My dh and I will be in Rome for about 4 or 5 days in the middle of April. He does not want to go with me to Tuscany. I'm trying to decide if I should just try and talk him into a few day trips out of Rome (ie, Assisi, or even a day trip to Tuscany). I would really like to go to Tuscany. I have about a week more I can take off. My dh suggested I do it by myself. I really don't want to rent a car, but want to see some of the smaller villages around Florence.
I plan on using a train and bus at this point. I see where there is a company that provides tours out of Florence into the villages, wineries, cooking classes etc. Is this the way to go? Does anyone have suggestions other than what I have mentioned for seeing these sites.
Posted by
Gaston, Oregon, USA
931 posts
"DH"= dull husband, or dead husband, a la "A weekend at Bernie's" !? Fly (using one of the lo-cost inter EU airlines that you can find on whichbudget.com, or train to Sienna, using Rick's book as a guide. Use that as a base to see Florence (bus back and forth). I can't vouch for the bus trnsport from Sienna to the small surrounding towns, since we used a rental car. But many people do use the bus. Go and have a blast! You will not regret it.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32402 posts
Liz, If you'll only be in Rome for 4-5 days, how many "day trips" are you planning to take? It's a quick trip by Freccia train from Rome to Florence, so you could spend a full day exploring the area. Using a rental car is certainly possible, but there are some potentially expensive "issues" to be aware of (especially in Florence). Another option would be to take a day trip to Orvieto, which is a beautiful hill town in Umbria, and only about an hour by train from Rome. Happy travels!
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16231 posts
Don't fly from Rome to Tuscany. Take a train. Flying (only Alitalia flies from FCO to Florence and Pisa) takes 3 times as long and costs at least 3 times as much. There are zero low cost airlines connecting the two Tuscan airports to Rome.
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
Liz... I would definitely go by myself. I think it would be really disappointing to know that the beauty of Tuscany is within a few hours and I let someone else dictate whether I see it or not. I would go by myself, have a wonderful time and realize that not everyone has the same travel dreams... but don't let anyone crush yours. There may be some things you will have to do on your own or find a new travel partner for. You can easily do a lot without a car (although I always have one) You could stay in a village and take a day trip to Florence. Watch Under the Tuscan Sun again, then make your decision:) I would stay in San Gimi or Siena rather than Florence (but I love the villages and countryside) I would not want to force anyone to travel with me to a location...no fun and too much pressure.
Posted by
OP
Round Rock, TX, USA
117 posts
I was bummed when he said he didn't want to go. Was going to give up on it until I read something about giving up on your dreams... anyway, I'm going to go and enjoy myself and do the things I want to do. I went to France for 21 days last September and had a great time by myself.
Starting to make my reservations now.