Our group of two families (4 adults, 6 kids) is traveling to Italy in late October. We are flying into Rome, spending 3 nights, then going to Tuscany for a Sat-toSat stay in a villa. During our week in Tuscany, we hope to take day trips to Florence, Pisa, and whatever hill towns strike our fancy. We are currently considering an agriturismo, Fattoria Il Lago, outside Florence. I'm concerned, however, about the practicality of staying so far from Rome when we are flying in/out of that city. Car rental prices are scaring me, too! I'm hoping that the seasoned travelers on this board will have some suggestions for lodging, perhaps within walking distance of transportation so we don't have to rent a car for the entire stay in Tuscany. Also, is it reasonable to think we can make it back to Rome from Florence easily on the day of our departure? Thanks in advance!
Posted by
Carbondale, IL, USA
1201 posts
I would not try to get from Florence to the aiport in rome on departure day. consider flying into Florence or Pisa and out of Rome or vice Versa. If you are locked into a Rome/Rome Arrival/departure, then arrange you trip so that you go to your farthest point on arrival and then leave Rome for the end of your trip.
Posted by
Chico, California, US
59 posts
In Sept 2006 my wife and I stayed in a villa with two other couples for a week only 20 or so miles from the agriturismo you are considering (we stayed near the town of Scarperia). We rented a van, and had no problems with day trips to Pisa in the west, Assisi in the east, and the obvious towns and cities in between (Florence, Siena, etc). We really enjoyed the week. But we all fit into one van, and the cost of renting the van (plus the gas) was far cheaper than train tickets for six adults. My general impression in researching villas was that the nicest ones with enough room for all of us were not within easy walking distance of a train station. In one week, we only encountered one stop-and-go traffic jam. However, with 12 people total I'm assuming you will have to rent at least two cars/vans. Trying to stay together on your drives will be a challenge (especially driving into Florance and Pisa, and looking for parking). But I guess you could just agree to meet at your destination at some stated time, and hope neither one of you gets lost. And I definitely emphasize what was said above: do not try to drive to
Rome on the day of your flight!
Posted by
winston salem, nc, usa
1078 posts
If you are thinking of an Agriturismo, you had better check if it is open in late October. We toured Tuscany in early November of last year and noticed most were already shut for the winter.