We are trying to figure out where a good base would be for the "Tuscany/Umbria" leg of our trip. We've been to a lot of the hilltowns toward the south (Montepulciano, Montalcino, Volterra, Siena), so would prefer to be based elsewhere. We loved these hill towns and the different character they had. We'll be coming from Cinque Terre, and have a car. We will have about 6 days or so. We'd prefer to have one spot to base out of. We'd like to see Civita di Bagnoregio one of the days. Some info that may help: If you've read mr_go's posts, we are similar in style... I navigate, my husband drives. We like wine, good food, and taking in the culture. We like meandering and exploring over arranged tours. Both of us like to walk and hike and are fairly active. We don't want to necessarily "hike" every day, but don't mind full days of walking. We've seen Pisa and don't feel the need to see it again. Thanks so much for all your help!
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, United States
174 posts
We loved Spoleto when we stayed there for three days a couple of years ago. Lots of hill climbing inside the town to work off the food, and it's a lovely place. Ate at Ristorante Pentagramma one night for superb food.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32249 posts
Billie, Given the fact you want to visit Civita di Bagnoregio, have you considered using Orvieto as a base? It's a beautiful Umbrian hill town with an interesting history and a spectacular Duomo. Be sure to visit the part with the Signorelli frescoes on the ceiling. As you'll have a car, you could also visit other towns in that area, perhaps Cortona or Viterbo. Happy travels!
Posted by
Lansing, KS, United States
7 posts
In Tuscany, we stayed at the Hotel San Lachese in Poggibonsi. A wonderful place and convenient to visiting Florence, Sienna, SAn Giamignano, etc. Stayed in Assissi in Umbria. If you get a chance a a visit to San Marino would be highly recommended. It's a fairy tale type place on a mountain top. We stayed at the Hotel Titano there.
Posted by
OP
Northwest
12 posts
Thank you all for your help. We've found a good base just south of Florence that looks like it will meet all of our needs. It seems to be quite central to all the places we want to see, and we love to drive and see the countryside, so even the places that are a bit of a distance will be fine. Rick - San Marino looks beautiful and right up our alley! You've all given me food for thought regarding other places to visit that we didn't see on our first trip to Italy. Thank you so much!