We are visiting friends in Fabriano and will have a "free" day. Would like to go to one of the Umbrian hill towns, but have been scared silly about car rental and driving in Italy by Ricks transportation section in the back of the guidebook. I am having trouble deciphering the regional train/bus info. Does anyone know about transportation options in this area (preferably train) and a destination that would make a somewhat short day (leaving Fabriano between 8 and 9 and returning by 20:00) do-able? Cortona, Puglia, Arezzo, Montepulciano??
Posted by
Washington DC
28450 posts
I don't think any of the places you mention is really easy enough to reach by train to be a good day-trip. Puglia is way, way out of bounds; perhaps you're thinking of a different place? Arezzo is the closest of your four, but the best morning train routing would still take 2 hr. 38 min.
I'd suggest Assisi, which is lovely, and can be reached in a bit over an hour by train, changing in Foligno, if you select the right departure. Spoleto, Spello and Perugia (a larger city) don't require changing trains.
The hill town of Gubbio is geographically closer but would require a short train trip to Fossato di Vico Stazione, then a bus the rest of the way. You'd need to check to see how well those schedules mesh.
Day of week is critical when checking schedules. And watch out for holidays, too.
Trenitalia for rail schedules.
Busitalia Nord for bus schedules. (052 is the best one for Gubbio.)
Posted by
OP
19 posts
Ah, yes, acraven, I meant perugia, not puglia! Thanks for the ideas...it looks like that could work...Assisi. I have been there, but my travel buddy has not, so it will be fun. Had the best fresh artichokes in a cafe there, and our first boar bolognese on the piazza! YUM!!!
Posted by
Washington DC
28450 posts
I have no idea why I didn't figure out that you meant Perugia!
Posted by
OP
19 posts
Nope! The boar was in San Gimingano. It was still delicious, though!