It may be a little early, but since i'm using miles i need to book early. Thinking about a 10 day (give or take) trip to Italy in early May 2011, possibly solo. Thinking about flying into Milan and flying out of Rome, but am more interested in the hilltowns in between. I have been to both Milan and Rome and don't need to spend much time in either, especially Milan. I've also been to Florence but would not mind seeing again. As for hilltowns, i've been to Lucca, Siena, Pisa and Orvieto. Looking for other recommendations between Milan and Rome. Am most interested in good food and good wine, i hear they have some of that in Italy. Thanks in advance for responses.
Posted by
Centennial, CO, USA
1895 posts
Are you renting a car? To get to the hill towns, that will be the easiest. You can travel by bus, the train service just doesn't go to most of the charming hilltop towns.
I can recommend tons of towns....San Gimignano, Volterra, Montalcino, Moltpulciano, Pienza, Deruta, Orvieto, Perugia, Todi, Montefalco, Assisi, Civita.
Stay off the main streets and seek out the side streets where you only see locals for food and drink. Quick lunches in cafes, great dinner in family owned places, order the house wine!
Posted by
Eden Prairie, MN, USA
168 posts
Hi David,
Another hilltown I really liked was San Gimignano. They have the best white wine there called Vernaccia di San Gimignano.
A couple other places you could stop is Venice for a couple days. I also love Cinque Terre. The views of the sea there are beautiful and it's where Pesto was born so very good food. You could stop there after going to the hilltowns.
Have a great trip!
Posted by
Atlanta
3262 posts
Not all hilltowns but, from Milan you could go directly to Verona, then Bologna (great restaurants!), Florence (or not), Montepulciano, Cortona with a day or two in Rome at the end. If you're not renting a car you'd want to look at transportation connections. May should be a perfect time!
Posted by
OP
New York
317 posts
Thanks for the quick responses. I will probably not be driving and know that will limit my options somewhat.