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Best hikes and "stay over" towns in Tuscany and Umbria...

Posted by (Northern California) on

My girlfriend and I will most of April visiting the northern half of Italy. Many Thank You's to the various people here who've shared their knowledge so graciously.

Our plan is to spend our first 12-14 days in Venice, Florence, the CT and Lucca. After that we'll rent a car and explore towns in Tuscany and Umbria. The ones I have in mind after reading the forum are Sienna, Montepulciano, San Gimignano, Volterra and Monticiano, followed by Perugia, Assisi and Orvieto. (We'll return car in Orvieto, and take a train into Rome for flight to Madrid and next chapter...)

I'd like to base out of 1-2 locations and do day trips, so we minimize "one-night" stands. At the same time, I'm sure some of these towns are especially enjoyable in the evenings and mornings, when locals outnumber the tourists.

So..which 2-3 towns would make your "stay over" list, and why?

Also, can you suggest any places that offer particularly good hiking or biking options? I know the region is hilly. Looking for hiking trails to great overlooks, or places to ride with minimal traffic.

Thanks again!

Posted by
11852 posts

So many places so little time! You are right to limit yourself to a couple of bases. We loved Montalcino. Cute, peaceful, scenic, great food. Try Ristorante Grappolo Blu. We hiked from there to the Abbey at Sant'Antimo and took a bus back after lunch in a local trattoria. I found the hike in a book called "Walking and Eating in Tuscany & Umbria," but if you choose to go, talk to locals about the best way to start as the trail had changed a bit since the book was published. (N.B. - Unless there is a new version of the book out.)

The Assisi area also has some great hikes (same book).

No matter where you choose: April is busy. With Easter in the middle you need to make reservations ASAP. Ask locally about hikes. The TI can be very helpful, too. Have a good map/guidebook, carry water, be prepared for "ungroomed" trails.

There are many hiking books for Italy -- I own half of them I am sure! You might buy a couple thru Amazon.com and peruse the options, ideas.

Posted by
11613 posts

One easy hike is from Assisi to Spello. In Assisi (a good base) be sure to go to Rocca Maggiore just above the town for great views. Also consider Arezzo and Gubbio.

Three years ago my friends and I based in Siena and Assisi and visited all the places you (and I) mentioned except Perugia (there was a trial going on at the time).

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