will be in Italy next week, (2 adults + 9 & 11 year old) and between Florence and Rome wanted to spend 2 nights in a quieter town- to relax a bit... see slow side of italy, and enjoy a nice place.
Any suggestions? (Orvieto? Sienna? Montepulciano? Lucca? Any other place?) Also will NOT have a car- bus or train only.
thanks!
Brian
I'd suggest in order of preference based on the fact that you won't have a car and that you want a place to "relax a bit": 1) Orvieto, 2) Siena, 3 Montepulciano, 4) Lucca.
Orvieto is great, a perfect destination for 2 days, and an easy train ride to Rome when you're ready to go there. Siena is great to but a little larger than Orvieto. I really like Montepulciano but it's not as easy without a car. Lucca is my least favorite.
Orvieto would be the most convenient choice, and is also a great one. It's a true hill town, with just enough to do during a relaxed 2 day stay. Montepulciano, another true hill town, would be my 2nd choice only because it requires a bus ride from Chiusi train station and has fewer things do. If you decide on Montepulciano, Meuble il Riccio is a great place to stay and the nearby Osteria del Conte restaurant can't be beat (ask hotel to make reservations).
Another vote for Orvieto!
I think the kids would like Orvieto more than Montepulciano and it's much easier to get to. Fun little farmers market. We like RS La Magnolia. It's simple but great central location, very reasonable with a small apartment in the back so you all can stretch out a bit. www.bblamagnolia.it.
I also would suggest going to Orvieto.Then on day 2 take the bus to Civita di Bagnoregio. Civita is a neat little town on top of a hill.
brian,
I'd also recommend Orvieto, for a number of reasons. It's a wonderful smaller hill town, the Duomo is beautiful (especially the ceiling frescoes on the room at the end), and the children might enjoy having a look at an ancient engineering marvel, St. Patrick's Well.
As someone else mentioned, you could also take a day trip to Civita di Bagnoregio, which might be kind of an "adventure" for all of you (be sure you check the timing of the last Bus to Orvieto, as it's a LONG way back!).
Siena would also be a good choice. It's a bit larger than Orvieto, and would be a bit closer to Florence. If you choose Siena, you might consider taking the Bus to Florence, as it departs from the centre of town (as opposed to the bottom of the hill where the rail station is located), the travel time is not much different, and it stops in Florence right next to Firenze S.M.N. rail station (very convenient location).
Happy travels!
