We are going to Orvieto and Sienna for 3-4 nights each and will takè day trips from each. Would you suggest we stay in the towns themselves or stay in an agriturismo outside of town. It seems like some of the charm of the towns is in being able to walk around after dinner which would not be possible if we were staying out of town and had to drive home at night. Any input would be appreciated.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
We've been to both places and stayed in town both times. We're really glad we did for the exact reason you mention. Agriturismos have their charm, but we really prefer being immersed in town life. Yet another reason to stay in town is that you don't have to worry about whether you're enjoying a little too much wine with dinner if you're going to walk back to where you're staying.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15199 posts
Option 2 isn't even feasible without a car.
Option 1 is best without a car, although it can be done with a car if you make sure your hotel is outside the ZTL.
Posted by
Martinez, CA, USA
1510 posts
We also have stayed in both towns, 4 nights in Orvieto and 5 in Siena, and have to agree with Michael. Staying in town really gives you the feeling of the town. From Siena we took the bus to San Gimignano and from Orvieto we took the bus to Civita. Aside from the one day trip from each town, we found each had more than enough history and sights to keep us busy.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
I have to agree that staying in town is a better experience for me. Both cities are big daytrip destinations, and both are magical in the early morning and evening/night ehen the daytrippers are gone.
Posted by
OP
84 posts
We are renting a car in Orvieto (maybe after a day or so in town) in order to day trip out to places at our leisure. We will then drive it to Sienna and do the same. All who responded seem to believe that staying in town is the best way to enjoy the towns and that was my feeling, but everyone is always raving about the agriturismo experience so I wanted to get input. thanks.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Good for you. We did do an agriturismo once and found it to be more isolating than we had expected. Sure the scenery can be pretty, but we wanted to experience more than just pretty landscapes. With a lot of the agriturismos, you might as well be in Southern California at a resort spa. (This is not to say that all agriturismos are like that.)
Have a great time.