We are traveling in Italy for the first time and we are doing 4 nights in Rome 4 nights Tuscany and 2 nights Florence then cinque terre - my question is we are trying to decide how to do Tuscany region do we drive to Orvieto stay a few nights then to Sienna or Montepuciano? Or do we train to Florence rent a car and then stay in one spot to travel around - can’t figure out too spots and itinerary to follow - hot springs, hill towns, good food, wineries and we have a 13 year old - also want car for this part so might make most sense to pick up and drop off in Florence - any help appreciated- also any favorite hotels or agroturismo spots? We are there in like June
Posted by
11647 posts
Tuscany is very large. You see it on sections in multiple trips, not all at once.
We like the Chianti region, the area from Siena to Florence.
We always have a car in Tuscany and have picked them up in Florence and Rome and at Rome FCO.
We liked staying at Il Borgo di Vescine overlooking vineyards but located in this charming town.
You mention Orvieto which is in Umbria not Tuscany.
You will want a/c which is more likely to be found in hotels.
Drive the historic Chiantigiana,SR 222, the original road that connected Siena and Florence. Stop to walk around the villages on this route,have lunch- Castellina, Panzano, Radda, Greve, etc We spent a week in Panzano a few years ago, loved it there, rented a villa.
Posted by
Irving
3315 posts
Since Florence has stricter ZTL zone laws compared to Siena here’s what I recommend:
Take a direct train from Rome’s Termini station to Florence (1h 45m) and sleep there two nights. Take a direct bus from Florence to Siena (1h 15m) and make Siena your base to explore Tuscany. Good day trip options from Siena by car are:
Get on the scenic Sienese Crest Road and drive to Pienza’s (1h 15m) old town. Afterwards drive to Montepulciano (30-minutes). It will take 1h 15m to drive back to Siena.
The following day drive from Siena to San Gimignano (1h) and afterwards go to Volterra (45-minute). The drive to both places is also very nice.
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Thank you both this is so helpful it sounds like I’m trying to do too much by adding Orvieto for 2 nights then driving to Sienna for 2 nights - so maybe just Florence then day trips based in sienna