Hi
My husband and I are looking for advice on our trip to Italy in early October. This is our second trip having spent ample time in Rome and Florence. We also took a day trip to Siena and San Gimignano. This trip we are flying from Barcelona to Naples and plan to spend 2 nights in Sorrento with trips to Capri and Pompeii followed by 3 nights in Positano with trips to Amalfi Town and Ravello. Following this, we have 4 nights before we depart from Rome. We’d like to spend this time in Tuscany (too far?) or Umbria. Our interests in these regions include food and wine driven experiences and perhaps biking or something active. We will not have a car. Any advice appreciated!
Posted by
USA
1662 posts
Hi bridget,
Florence (Firenze) is about a two-hour (fast) train ride from Rome.
Since you mentioned "Umbria," have you considered Orvieto? It seems it would be a nice mix of what you're seeking. From Rome, it's about one hour by train.
Orvieto is known for its Classico wine among many other things.
A little sneak peak
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGgXPIYIpd8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_-YAqx90Pc
https://www.orvietoviva.com/en/orvieto-wine-and-food-tours/
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/italy/orvieto/top-things-to-do/a/poi/360086
Posted by
New York, NY
1582 posts
You can also spend those 4 nights in Lucca or Siena Italy in Tuscany. Both have great public transportation. Like the previous poster mentioned, Orvieto is a charming little town.
Posted by
18 posts
I have the right experience for you...just tried few weeks ago when I was in Tuscany (I was very lucky because I got one of the best days in terms of temperature and weather, since in Italy this spring is not good).
www.tuscanyquintessence.com
there a lot of tours matching your requirements...I took the 'Chianti e-bike Tour & Wine' and it was amazing, but there are a lot of different ones. I hope you find your favorite.
Posted by
OP
14 posts
Thanks so much for your replies! amended—After doing some research I’ve narrowed my thoughts. My main concern was that we would not have sufficient time for Tuscany but we do! So we need to get from Positano to that region, thinking train from Naples to Siena via Florence. We only had a few hours in Siena on our last visit and it was in January—chilly and not much going on. So I thought perhaps we could spend a night there and over the next couple days experience Montepulciano, Montalcino, Pienza? Orvieto (as a few posters recommended) and Civita look interesting too. Would love any input on how to do this since we won’t have a car. Considering a driver for a couple of days or at least stay in locations with transportation between towns. Is it best to stay in one location and day trip? Or move around? We’ll have 3 nights before we need to be in Rome for our 4th night to fly out the next morning. Thanks in advance for your thoughts and suggestions!
Posted by
OP
14 posts
Thanks for your helpful replies! We have narrowed things down a bit. Decided to take train from Naples to Florence and rent a car in Siena. It really seems to be the best way to experience the region. Our plan is to spend 3 nights (Oct. 4, 5 and 6) in Siena and day trip from there. This leaves us with 1 more night and wondering if we should spend it near Orvieto to be in that area for a final day of touring and a bit closer to Rome form our flight out on Oct. 8. We'd ultimately like to return our rental car in Orvieto and use private transportation the next morning of our flight. Does this sound reasonable? Thanks in advance for your valued opinions!