I'm curious to know about folks' favorite hill towns in Tuscany. We're only going to have about 2 days to explore, and we're going to be without a car. I've done some research online, but of course everybody recommends something different.
Lucca, Cortano, Volterra, and Orvieto seem to be the standouts, and we are already planning on Siena. Thoughts or input would be appreciated!
Thanks all!
Jenn, any of the towns you listed would be a good choice. However, with only two days I don't think you'll be able to see more than one or two of them. Which towns to choose will probably be determined by transportation (since you won't have a car). One point though, I was a bit surprised that Siena wasn't on your list?
My preferences would be to consider two towns that are reasonably close, for example Siena and Orvieto (which is actually in Umbria). The trip via train is fairly easy between those two hill towns, and if Rome is your next stop that's an easy trip from Orvieto.
A lot will depend on where you're going after the hill town visit. If I were planning the trip, I'd probably spend the two days in Orvieto, with a possible side trip to Civita di Bagnoregio (one of Rick's favourites!).
Happy travels!
Jenn since you state that you are already planning on Siena. I assume that maybbe you are staying there. If so I would go to Volterra by train. We were in Tuscany for a week in April. Visited several hill towns. We like Cortona and Volterra the best. They are both great. Orvieto was ok. Enjoy.
I was in Volterra for 2 days last year, and there was plenty to do and see for that length of visit. Really enjoyed my time there. You can get to Volterra by bus in 2 hours from both Siena and Florence. Siena requires one change of bus; probably same for Florence. Lucca is great and lots to do, but more a walled city than a hill town. Difficult to visit multiple hill towns in 2 days without a car, so I'd suggest choosing just one and Volterra would be my suggestion. Note that San Gimignano is an easy day trip from Siena if you want to visit another hill town.
