I am starting to plan a trip to Italy in May of 2026 for 6 of us. We plan to fly into Rome on a Wednesday spending Thursday through Saturday in the city. On Sunday we would pick up our rental van and drive to an Agriturisimo close to Montopulciano. We would spend Monday through Wednesday or Thursday driving through Tuscany seeing the sites. Thursday or Friday back to Rome and then fly home the next day.
I have a couple questions, along with any advice or suggestions you may have.
1) Where to stay in Rome? We would like something safe, somewhat affordable, and close to the Colosseum.
2) Recommendations for an Agriturisimo
3) Recommendations for restaurants and vineyards to visit.
Thank you so much for any help
Posted by
Seattle, WA
7 posts
Hi!
Can't say much about Rome (yet). We're going for our first time in April.
But, we were in Tuscany in summer 2022 and stayed at Villa Palagina: https://palagina.it/ for 5 nights. Great combination of the farm and luxury villa. The pool was awesome and my kids still talk about the breakfast. It was an amazing home base for all things Tuscany. We spent a day in Montepulciano from here, as well as a day in Siena, Florence, and Pienza.
Good luck!
Posted by
Chicago
1 posts
If you have access to a public library, find out if they have the Rick Steves' travel books, specifically the book that covers Rome, and the book that covers Florence and Tuscany. The book that covers Italy is also a great resource. My spouse and I always start our planning by reading the Rick Steves' books we find in the library, and before we depart the USA, we will purchase our own copy to bring along as a reference.
If you utilize these books, you will find answers to all three of your questions, but I will recommend that when you visit Tuscany, you should visit vineyards in Montalcino, where Brunello and Rosso wines are produced. One small family vineyard is https://www.santagiuliamontalcino.it/en/ and a much larger family vineyard is [email protected]. In Montepulciano, there are some very nice wineries with their cellars inside the walls of the city.
We are heading to Cortona this coming September for a family wedding, and we will be spending two nights in Rome, a week touring Tuscany, a week in the Amalfi coast, then back to Rome. Enjoy your trip, Italy has fantastic scenery, architecture, food, wine and people.