Where would you go for two nights (between Venice & Rome)?

There are so many choices but you are looking for ideas. In my opinion, I would look at a few options (1) two nights in Montepulciano, (2) two nights in Assisi, (3) bypass Rome temporarily and go to the Amalifi coast or Sorrento or (4) Arrvie in Rome 2 days early and day trip out of there. These are all very nice 2-day stops. We'll see what other great posters on this site come up with.

Sounds like you have a lot of big-city time scheduled for this trip (though Venice isn't really a big city). How about spending some time in a smaller town?

Are you travelling only by train, or would be willing to rent a car? If you rent a car, you could drive from Venice to Rome, and there are innumerable places to visit. In the wine country, Montalcino or Montepulciano. Or a day in Bologna, with a side trip to visit the amazing mosaics in Ravenna. Or stay in Siena and visit the Tuscan towns in that area.

Do you like/love ancient history? If so, consider spending a day or two visiting Pompeii. To keep costs down, you could stay somewhere near there (rather than day-tripping from Rome).

Cinque Terre is too far out of the way, and not good weather in Nov. I'd pick all of the above cities over Orvieto (though Orvieto's worth a visit too).

Jayne,

What a wonderful dilemma to have! I'd probably head for Orvieto. two nights means one day... I could sure waste a day in Orvieto - without a bit of wasted time!

Jayne,
We just returned two weeks ago and we spent two nights in Siena and really loved it. It was a short train ride from Florence and the scenery along the way was wonderful. I would love to go back there and explore the surrounding area!
Tom and Sherry
Steger, IL

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions. I am busy researching them all...

I definitely agree on the "small town" versus another big city, but we really don't want to rent a car on this trip, so we need something on the train or bus routes.

We have one more week before we leave, so feel free to toss out any more ideas!

If this were a pop quiz then it would be the easiest pop quiz question in the history of the world. Siena.

Jarrod:
You may be right. I was concerned, however, that it would be too difficult to just pop into Siena on a Friday night with no reservations and be able to get a "decent" place to sleep. The kids won't care where they stay, but we are Geezers and would like our own bathroom.

Jayne, in the middle of October you shouldn't have a ton of problems. If you're up for booking your hotel ahead of time then by all means do it. There are several places in the city that rent out small apartments. That might be a good way to save some money. One good option is Albergo Bernini. It comes highly recommended by Rick Steves readers. I have stayed in Hotel Moderno. They rent out apartments with free parking. Here is the website: http://www.hotelmodernosiena.it/index.asp. Click on the Apartamenti link.

Orvieto is on the train line to Rome.Stay 2 nights and on the free day take the bus to Civita.It is a very neat place.Orvieto is also a nice town to visit.

We absolutely hated Siena. Dirty, clausterphobic, very unfriendly people, zero charm. Orvieto, Assissi, Montelpuciano, Montalcino, much better choices in my humble opinion.

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions! I'm thinking Orvieto, Civita,or...

Yesterday I went to the bank here to get a few Euros and the international teller was a young Italian woman! She said she would go to Assisi....

No matter where we finally choose, I'm sure it will be wonderful. Thanks again.

We stayed in Cortona Sept 10-13 and it was very cool. We went to Assisi one day and the Basilica was amazing but it is a big tourist trap with a zillion shops selling trinkets.