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Florence to Rome - itinerary advice

We are traveling for 8 days in Italy in mid-March. Wanting advice on our itinerary for a family with kids aged 4 and 6. Would 1 1/2 days in Florence, then driving south to San Gimignano, Siena, Val d'Orcia and onward to Rome be too much? Or should we prioritize Lucca and Pisa? Also, would you suggest both San Gimignano and Siena or just one? Thanks!! Finally, any recommendations on an agritourismo that you enjoyed?

Posted by
17 posts

If you're heading to Rome anyway then I'd take Siena and San Gimignano over Lucca and Pisa.

You can easily drive to San Gimignano from Florence - the kids might enjoy climbing the tower (or might not - the 4 year old might find it hard going!). But in both San Gimignano and in Siena the city centres are pedestrianised so the kids can run around.

The drive down from Siena to Rome is fun too - you could visit Bagno Vignoni for the steaming hot pool in the town square, perhaps a little village like Castiglion d'Orcia for the steepness and fortifications. Montalcino is always worth a visit, as is Pienza.

Further south you go past Mont'Amiata, a dormant volcano. If you fancy driving all the way to the top there is a little restaurant there - and great views.

Then you'll go past Lake Bolsena - the cathedral (or church, I can't remember) dedicated to Santa Caterina has catacombs - easier to visit and less crowded than the ones in Rome ..

It will be a great trip!

Posted by
2097 posts

Would 1 1/2 days in Florence, then driving south to San Gimignano, Siena, Val d'Orcia and onward to Rome be too much?
If you are planning to use the other 1/2 day of your 1 1/2 days for the drive to Rome, yes, this would be too much. The drive is nearly 4 hours when most of the trip is on the Autostrada. If you want to ramble and see anything, then you'll need at least a long full day.

If you want to attempt doing it in a day, then you need to head straight south instead of toward San Gimignano. Pisa and Lucca are almost due west. San Gimignano/Volterra are a full day. Lucca is a full day. To do it justice, Siena is at least a full day (3-4 would be better).

If you can swing a full day to go from Florence to Rome, then driving the Chiantigiana would be a good choice. There are a number of charming towns on the way, including Greve, Radda and Castellina. To do it in a day, you couldn't dally more than 30 minutes to an hour in just a few. I wouldn't even try to go into the walled part of Siena if you plan to arrive in Rome before midnight.

Posted by
5953 posts

OP asked about agriturismos so I assume has a few nights to stay in Tuscany?

Posted by
2097 posts

Thanks Christine. I missed that part.

OP, where in Tuscany and for how long do you want to stay? I'd check into something near Siena.

Posted by
2 posts

Thanks for all the feedback, I appreciate the tips on a few spots to check out!! Just to clarify, yes, we fly in to Florence and out of Rome and have 7 full days to travel in this region. Was thinking Florence (2days), Tuscany (3 days) and Rome (2 days). In Tuscany, thought an agritourismo near Siena would be nice. Trying to decide on what to explore en route/day trips in Tuscany. San Gimignano, Siena, Val d'Orcia, hot springs, family cooking class were some ideas.

Posted by
86 posts

Safiremtb,
We went to Montepulciano this past fall, I thought it was just delightful. Not far from Siena, it's also near the Val d'Orcia, and while it was hilly, I loved walking from the gate at the Northern end up to the Piazza Communale. Well worth at least a half day, and great shopping. Check it out in RS Italy book.