Hello, my wife and I had an amazing trip to Italy in the Spring of 2016 and are planning a return next Spring. Last time we flew into Rome and went north to Florence, the Cinque Terre, Sienna, Pisa, and a few of the hill towns in Tuscany. This time we are flying into Venice for 4 nights, then one day/night in Padua (skipping Verona) mainly because to catch the morning train the next day to Assisi. We'll do 2 nights in Assisi and then rent a car and spend 4 nights in a Air BNB in Umbria hopefully near Cortona and some of the other towns in that area. Then drive to Orvieto for a few days (with a side trip to Civita) before ending in Rome for 2 nights. I'm a little worried that our plans aren't as varied as the first trip (no big cities, no beaches) or that we're passing over some must-see spots. Neither Milan or Bologna sounded all that appealing and heading South to Naples seemed to ambitious. We're really about scenery, history, wine, and food. Any advice or suggestions would be great. Thanks!
Posted by
Portland, Oregon
5687 posts
I think anyone "about" food would not regret a stop in Bologna, long enough for a meal, at least. I didn't find it a particularly charming town, but the food is amazing.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon, United States
907 posts
I like Umbria. Perugia is a University city and has really good chocolate! Montebello, near Assisi, is a cute town on the sagrantino wine trail. Carsulae are little visited Roman ruins between Montefalco and Terni. Spoleto is a great place to visit with a spectacular castle and bridge. Terni has a huge waterfall that they turn on and off during the day called Marmore. Deruta has the classic ceramics you see everywhere around the world. You could visit the recent earthquake sites to get a feel for the geography of the mountains.
I don't think you have to worry too much about a varied trip.
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
If you really want to head south to Naples and the Amalfi Coast, it's a short 1 hour 15 minute flight from Venice - Napoli. Use the budget carrier.
Flights should be less than 50 Euro p/p. If purchased early enough.
Plan on 5 nights here to truly enjoy the area.
From there head to Orvieto, 3+ hours, then back to Rome. 1H17m.
Posted by
Shawnee, OK, USA
396 posts
I agree with your assessment of Milan. But, I love Bologna. The food is fantastic...lots to see and do. A university city with a great night life. Some things we enjoyed were: climbing one of the towers...great views of the city, San Petrino church, Neptune fountain, bus tour or city. Just walking all the covered porticos was fun. Give it a chance. You won't regret it.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11840 posts
I think it is a nice itinerary with the exception of so little time in Roma. But if youòve had enough time there, prior, perhaps it is enough. I love that you are devoting 4 nights to Venice.
If you decide to go south -- and I agree it is a stretch -- something has to go. Perhaps skip Orvieto and Rome in favor of the south. Umbria is lovely so do not skip that!
Posted by
OP
33 posts
Thanks for all the helpful info, everyone. Naples is tempting, but I think we'll stick with the plan. But maybe a stop in Bologna for a meal could be an option....
Posted by
Pullman, WA, USA
77 posts
Looks like you have a pretty solid trip. There are some wonderful places to stay in Umbria. Fall 2016 we stayed in a lovely castle near Gubbio that offered horseback riding through the Umbrian countryside, it was breathtakingly beautiful. We also went truffle hunting - arranged by the castle - followed by a full truffle dinner, all for a very affordable price. I second the recommendation to see Montefalco, especially since you like wine (though the food was great too!), we had an amazing 1 day there. Take a few minutes to research the food of Bologna and you may just change your mind about that destination. I also applaud your 4 days in Venice, great choice.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15798 posts
I liked Bologna much better and especially Verona much better than Padua. You could leave Venice early, spend the day in Verona (luggage storage at the train station), then train to Bologna overnight - if you only have one night. Bologna is a good base to take day trips by train - Ravenna, Ferrara, Modena, even Padua.
But first - are you sure you can rent a car in Assisi and return it in Orvieto (or anywhere else)? I don't think there are any major rental agencies there. You don't need a car in Orvieto itself and it's an easy train trip to Rome. It may be easier to get to Assisi with a car.