My husband and I have a total of 46 nights to spend in Italy before flying out of Milan on Feb. 14, 2014.(that is the plan at least). We will be in Rome from Dec. 31, 2013 departing Jan. 14, 2014. We will travel via train to Umbria Region.
My plan was to spend about 5 nights in Umbria Region. I originally wanted to stay in Orvieto as a home base, but realize it is not convenient to train travel to other towns. I might take a day trip from Rome to Orvieto and choose a more convenient place in Umbria Region with good train connections. I didn't want to stay in Perugia as I prefer the small towns to big cities. Todi and Marsciano look like they are on the regional train line. Suggestions?
From Umbria we go to Florence - about 5 nights - just to enjoy Florence. However, I have read that Florence may be a good home base for exploring the towns in Umbria because of good train connections. Any suggestions here. I could add my 5 nights in Umbria to Florence to allow for day trips.
From Florence to Siena - 3 nights in Siena just to enjoy that city. Again, I have heard that Siena is a good base for exploring towns in Tuscany. We thought of spending some time in Montepulciano after Siena and renting a car to explore Tuscany countryside, but in January, that may be dangerous due to fog and icy conditions. Any suggestions here?
I need to get this portion of the trip planned, so that I can continue with my travel to the north. That will be the Emila-Romagna region (Ferrara home base with day trips to possibly Urbino & Dozza). Then to Verona with day trips to Mantua & Padua. As many nights as I have left in Venice - definitely 5. Then to Milan to hopefully see Leonardo's The Last Supper. Fly out of Milan on Feb. 14, 2014. My first trip ever to Europe. All help will be sincerely appreciated. Thank you.