After a few days in Rome we have just time for an overnight in either Umbria or Tuscany (I know, not enough time). We don't want to rent a car and would prefer not to be in a big city. Is there any somewhat rural place that we could get to by train? Any accommodation suggestions that we could reach by train?
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
Tough by train. Look into Orvieto.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
One quick overnight from Rome, must be somewhat rural and reachable by train. Hmmmm. Same as Doug, Orvieto is the only thing that comes to mind. I wouldn't call it rural, but it is one of the hill towns, is close to Rome, and is one of the few locations that meets your criteria and is reachable by train.
Posted by
Collierville, Tennessee, USA
517 posts
The previous posters have made a great suggestion. Orvieto is a wonderful place to spend the night. In fact, I think you miss a lot when you make a day trip there. There is quite a bit to see in Orvieto and it is wonderful just to wander around in.
My favorite Orvieto memory is sitting in the piazza outside of the duomo drinking the local white wine. As the sun was getting low in the west it reached a point where the sun's rays hitting the facade of the Duomo made it look as though the facade was lit from within. It was breathtaking.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
1317 posts
Add me to the "Orvieto" crowd. It's a charming small city on top of sweeping cliffs. I think you would enjoy it after the fast pace of Rome.
Posted by
525 posts
I'm for Orvieto. There are many things you can do in one day. Go to the Visitor's Center and get a pass for Jacob's Well,and other ruins within the town. You can take the underground ruin tour. Very interesting. The Cathedral is great. Stay up for the passagiata (sp) and mingle with the locals. The narrow streets with many shops are interesting. You can take the funicular from the train station and take the bus into town or just walk. It isn't far and you can get a feel for what you are about to experience. The pass includes the bus ride back to the funicular if you don't want to walk.
Posted by
Chicago, Illinois, USA
586 posts
I agree...Orvieto is the BEST option given your circumstances. However, an alternative would be Assisi, BUT you'd have a three hour bus ride from Roma each way. I don't think it's a better option from Roma for just one night, mind you, but I mention it as an alternative if you really want to see Assisi--direct bus connection, but a lengthy one in comparison to Orvieto.
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1449 posts
read thru Ricks guidebook (or any one you prefer) and pick a hilltown. Orvieto is a nice choice, but you can go to the base of many other ones by train and then take a local bus to the top. You can get to Assisi in about 2 hours from Rome; other places reachable by train include Perugia, Cortona, Spoleto, etc.