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southern Tuscany and Rome itinerary

Posted by (KS, USA) on

Just getting started on planning an April trip to Italy. This will be our second trip to Italy together, first was our honeymoon. We previously visited Rome, Orvieto, CT, and Venice on our first trip. We'd like to focus more on Tuscany this trip since we haven't explored it much. Florence will wait yet another trip. We'll have 9 days on the ground (for the most part), plus 2 as travel days. I have a rough itinerary pieced together.

Thursday will be a travel day; Friday we'd arrive Rome, train to Orvieto, pick up our rental car and check in at Casa Selita (if available) and park the car (just outside of town within walking distance). Chill for the rest of the day. Saturday I'd like to explore Civita di Bagnoregio since we missed it on our first trip. I'd also like to see Parco dei Mostri this day after CB. I'm dying to see it for some reason! Those "monsters" are very intriguing. Another night in Orvieto.

Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday we'd spend exploring southern Tuscany. I'm thinking Montepulciano as a possible base? I'd like to explore the countryside, Pienza, Montalcino, and Siena. San Gimignano if it isn't too far away. I'd love to find a place in the countryside for one of those farm-to-table al fresco outdoor dining tables with a picturesque view. If anyone knows of a spot, I'd be forever grateful if you'd share your secret!

We'd drop our rental car back in Orvieto Wednesday morning and train into Rome. Whatever is left of our Wednesday and then Thursday, Friday, Saturday would be our Rome days. My husband was unfortunately sick for our Rome portion of our last trip so we'll want to re-visit some sights and maybe find a few new ones.

I guess I don't have too many particular questions right now, just wondering if this sounded like a good start to planning. Any comments or ideas would be appreciated. We loved Italy and are excited to go back!

Posted by
7175 posts

Would you consider flying out of Pisa? Spend 2 nights in Rome first up, an overnight in Orvieto, 3 nights in Montepulciano, before 3 nights somewhere in northern Tuscany (Lucca). Its seems a shame to have so much overlap with your first trip.

Posted by
11852 posts

I think it sounds like a fine plan. Smart to go immediately to Orvieto and a nice place to start your trip.

Have an alternate plan for Cività di Bagnoreggio and Parco dei Mostri if it rains. Not great places in the rain! Parco dei Mostri is strange but interesting, but if you miss it, don't weep.

We are big fans of Montalcino. The center is compact and flat, parking is easy and most hotels & B&Bs offer free parking in the lot on the periphery. It's a nice day trip to Pienza and MOntelpulciano, returning to Montalcino. The Abbey of Sant'Antimo just outside Montalcino is worth a visit and there is a cute trattoria just up the hill from the abbey at Castelnuovo dell'Abate. It's not really farm-to-table, though. I think you want more of an agriturismo with a restaurant for that. Lot's of great restaurants in Montalcino, though.

Roma is always worth another visit, and April is usually lovely weather here.

Posted by
11613 posts

I agree with Laurel, especially about rain affecting your plans for the Parco dei Mostri and Civita di Bagnoregio. Todi is not far from Orvieto or Civita, so that would be a good substitute. Parking is just outside the historic center and you can take a bus into the main square from the parking lot, or walk.

Have a great time!

Posted by
3648 posts

With just nine days on the ground, I can't imagine why you would want to spend any of your time in a tiny, nothing village like Civita. The only thing notable about it is that it will eventually be destroyed due to the erosion of the Mesa on which it sits. Why RS touts it is beyond my comprehension.
There are many interesting, attractive towns in your target area. The ones you mentioned are good. In addition, check out Pitigliano, Sorano, Sovana, Saturnia, and Viterbo.
One bit of advice, get going on reservations. April is coming up fast. There's a national holiday on the 25th. If your trip includes that date, you may find very limited availability.

Posted by
3696 posts

I have stayed at the Poderi de Archangel(sp) and it was a nice change from staying in a village. I also stayed in a little B&B in San Donato...(Antica Dimora ) not much there, but a church, vineyard and the view of the beautiful tuscan hills. It is very near San. g.
Just start driving and see what you find... there is always something wonderful around every curve!

Posted by
497 posts

What Rosalyn said. Pitigliano, Sorano, Sovana, Saturnia, and Viterbo are all great and far less visited than any of the towns you mentioned.
Brad

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