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Need help for upcoming trip Rome to Florence

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We will be arriving in Rome in June about 530 pm. I estimate it will take 60 to 90 minutes to get throug customs. We will have 5 days in Tuscany before we connect with a group in Venice for another 6 days. My plan is to go from Rome to Florence over 5e 5 days and then train from Florence to Venice. My plan is to rent a car.

Should I spend the 1st night at the airport since we will be tired and rent the car in the morning?

I was thinking of spending the 1st night in Orvieto. Then work my way slowly towards Florence. We love wine, food and smaller towns. We have been in Rome and Florence before so we don’t need to see museums etc in those

What cities do you feel are must see areas and for 4 nights after Orvieto where would you stay I don’t mind driving 1 to 2 hours per day. I want to see sights but take time to enjoy. Not rushing. We like to see some churches but not all day. I have heard montalcino has a number of good wine bars. This would be fun because I could park the car and relax if we spent a night there

I saw Dario cecccini the butcher on Netflix who lives in Parma. He does a day miner that looks fun. Is this worth going to for dinner and spending a night in Parma?

What place or places would you stay and why?

I wa thinking of the last night in Florence because I want to get on a train by 9 am to meet my group in Venice. Any other ideas?

I have read I should return the car at the airport vs the train station because of th ztl zones? Do you agree?

I know I asked a lot any comments are welcome

Posted by
11653 posts

Dario Cecchini does not live in Parma. He lives and works in Panzano where his butcher shop and restaurants are located. It is in the heart of Chianti on historic SR 222, between Siena and Florence. We loved our week in Panzano

Posted by
3112 posts

If you're arriving after long overseas flights, it might be best to overnight at the airport (expensive) or in Rome and then pick up the rental car in the morning. If staying in Rome, you can pick up a rental car near either Termini or Tiburtina train stations. If you're arriving from within Europe and are already adjusted to the change in time zones, then you might consider renting the car that evening and driving to your first destination. If driving to Orvieto in June, you'd probably arrive at or just after sundown.

Orvieto, Montepulciano and Panzano would all be good choices for overnights along your way to Florence, although you may wish to plan for 2-night stops with day trips rather than a series of 1-night stops. It's a matter of personal preference.

If you return the rental car at the Florence airport, the new tram connecting the airport with the SMN train station is now operating. Initially the fare was 1.50 euro, but that may be increased soon (if not already). Still, it's a quick and efficient way to get into central Florence from the airport. There are several hotel choices near the SMN train station. I like Il Bargellino, which is about a 5 minute walk away in a quieter area.

Posted by
4105 posts

If you're not too exhausted after your flight, I'd consider heading to Orvieto by train. There's a 19:23 that leaves the airport (Leonardo Express) into Roma termini with a connection to Orvieto.

1 night Orvieto.

Day 2. Rent car, Hertz is the only supplier here. Drive from Orvieto > Radicofani > Bango
Vignoni > Buonoconvento. This drive thru the Val d'Orcia is beautiful.

2 nights. Buoconvento.

Day 3. Montepulciano and Montalcino. Both have great wines. We found purchasing wine in Montalcino to take with us to be extremely cost effective.

Day 4. Either. Siena and Panzano. Or Gaiole, Radda, Castellina in Chianti, ending in Panzano.

1 night Panzano.

Day 5. Volterra and San Gimignano ending in Florence.

Posted by
3300 posts

For simplicity’s sake, considering your late arrival, I would stay overnight at or near the airport. If the cost of staying at the airport is too high, there are numerous hotels in the area that are less expensive with free shuttle service. In the morning, hop the shuttle back to FCO. You would have the option of many car rental choices at the airport and when you leave for Tuscany, you would not have to contend with Rome's traffic.

Posted by
11 posts

My favorite hill town is Volterra. Even in July it was slower and less touristy than the other towns we visited. We also stayed in Orvieto and it was wonderful but not as magical as Volterra

If you have time to squeeze it in, you won’t be disappointed

Posted by
12029 posts

My plan is to go from Rome to Florence over 5e 5 days and then

What does this mean?

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