pattyshearts

We have been to Italy a few times and visited the main cities. This time we will stay in Positano for a few days, go back to Rome to see family for a few days and then maybe to Siena and Assisi. Should we make Florence our home base to Siena and Assisi and take day trips there, or stay overnight in these towns?

Have any other suggestions of places we might want to visit. Do you think Portofino is stretching this trip too much? I heard it is really beautiful but wasn't sure if this would be possible since we are traveling from one end of Italy to another.

Always open for suggestions of where and how.

ssf14

I used Florence as a base for day trips to Sienna and Pisa. The trains were pretty cheap (cheaper than renting a car) and enough trains between them to easily spend an entire day at either destination. I haven't been to Portofino though. If you're going to Rome then maybe you can swing a couple of days for the Amalfi coast.

Nonconformist

It's about two and a half hours each way by train from Florence to Assisi - further than I personally would want for a daytrip. Siena would be fine.

CodyC

I have not been to Assisi so I can't speak on that. However Florence would be a great home base for Siena & San Gimignano (an ancient walled town) which I highly recommend. Luca is also another great wall town but if you must choose, Siena and San G are the better choices. You could make it out to the Cinque Terre from Florence which is south of portofino. Cinque Terra (5 towns) is less commercial and stunning. If you do go to Portofino, you won't be disappointed in it's beauty. If you only have a few days for tuscany, then I wouldn't drive to the coast. I'd spend more time in the ancient towns, vineyards and in Florence itself.
Be sure to book your tickets for the Uffizi Galleria and Academia (to see the stautue of David) in Florence in advance.

ira

Hi P,

There are those who prefer to stay in Siena and those who prefer to stay in Florence.

I suggest you look up all of your towns in the "search this forum" box.

chiarachiara

I would sleep at least one night in Assisi. It is wonderful to be there after the crowds left.

beargirl

I am going to Assisi next year and I am staying for a couple of nights. Try staying at one of the convents although they have a curfew. Look up Santa Susanna on Yahoo they have a list of convents in assisi