My 75-year-old mom (who has terminal cancer) and I will spend 7 days in Rome (March 6 to 13). She had expressed an interest in "Tuscany," but I realized we couldn't manage that without a car, and I'm a New Yorker and don't drive much, so that's not realistic. However, I would like to find a way to take one or, more likely, two day trips while we're there that will give her a taste of what she'd envisioned when she thought about going to Tuscany -- being in the hills, seeing the landscape, experiencing the rustic food and wine of that region. Any suggestions for a tour company arranged trip into Tuscany or Umbria that might work for us?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
A day trip to Villa d'Este, Tivoli and/or Hadrian's Villa might satisfy her interests in hills. The fountains are almost unbelievable. See roninrome.com for a detailed description of the area.
Posted by
Scottsdale, AZ, USA
1127 posts
Take your mom to Orvieto. It's only an hour by train from Rome. Orvieto is in Umbria, not Tuscany but I'm sure it has everything you are looking for. It's a lazy little hilltop town with amazing countryside views. Orvieto is known for it's ceramics, duomo, white wine and underground caves. For me, Umbria is just as beautiful as Tuscany, just not as well known.
Posted by
Alta Loma, CA, USA
1446 posts
Hi Laura. I agree with the recommendation to day trip to Orvieto. It's a little over an hour by train from Rome & it's a great little town. I enjoyed the underground tour & in general just walking around. The Duomo is stunning especially when the sun lights up the fascade. Have a wonderful trip; enjoy this special time with your mom.
Posted by
Des Plaines, IL, US
128 posts
Orvieto is the "winner" in my opinion altho the other suggestions are also very good. The facade on the Duomo is fascinating. Pope John XXIII said "on Judgement Day God will send a band of angels down to the Duomo to rescue the facade and take it to Heaven where it rightfully belongs." As to your specific plans, Laura, you are a winner.