Hello! After attending a 1-week workshop near Orvieto in late June, I will have 5 full days before I fly out of Rome to come home. I'm up for anything! The last time I was in Italy was 1998 and I've never been to Umbria so I'm wondering where I should explore. That being said, I would love to explore Rome again, maybe visit Siena (never been) or should I go farther away and check out Pompeii/Naples? I won't have a car and don't want to pack too much in.
Thanks for anyone's 2-cents!
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11346 posts
Hi Patty.
I am in the less-is-more camp, so I'd say pick one area for 5 days (is that 6 nights?). I adore Rome so I don't think you can go wrong there. You can take a LONG daytrip to Pompeii if you have 5 or 6 nights in Rome. The same amount of time makes Tuscany a nice option, too. You could base in Siena and explore via bus and train.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Well, that all depends. What are your interests? What did you enjoy your last time to Italy?
Posted by
Texan in CA
4407 posts
Or, keep it simple and just 'do' Orvieto, Assisi, and Rome. Otherwise, you're spending alot of time on trains and buses...You want to keep your moving around to a minimum.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32219 posts
Patty, I'd forget Naples and Pompeii on this trip, as the travel times will use more of the short time you have available. Plan to visit the Amalfi coast on a future trip when you can see spend some time and enjoy it. Where will you be staying "near Orvieto"? Will that allow you to explore this wonderful Umbrian hill town? While there you might also want to take a day trip to one of Rick's favourite hill towns, Civita di Bagnoregio (as you have to travel by Bus from Orvieto, it will take at least half a day, and probably a bit longer). You'll have to decide whether you want to spend one day of your trip on that. As you only have five days, the most practical suggestion would be to spend two days in Siena and the balance in Rome. Buon Viaggio!
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
I vote for Tuscany. less travel from Orvieto and lots to see by public bus. Stay in Siena and bus out to the hilltop villages enjoy. otherwise you could spend over a day just in travel from Orvieto to... A waste of precious 5 days.
I spent 4 days in and around Siena and thought it was just right.
Posted by
OP
Alameda, CA, United States
6 posts
All these tips are perfect....thank you! I'm liking the idea of staying 2-3 days in Sienna and the rest in Rome. Ken - I will be staying at Citta Della Pieve and I will be checking out Orvieto during the class I'll be taking, so I'll at least get a little taste. Thanks everyone for helping me plan my trip!