Hello! We are staying in Montisi for four nights - it is in/near the border for Tuscany, Umbria and Lazio regions. I'm looking for recommendations for day trips (not Florence or Rome). We are traveling by car in June with kids and grandparents. What do you recommend? Historical sites, ancient Roman, food markets, other experiences? I'm having a hard time deciding where we should go each day! Thank you!
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
7229 posts
Looks to be close to Montalcino, Montepulciano
Close to Val d’Orcia region
Bagno Vignoni is lovely and interesting
Posted by
Northern Rockies, British Columbia, Canada
543 posts
Kids might like Cascate di Saturnia under two hours south of your base. We were there in early 2023 and were prepared with swim shorts and towels and it was too chilly, but still very awesome to view. Should be good for a dip in June.
https://lecascatedisaturnia.com/
Also to the east of Saturnia hot springs along SR 74 is Pitigliano, a small hill town with great views full of little streets in the medieval old town (was there in April 2024). East of that on the other side of lago di Bolsena is Civita di Bagnoregio.
Could make a day out of those three.
Posted by
2 posts
Hey Erica!
Perugia might be a great option. It's one of the bigger cities in Umbria known for it's stunning views, cured meats, truffles, and of course chocolate. The city is fairly large, but the city center is small and walkable.
You can see the Galleria dell'umbria or tour some palazzos in the center but it's overall a relaxed city with lots of beautiful nature.
Alternatively, a small city called Spello has beautiful hiking loops. They vary in difficulty, but the city is small and picturesque.
Posted by
8325 posts
Perugia, Assisi and Spoleto.
Posted by
OP
20 posts
Thank you all for the FABULOUS recommendations. We have several days in the area and it's nice to have so many nice options.
I'm reading about escalators in some of the cities, which is perfect for my kids and aging parents. Perugia looks like they have a really great system from parking garages and escalators. Is it easy to navigate? I see many of the cities do. We have six people, two cars and wearing knees for hiking too much so trying to do as much planning in advance. Thank you!!
Posted by
Niagara, Ontario
1682 posts
Any place in Lazio is too far.
Looks like you will be visiting Orvieto on the way to Rome. Leave early that day and try to catch Civita as well: it gets some stick as a place not worth going out of the way for but I enjoyed the experience, even with the bridge which looks out of place.
You only have three full days in Montisi, no need to drive too far. Siena is close by, as is Cortona. Lucignano is different in a good way.
Montepulciano, San Quirico, Pienza and Montalcino are along the same route, very nice driving. The small old town area of Chianciano is decent, and my missus did some shopping along the main drag in the newer part.
Including lunch, we spent a good half day at Oliveto Maggiore Abbey. In a lovely setting.
If you must go to eastern Umbria, the drive is not the greatest but Assisi is a special place.