On my 5th trip Italy I will be on my own, exploring sites I have missed. Would love comments on plans.
Someone once said it was easier to do the Florence, Assisi and Siena from south to north, but cannot remember why.
I am aware of the train connection(or lack of) but still unclear why direction make a difference.
My tentative itinerary- recommend late September or middle of October?
Direct flight to Rome connect to Naples to Sorrento by train.
One week including day trips and hikes, Pompeii, Ravello, Amalfi, Positano,
1 nite on Capri,
Ferry to Naples, train to Siena
2 nites,
train to Assisi, one nite,
Train to Florence
Your recommendation- we enjoy art but there might be too much for us there!
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8124 posts
Assissi is southeast of Siena and northeast of Rome. You'd do best to catch it as you leave Rome.
Your train to Siena will probably require a transfer in Florence. Many people go there by bus because they drop you in the center of the city--not on the outskirts.
Posted by
Washington DC
27053 posts
One issue I see is that the train routings from Siena to Assisi at times attractive to tourists take at least 5 hours. You're not going to have a great deal of time in Assisi on your arrival day. You might opt to spend part of the next day in Assisi and head to Florence mid-afternoon or later. I thought Assisi was lovely just for walking around. It's quite hilly, which can slow one down.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15140 posts
Given the dearth of transportation options between Assisi and Siena (or vice versa), assuming you go back to Rome after Tuscany/Umbria, the best itinerary is probably:
NAPOLI to ASSISI (train)
ASSISI to FLORENCE (train)
FLORENCE to SIENA (bus)
SIENA to ROME (bus)