We will be leaving Florence after a Rick Steve’s Tour. We are looking for a lovely spot to stay for 3-4 days before needing to get to the airport in Rome. We will be traveling by bus or train. I considered Orveito as it seems so easy, but I am sure the forum has many other possibilities! Advice Is welcomed. Thank you!
Will you definitely have a car, definitely not have a car, or are you open to either option?
Assisi!!! When are you going? It might be a bit crowded during the mid-day with tourists (off of buses), but the evenings are magical, or should I say inspirational. From there it is easy to get to Spello and Perugia among others. I'm there for 2 weeks every year as part of a music festival. The place cleanses the mind and heart. It is filled to the rim with medieval art, ancient Roman structures, Etruscan ruins, amazing vistas and wonderful Umbrian slow-cooking food. Oh yes, very good local wines and olive oil! You want to stay on the Piazza Comune level (near the church of Santa Chiara and Santa Maria Sopra Minerva).
Thank you ! Great ideas! We will be there late July. Not planning on a car unless we really have to.
Siena is a great place to stay. Take day trips by bus to neighboring villages is very easy. Bus to Pienza, Montepulciano, San Gimignano.
Orvieto would be good for a couple of nights.
We are planning a week in Umbria, staying in Perugia. Assisi, Spoleto and more in Umbria.
If you decide on Siena, these towns are easily accessible by bus and train. Some towns I've combined with others. (B=bus, T=train)
Siena-Colle di Val d'Elsa ( B 30m)-San Gimignano (B 35m)-Siena (T 1H05m)
Siena-Montereggioni (B 18m)-Castellina in Chianti (B 30m)
Siena-Radda in Chianti (B 55m)
Siena-Buonconvento (T 28m)-Monteroni d'Arbia
(T 12m)-Siena
Siena-Rapolano Terme (T 37m)-Asciano Mont Oliveto (T 10m)-Siena (T 26m)
Siena-Sinalunga (T 53m)
Siena-San Quirico d' Orcia (B 50m)
Siena-Pienza ( B 1H05m)
Siena-Certaldo (T 39m)
Siena-Pisa (T 1H46m)
Even if you decide on 1 hilltown a day, there's plenty to do. Look at the towns to see what interest you.
Be sure to check return times by bus carefully.