Hi all! We're planning a trip to Italy for September, and have most of our details nailed down with the exception of Tuscany. We had planned on renting a car, but after some rational thinking and examining the costs involved, we decided it wasn't worth the trouble for just two nights. We would venture into Tuscany from Florence, and are pretty much set on seeing Volterra, which appears simple enough to get to from Florence (2 and 1/2 hour bus ride with one change-over). After we visit Volterra, where should we go next on our way south to Rome? Open to any suggestions! Kate
Posted by
Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico
1749 posts
There are so many beautiful places to see in Tuscany, so you can't go wrong, but I would recommend spending a night in Siena. It's easy to get to by bus, there are many fine options for lodging and food and sightseeing, and it will be easy to get to Rome from Siena by bus. If you are set on spending a second night in a hill town, or if you have time on your way south from Siena, visit Pienza. Especially if you love cheese! But since you'll see Volterra, you'll get the best of what the hill towns have to offer there. You can read up on the specifics of these places and others, but I think Siena, hands down, is the place to see if your time is limited.
Posted by
San Jose, CA
1994 posts
I'd recommend Orvieto. In my opinion, it is less tourist-congested than many of the hill towns, and it has a lovely cathedral with amazing art, great little streets to wander through, wonderful views, good wine. It's a little over an hour outside of Rome by train.
Posted by
OP
Boston
17 posts
Thanks for the feedback! Do you know any good way to get from Volterra to Sienna, and then to Orvieto? I've tried viewing the bus schedule, but its confusing to this American :)
Posted by
Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico
1749 posts
When I stayed in Siena I rented a car to explore the hill towns, so I don't have first-hand experience with doing it by bus. I did take a bus from Rome to Siena and from Siena to Firenze, both of which were easy. I'm sure a Google search will turn up some information for the trips you want to take.
Posted by
Carbondale, IL, USA
1201 posts
from Volterra you'll take a CPT bus to Colle val d'Elsa. http://www.cpt.pisa.it/orari/extra/linea770.htm You will change to a SITA bus coming from Florence to continue on to Siena. http://www.sitabus.it/sita-toscana/Firenze-Siena2010.pdf
Posted by
Edmonds WA
244 posts
Rent scooters!!! There are quite a few places that rent them in Siena and Florence. The scenery is amazing and that time of year will be perfect!