We're considering a 2-night stop when we travel by train from Florence to Rome. On this trip we will mostly be staying in the major cities, so we thought it would be nice to spend 2 nights in a smaller town. It has to be on the rail line as we'll be traveling by train.
I considered Arezzo, but it doesn't look like there is really very much charm there. Any other suggestions? For example, would Orvieto be better?
Orvieto would be a very good choice. Right on the rail system, cute small charming town, great wine and food.
Orvieto.
I also recommend Charlie's Pizzaria. It's a nice sit down restaurant popular with the locals.
I'll second Orvieto. My wife and I were there two weeks ago. There is quite a lot to do for a small town. The train station is below the town but a funicular ride and the shuttle will take you to Duomo Square. Everything will be in walking distance. If you're spending two nights, a side trip by bus to Civita is worth it. If you're looking for a place to stay, check out B&B La Soffitta e La Torre. We stayed there and loved it.
Personally I loved Arezzo. Not sure what a definition of "charm" is..opinions vary I am sure.
But Orvieto is wonderful...have been there many times. Easy return to Rome for departure flight.
Orvieto is a great stop, I was there was a couple of nights on a solo trip in fall 2016. Going down the well, the tour of the underground, and the cathedral all make for a great visit. (Rick has a video you can probably find on YouTube). Never been to Arezzo, but looking at the Google images it looks great too.
Orvieto. Gorgeous views over the surrounding valley.
We stayed in Assisi - fantastic !
Orvieto was one of my favorite towns on our Village Italy tour. I especially enjoyed our picnic in the park that overlooks the countryside.
We stayed a week in Arezzo...but I'd pick Orvieto as you are correct Arezzo is not a charming place -
Thanks, all! This is great information!
Perugia, Orvieto, and Arezzo are all good choices. I spent three nights in Orvieto several years ago and decided it was two nights too many. It is a nice destination, but almost everything closes at 9pm.
I would select Perugia.
Buon viaggio,
Not sure why the negatives about Arezzo. The center of the city is a ten minute walk from the train station, there are 2 excellent museums, Piazza Grande with the loggia designed by Vasari, outstanding Pierro della Francesca frescoes in San Francesco church and in the duomo. The staff in the tourist office (the official tourist offices, not the commercial one) are extremely helpful. And there are excellent restaurants with typical Tuscan food. On the fast train it is just slightly more than an hour to Rome.
My experience has been that Americans discount Arezzo as a destination while Italians view it much more favorably as a place to visit.
Thanks, lizth, I really appreciate your perspective. I will give Arezzo a second look with your advice in mind!
