Hi there! We are planning our trip to back to Italy, and are considering hiring a driver from Rome to Cinque Terre so we can stop at the Saturnia hot springs. Would there be any other good stops along the way? Orvieto? Has anyone done the drive? In looking at the trains, it would be an easy 4 hour train ride so that is always an option if we skip Saturnia. We will be doing Florence/Tuscany after Cinque Terre, so we don’t need to stop in Siena. We’ve been to Pisa, and aren’t interested in going back there. We will also have a 2 year old.
Posted by
5174 posts
I know the southern coastal route more, an area I really loved.
You may need to plan well for a Saturnia stop if you plan on taking the waters--some find the smell unpleasant. I only soaked my feet (it was super crowded), and I felt like it dissipated quickly. They do have changing facilities of some sort.
I am drawn to this Tarot Garden, but I did not make it during my stay in the area: http://ilgiardinodeitarocchi.it/en/
Orbetello and its lagoon might make a nice stop--there is a great gelateria in the old town, and the views on the Monte Argentario promontory are fabulous. There is a wildlife refuge just to the north where you can see flamingos: https://www.wwf.it/dove-interveniamo/il-nostro-lavoro-in-italia/oasi/laguna-di-orbetello/. (I regret I missed this too--I was hiking in Ucellina park instead.)
Pitigliano is a dramatic town with interesting Jewish heritage. There are also numerous Vie Cave in this area, probably too difficult with a toddler though.
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
With a toddler, I’d be inclined to train directly to the Cinque Terre.
Which town are you planning on staying in Tuscany other than Florence? You might be better situated to visit Cascade del Mulino from there. There’s another hot springs located in Bangi San Filippo, known by locals as White Whale Falls. It’s about 30 minutes from Pienza.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Valadelphia, thank you so much for the info! Yes, we are very familiar with the wonderful odor of the hot springs lol! We were hoping to get an early start before the crowds. Lunch and gelato after sounds like a great option to break up the day. Our son also loves flamingos!
Gerri, we will be staying in Florence for three nights and San Gimignano for 5 nights. We’ve been to the area many times before, and visited Siena. We’ve also stayed in the Cinque Terre multiple times too in Vernazza. We’ve just always wanted to see the hot springs! I’ll have to look up those other ones you mentioned too, might be a better option!
We are traveling with my parents too, so we have multiple people to entertain our son :)
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
These are the Saturnian hot springs. Would be my first choice.
https://www.maremma-tuscany.com/saturnia/le-cascate-del-mulino/
Bangi San Filippo. More remote, no facilities.
https://www.wanderingitaly.com/blog/article/1066/bagni-san-filippo
For both you need water shoes, towels and picnic supplies, including plenty of water.
Edit:
If you don’t care to drive, check with your lodging fro driver recommendations.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Gerri, thank you so much for the links! Yes, those are the ones we want to see with the natural basins and cascading waterfalls. They look so beautiful! That was our thought was to hire a driver for the day and be able to relax and enjoy the ride!