What hilltown?

The catch with Assisi and Siena (both of which we loved) is that the train station doesn't put you near the historic center. You'll have to bus or taxi it to get that final step. And be warned - Assisi taxis are EXPENSIVE!!

Assisi is lovely, still has a spiritual atmosphere and Siena is wonderful. Whichever town you choose, factor in a few hours' of travel time. That, and the number of changes/ transfers might be a significant consideration as you're only planning to stay for 1 day/ 1 night. It's easy to get to Siena from Rome, and I find the buses more convenient as the SENA bus takes you directly from Rome's Tiburtina bus station to the centre of Siena in three-and-a-half hours. Tiburtina station is connected by metro to Termini and other areas of Rome. Getting to Siena by train isn't as convenient. There's a change of train (at Chiusi, I think), Siena's train station is outside the city walls (not a walkable distance), and one has to take a bus or taxi into the city centre. Assisi's train station isn't in the town either: it's 30 minutes away by public bus, at Santa Maria degli Angeli. The website Assisi Online has more information about getting to Assisi. Check train times at the Trenitalia website.

Linda - One of many that are Fantastic BUT my personal favorite - San Gimignano - You actually can train it up to the area - Florence or Siena and then bus over to San Gimignano - Of course, Siena is fantastic as well and that would eliminate the bus ride BUT , my advice would be to do both. A bit rushed but it can be done in a day.

Ciao, Greg

Linda
As Greg describes San Gimignano is a delightfull hill town. We stayed just outside there for a week this past September and enjoyed our visits. It is a bit on the busy side as it is a popular destination. One tip: Go early in the morning or late in the evening and avoid the tour bus crowds.

You can take the train to a nearby town called Poggibonsi. I would guess it is about 15 k from San Gimignano. However, you would have to find transportation from there.
Another great place, which is close to San G. is Volterra. I actually liked Volterra better than San G. It dosent seem so touristy or so busy as San G. Also Volterra has a very interesting church with some great art that you can visit. I really enjoy the art works when they are in the churches rather than the galleries. It seems more authentic in some way.
Enjoy

I would suggest Perugia. It is close to a number of great places for an easy commute. We spent a week here a few years ago and we stayed at the Hotel Fortuna. You can find this hotel in Frommer's Guide and venere.com.

Buon viaggio,

RB

Hi Linda,

We tried Perugia as a base for visiting the Umbria region a few weeks ago and found that getting in and out of the city center with traffic to be difficult plus, parking was very hard to find. The train station is not very convenient to the city center.

From Rome by train, small cities like Spello (my choice) or Assisi might be convenient and fun to visit! For a larger city, Cortona is about 2-2 1/2 hours from Rome.

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. After reading all, I'm beginning to narrow it down to Assisi or Siena. Since it's only for a one night stay, I really need somewhere that has direct train routes from Rome (no buses). I really don't want to spend no more than 3-3 1/2 hrs. enroute each way. I think these 2 hilltowns would work. I'm leaning more towards Assisi though because I love the smaller, more quaint, hilltowns over the larger ones. Anymore comments, I would love to hear them!

I'm sorry I mislead everyone. I don't mind taking a bus from the train station to the center of town. It's taking a train to one town to catch a bus to get to another town, that I don't want to do. Yes, Orvieto is the best but like I said, I've been there.

OK Steve, thanks for this good advise.

Linda,
Take a look at Spoleto.

Siena is a large enough city that one night is not enough-- I would lean toward a smaller town so you don't eat up so much of your limited time with transportation logistics. Steve is right about not taking the train to Siena.

Ah, let me fine tune my advice.. a very small town is easy to get enter/depart but I think the rural countryside is best enjoyed with a car. So, I think your combination of only having one day to visit but relying on public transportation would lean toward Assisi-- not too small as to be difficult to access w/o public transportation nor so big you don't see anything or spend too much time getting in/out. (Hilltowns are not served by the train. Train/bus transfer is possible of course but is it worth it for just one night?) I have never stayed in Assisi so hesitate to say more, but I am with you on this one--that is what I would research given your situation. One night there would be great. I basically agree with Steve and Orvieto is a good choice logistically.

By the way, many would disagree with me and actually visit Siena as a day trip, but I just can't recommend that.

We loved Pienza. Stayed in an Agriturisom, Terrapille, just outside of Pienza. It was an enchanting time, very different and "welcomly" so after some city time. I believe Terrapille's website is www.terrapille.it. If that's not it, just google it. Truly lovely place.

Enjoy oyour trip,

Jodie

Thank you Linda & Jodie for your advise. Jodie, your place sounds lovely but we do not have a car and I'll bet we would need one to get there. I will look into Pienza though. I'm leaning right now towards Assisi. Which way would be the best way to go there from Rome...train or bus?

MHO: I've been to both Assisi and Siena. If I had one day to spend and had to choose: Assisi. This is based on my actual enjoyment of each town. (Both good, but if I had one night: Assisi) Since it appears that the transportation options are better (and they are!!), Assisi looks to be a good choice. I think you will enjoy it.

Hi linda , I would recommend the Medieval hill top of Casperia , its a gem about 36 mins from Rome by train . I did a 3 night cooking weekend with a company called A Taste of Rome and stayed in the most wonderful historic 15c palazzo , situated right in the historic centre of traffic free village. The lessons are very informal , great fun ( i'm sure your husband would love them too ) a real blast !
Its the perfect way to spend a few days to remember - Its a place i dream about now that the winter is closing in.

http://www.atasteofrome.com