Itinerary for Last Week Sept and First Week Oct.

Hi Nellstein,

If you really don't want to drive in Tuscany, there's plenty of options. You could take a minivan tour from Florence, or you could stay those nights in Siena or similar and take a wine-tasting minivan tour. Or, take the train/bus from Florence to Montepulciano, for instance. I was there three nights last year (traveled solo) and really enjoyed being there. I took a local bus over to Pienza my last day and definitely recommend it, also. From Montepulciano or Siena, you could take the train/bus onto Rome.

Also, sending you a PM regarding traveling solo for some positive ideas.

Jean

Your trip is only a couple months away and that's still a busy tourist time, so check on hotel availability now - and get rooms with AC, weather is more likely to be very warm than anywhere near cool.

Whether you have a car in Tuscany depends on what your interests are and which towns you want to visit. I don't know the area well enough to suggest a base. I do know that Siena's train station is well outside the historic center, while intercity bus are convenient. Florence has the best connections and the train station is 5-15 minutes walk from most of the area you'd want to be in. The buses stop across the street from the train. That makes Florence the best base, but it is also likely to be the most expensive place to stay.

If you do rent a car, have GPS and a good paper map. Learn about the ZTL's and figure out in advance where you are going to park the car on your day trips. If you are a drinker, plan on having dinner at your base town so you can enjoy wine with your meal.

I don't know what your concerns are about Rome???

thanks for the replies.....good sage advise...
I am working through my accommodations...I just wanted a little feedback on my itinerary....so that I could make changes beforehand.
Rome...well hearing lots of bad press..and I am no scaredy cat...I have traveled solo in large cities in Vietnam, Spain and Portugal and never once worried....or heard bad things....petty theft is everywhere...violence is a total other matter...I am still going...but just expressing my reservation...

I am pretty sure I am going to pick up a car in Siena and drive the countryside....it just seems like the better way...

As far as my itinerary goes...would love some feedback on it....like is 2 nights in Florence better and add it elsewhere...kind of thing....

much appreciated...

I think the number of days you have allowed for each location is fine- although Rome could certainly use another night or 2 or 3! Our first visit to Rome was 5 nights and we knew immediately that we would return- just so much to see there, still haven't seen everything we wanted even after 2nd visit.
Keep in mind 3 nights is really just 2.5 days for sightseeing even if you arrive in am- allow time to check in/drop bags/get oriented etc. The 2 major sites- Colosseum and Vatican are both exhausting and time consuming so I would not want to do those 2 on same day.

We did 3 nights in Florence, then 6 in Tuscany/Umbria with a car- depends on what you want to see and do in Florence- some museums are closed Mon, some on Tues so you may need to juggle that if those are your days.

I've been solo in Rome several times and never thought about safety other than pickpockets on crowded buses and metros and, of course, crossing busy streets - until I learned how to do it like the Romans do :-)

I could happily return to Florence and spend 4 full days enjoying the painting, sculpture, architecture and markets.

Thanks for the wonderful advice - I am now thinking of dropping Como and adding a night each to Rome and Florence. So that would make it

Venice 3
Florence 4
Siena etc. 4
Rome 4

I will just have to come back and do the other regions.....what is the point of rushing or moving around too much.

Rome...well hearing lots of bad press..and I am no scaredy cat...I
have traveled solo in large cities in Vietnam, Spain and Portugal and
never once worried....or heard bad things....petty theft is
everywhere...violence is a total other matter...I am still going...but
just expressing my reservation...

Just to comment on the part above from one of your posts....

There is little if anything to be afraid of, and especially not concerning "the latest news". That unfortunate event is international news headlines because violent crime is so very rare there. It's so much more frequent in some cities here in the U.S. which I could mention that it's barely a one-day blip on the local news. That particular event also allegedly involved engaging in illicit activity that you are not going to be participating in. Pickpockets? Easily deterred so just take any number of the advised precautions with your valuables and relax.

I've a good friend - a short, small, 60's female - who has explored Rome solo on her own more than once and without any fear for her personal safety. We've walked all over - day and night - without any incidents which caused us to feel spooked. Just as you would in any city, use your inner radar and avoid any dark, deserted areas which don't feel right but the historic center of Rome is really very safe.

Cathy....good advice...thanks kindly...it's so easy to get caught up with what some people are saying....things happen in all large cities or small towns for that matter....but I appreciate your words...