chiusi or Orvieto, using trains for the rest of the trip. Without a car, you might consider spending 2 nights in Volterra and 2 nights in Orvieto. Both are smaller hill towns that offer adequate non-museum options, although each has a couple of good museums if the temptation hits. Getting to Volterra involves a bus - best from Pontedera going to Volterra (no change) and to Florence on the way back (one change at Colle Val d'Elsa).
Posted by
Sun City Center, FL, United States
49 posts
Wow. I can't believe no one has suggested Venice.