Hello, I know this has been asked before, but I just can't decide! Myself, husband and 3 kids (13, 11 & 8) will be renting a car in Rome and staying in San Gimignano for 4 nights. What towns should we hit on our way to the agriturismo in San Gimignano on Day 1? I was thinking: Rome -> Orvieto (1.5 hours) -> Montepulciano (1 hour). We may (or may not) have some extra time before heading to SanG. (an additional 1 hour or so North). If we have time, should we hit San Quirico? Pienza? Montalcino? Asciano? Or think we won't have any extra time and this is a moot question!?!? The rest of our Tuscany days wiil be spent at Florence, Siena and San Gim/Voterra/cooking class. Thank you!!
Posted by
11651 posts
Orvieto would be enough.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11823 posts
Too many choices! It is a (minimum) 3.5 hour drive up by way of Orvieto and Siena, or 4-plus hours going via the coast. That does not leave a lot of time to explore along the way as any of those towns can consume you for 2 hours to 2 days.
You could drive up as far as Chiusi then head west through Montepulciano, Pienza, and Montalcino as it is a lovely drive that also pass through San Quirico. You won’t be able to stop and tour everywhere so pick one for lunch and a walk, another for coffee. From Montalcino, head north through Buonconvento to Siena and on to San Gimignano. I suspect with a couple of stops it will take you close to 8 hours. You aren’t doing this after an overnight international flight, I hope.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16684 posts
sewarsh, I don't know how much reading you've done about the size of vehicle to rent, to handle all of you and your luggage, but it might be a good idea to ask the question? Parking at any of the desired stops is part equation as well. There are also frequent cautions on the forums about leaving anything in unattended vehicles or at least visible within them.
And I also hope you're not going to attempt this drive right off an international flight? You need a wide-awake head that's not in a jet-lagged fog! :O)
Posted by
OP
13 posts
Thanks everyone. We’ll have been in Rome for 3 days at this point. We’re also renting a station wagon so hopefully our luggage is not exposed..:this is a concern of mine. Thanks for your thoughts.