Verona to Ravenna

The train line Ravenna - Faenza - Marradi - Firenze was recently damaged by floods and landslides. While service has been restored, now the line is equipped with sensors for possible landslides and as soon as there is a distant risk, service is suspended - and it happens frequently. Check for service a couple days in advance; if the itinerary is closed, it is always possible to travel to Florence via Bologna (that is much quicker).

Yes, I'm aware. Thanks.

Any thoughts about the itinerary as it stands at the moment?

Great trip. The Faenza-Firenze railway is truly scenic. When I was a very small kid I traveled on it for the first time and in that occasion they used a steam engine for a portion of it after Borgo SL. Hopefully there will be no slides when you go. They are probably infrequent during the dry months of summer, but after September with the heavy rains that is a possibility.

Once leaving Florence, where I have booked an apartment in Sant Maria Novella, I am considering an agriturismo near Siena or Siena for a 2 night stay, drive on to Montepulciano or Pienza for a 2 night stay. We rather enjoy towns, don't require the rural setting or a pool. The peace and quiet of staying overnight in a rural setting for the brief planned visit could be sacrificed without much regret for this visit.

I am considering keeping the car to visit Orvieto, dropping the car in Orvieto Hertz, taking the fanicular up to town for a 2 night stay then down to the train to Rome by train?

Of course this will require lodging in the two towns that will accommodate us with the vehicle in tow.

I could flip a coin but I think Orvieto may be well worth a visit.

Thoughts about or suggestions for stay in Tuscany about Siena, Chianti region?

Thanks.

S

Dropping the car at Hertz in Orvieto is a great idea. I love the mosaic facade of the church in Orvieto. With a car you could also do civittavecia, (close to Orvieto, not certain how to spell, but RS touts it). It is interesting, and a great walk on a stone rampart if you are up to that.

My only comment is that a 2 night stay is only one full day somewhere with days of packing, check-out, travel and checking-in and unpacking on either side. You've suggested a whole series of 2 night stays which seems like it could become about the logistics of moving around as much as experiencing the local area. If you can I would suggest longer stays and more day travel from bases than moving every other day to a new location to stay.

Travel style is obviously completely up to the individual, but especially in rural Tuscany where the slower pace of life is part of the appeal it seems like moving around so much makes that part harder to connect to.

However you do it have a great trip, rural Tuscany is as beautiful as advertised,
=Tod

I could flip a coin but I think Orvieto may be well worth a visit.

Orvieto is definitely a great place to visit!

Here’s my trip report with more details about Orvieto: Farewell Siena, Hello Orvieto!
Please note: My trip was in 2017 so the sites haven’t changed but other details may be dated.

Wishing you a wonderful trip!