Rome-Orvieto-Florence-Rome?

Should have elaborated. The trip itself is not work related. We're meeting in Rome after my husband has spend 6 weeks in Russia for work. Thanks!

hhmmm. I think I would stop in Orvieto for several hours (maybe get an early start and stay as long as 6-9 hours) then take a fast train to Florence and stay 2 nights. Then you will have a full day in Florence with no travel. (According to RS there is no luggage storage at the train station-bummer. He does mention a hotel-300 yards from the train station- that will store luggage for 4euors a bag. Hopefully you are traveling light)

I agree. One night in Florence is not enough because you won't have a full day.

I guess it's too late, but have you considered flying open jaws-- meaning arriving in Rome, then home from Florence?

I'd go Florence two nights, Orvieto one night and the rest in Rome.

Thanks all. Unfortunately we have to fly into and out of Rome since my husband's work is generously providing the tickets, we don't want to rock the boat in this economy - they've also made it clear travel changes are not warmly received. Think we'll just see Orvieto on the was to Florence for 2 nights there. I really wanted to see a place I hadn't been before (Orvieto) while making sure my husband see's the 'must sees' for his first trip.

I'm going to disagree a bit with the others. Orvieto is charming and deserves at least one night.

With 7 nights, I'd do 3 nights Rome, 1 night Orvieto, 2 nights Florence, final night in Rome. Or, you could split Rome up and do 2 nights Rome, 1 night Orvieto, 2 nights Florence, and 2 nights Rome. But I'd still do it the first way.

You don't say what time your flight arrives in Rome, but assuming you have any time the day of arrival, you can knock several sites off your list and combat jetlag at the same time.

Logistically you might want to consider going directly from the airport to Termini then getting a ES rapido to Florence. Check in stroll about maybe fit in a special site. Next day museums stroll the Oltrarno duomo nice dinner. Next morning one or two last sites. Board the train for Orvieto. Check in see the Duomo and Signorelli frescos and the duomo museum. Stroll about have some Orvieto wine nice dinner. Take morning train into Rome check in 4 nights in Rome---- you could also split it 3 nights in Florence 1 in Orvieto and 3 in Rome. This cuts out an extra hotel change in Rome. You could also go 3 Florence and 4 nights Rome but Orvieto is so lovely and will be a nice quiet change of pace between Florence and Rome.

Maximize your time by having your hotel get reservations for the Ufizzi or Accademia if you plan to see those to avoid a long wait in line.

Orvieto deserves a night just for the opportunity to see the facade of the Duomo "light" up when the setting sun hits it.