Hello! I am planning to join the Best of Rome tour next spring as a solo traveler and would like to add a few days in a village where I could experience a different side of Italy before heading home. Have never been to Italy and I am open to all suggestions! I’d prefer someplace I could get to via train with easy access to town center as I don’t want to rent a car. I’m interested in hiking, food and wine - a cooking class would be heavenly - and a stay of 3 or 4 nights. Thanks in advance for your insight!
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8359 posts
We stayed at OliveTreeHill.com, a top rated B&B a couple of miles from Zagarolo. It's about a 20 minute train ride into Rome Termini. The area has many travel sights in the area, including the pagan temple, Palestrina. Our host drove us around, and he's a fabulous tourguide (and cook.) Zagarolo is where the Roman soldier's helmets were made, and there was a large gymnasium where the gladiators would train for their fights.
There's just about as much to see in the suburbs of Rome as in the City Center, and it's sights tourists seldom see.
Another popular city is Orvieto, a hilltown that's about 70 minutes by train north of Rome. We really enjoyed it.
Posted by
Folsom
2739 posts
Orvieto is an good choice. A hilltop town only a 90 minute train ride from Rome. Take the underground tour, see the church, enjoy some cafe time, stroll. I am sure you could arrange wine tours, cooking classes, etc., but I have not.
Posted by
New York, NY
1586 posts
Another vote for Orvieto and also Siena
Posted by
1969 posts
Orvieto & Civita Di Bagnoregio (day trip to Civita from Orvieto) - yes!
Assisi is well within reach as well. I love both!
Both are beautiful. Both are small and easy to access. Assisi has more "sights" than Orvieto. Tough choice.
Posted by
72 posts
Just outside of Rome we loved Albano Marino and Frascati, 30 min train ride
Posted by
OP
California
10 posts
Thanks, everyone! I've been researching the information you've shared - Orvieto it is! Thank you for your help.
Posted by
Westford, MA
213 posts
I would also recommend Orvieto. Casa Selita B&B which is in the RS book is lovely and just outside the wall and a very short walk to the elevator up to town. We took the train from Rome and then the local bus to get there - and they drove us back to the train station on our return to Rome. We've also stayed at Hotel Filippeschi on the RS Village Italy tour and while it isn't the top-rated hotel in town it is very centrally located and was comfortable and I would stay there again - and they arranged for our laundry to be done. Ristorante Il Cocco is one of our favorite restaurants.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15798 posts
If you have 4 nights, consider going to Assisi for a night and then an afternoon train to Orvieto - or 2N in Assisi and an early train to Orvieto. 4N in Orvieto seems like it may be one too many. Both are wonderful and very different from each other and from Rome.