We will be in Italy 22 days. 13-14 of those nights will cover Florence, Siena, Tuscany countryside and possibly Umbria.
I already have 5 nights planned in Florence with a day to Pisa and another day to Lucca from there.
I was planning on heading to Siena after this for two nights .
However after looking at the map I think I need help planning the entire countryside portion.
I would like to stay in either one or two places in the countryside as a base and we will have a car to venture out.
I’d like to see
Chianti
Arezzo and Cortono
Montepulciano
Siena
Val D Orcia
Maybe San Gimignano and Volterra
Possibly Assisi and Orvieto
I was going to pick up rental car in Siena and return in Orvieto before heading to Rome, but we can do another route if we need to.
Does anyone have suggestions for which route would be the best for the 8-9 day adventure countryside including Siena?
Should we go to Siena first before renting a car?
Once in countryside, which is best places to base?
Which towns are a must see?
I’ve been through Rick Steves book and I’m still struggling with planning this portion of the trip.
Just to clarify :
We have 3 nights in Venice
5 nights in Florence (Pisa and Lucca included)
8-9 nights available for Siena, countryside, Or Umbria recommendations
4-5 possible nights will end trip in Rome
Thank you for your help
Stacey
Posted by
Portland
3647 posts
Of all the towns you’ve mentioned, I would put Orvieto at the top of the list.
Two bases is probably a good idea, a compromise between losing time to moving and losing time to excessive driving. We once rented a place near Chiusi, and did day trips to many of the towns on your list. Try to locate yourself near the A1 autostrada. Also be careful to scope out how long it will take to get from your lodging to a good road. Here’s an example of why I advise caution on this issue. A friend rented a villa and invited a group to stay. It appeared to be near the town of Sarteano, which is just off the A1. However, due to the nature of the road to town (2 lane, hilly and very curvy), it took 20 minutes to reach the highway. Additionally, the unpaved road from the villa to the paved road took 20 more minutes to negotiate. 40 minutes of driving before starting toward our destination! It made me very aware of the need to check out time rather than distance.
Posted by
OP
10 posts
Thank you I will check on how far from highway. I appreciate that info
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
Stacy,
I've spent month in Tuscany over 5 trips. Last was in September. These have been among the favorites.
Day 1. Rent your car in Florence. Head to Volterra an Hour 15 min drive. Lovely Medieval center. I would spend the night. If you can find a picture with it lit up, you'll see what I mean.
Day 2. Volterra>San Gimignano. 45 min.
San Gimignano> either Montereggioni (30 min) or Castellina (40 min). Both beautiful hilltop villages. You'll probably have time for both. Head to Siena 25min. From either.
2 nites. Park at the Santa Catarina lot (has an elevator to the top of town).
If you've never driven in Italy, read this. To avoid the ZTL zones, and download their PDF for signage and rules of the road.
https://www.italybeyondtheobvious.com/dont-mess-with-ztl-zones
Day 3 Siena.
Day 4. Drive to Rapale, 30 min. Small hilltop with its own castle. We love this agriturismo. We've stayed elsewhere, but keep returning. It's been in the owners family for over 300 years.
They are a fantastic couple.
We generally go to the furthest location in the morning, all these trips start out this way. You also may want to do a slower pace. Drop the ones that don't apeal to you.
Day 5. Lodging to>Greve in Chianti. 1hr20. This is the Chianti road SP222.
Greve> Montefioralle 10 min. From here Panzano is 10 min. From Panzano> Radda 20 min.
Radda to home less than an hour.
There are many great wineries in this area, if you want more info just PM me.
Day 6. Lodging>Arezzo 55min. Arezzo>Cortana
45min. Back home, 55min.
Day 7. Home> Vignoni 50 min. Vignoni>San Quirico d'Orcia 10 min. San Quirici> Pienza 15 min.> home 1he20.
Day 8. Home> Montepulciano 55 min. Spend the day then head to Orvieto. 1hr20.
If you do have an extra day, this route could be inserted before you do day 8.
Home>Montalcino 1hr10. Montalcino>Asciano 40 min. Asciano> Ralopano Terme 55 min. To home 20 min.
Most of these are small towns, I also try to limit drive time to under 2 1/2-3hrs. Enabling you to visit three a day, with time to stop for photo ops.
Hope you have a great trip.
Edit spelling
Posted by
8451 posts
For Umbria, consider Perugia and Assisi as well as Orvieto.
Posted by
11669 posts
There are so many Tuscan towns which many consider "must see." We usually stay in the Chianti region, Panzano, Radda, Castellina, but have also stayed in Cortona and did day trips to to Pienza, Montalcino from there..
In Umbria, we stay in flower filled Spello.
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
We rented a car in Siena when we were ready to leave. Bus transport is easy from siena for Pienza, Montepulciano and San Gimi. With the car rental we truely enjoyed Assisi a gd base, Cortona, Orvieto a gd base, C di Bag.
It is easy driving in Tuscany sometimes the parking can be a little difficult. Get a small car for sure.
Have fun, it is a beautiful area and so peaceful.
Posted by
OP
10 posts
@jS did you see these places by train from Siena before heading to Orvieto? Or did you use the car for all of your travels once you picked it up?
Love all of the recommendations. I think I could spend our entire trip in Tuscany, but my husband really wants to visit Venice and Rome.
Thanks again
Stacey