marmot

We will be taking the train from Rome to Florence and want to spend two nights along the way. Requirements are: must be accessible by train, within walking distance to town center, art-related sites, charming. I'm looking for town suggestions as well as places to stay. I'm thinking of something along the lines of Siena or Arezzo. I've been to both but never spent the night.

Alice_Twain

Arezzo is right on the min railway line that connects Rome to Florence (Eurostar trains do not stop there, must use an Intercity). Siena has railway connections, but they are not very efficient. There is a direct connection to Florence, but I am not suyre about Rome. In any case, From Florence to Siena bus is a better option. So I would stop in Arezzo.

baldrick

I would defenitely go for Perugia.

It takes 2 hours from Rome to Perugia and 2 hours from Perugia to Florence.

It is not on the main railway. Each time you would have one stopover, but it is a very cute little town.

Alice_Twain

Please, by Italian standards Perugia is a meduim size city! "Cute little town" is a better description of a place like Montalcino! I ma not just referring to the size of the city, but also to its political, economic and historical importance.

ira

Hi Marmot,

You might wish to consider Orvieto.
See http://www.eng.uci.edu/~alberto/orvieto/en_seeing.html

http://www.bellaumbria.net/Orvieto/home_eng.htm

http://www.italyfarmhousesrental.com/cities/orvieto.htm

JudyC

Perugia is a lovely city perched on top of hills(incredible views) with many interesting sites/churches/museums to visit,pretty boulevard and winding alleys to walk around, and great food(much cheaper than Tuscany). But the train station is at the foot of the hill,it is a long way up on foot(even with elevators) to town centre. However, there are many/frequent buses in between.

ira

PS

Orvieto is an hour out of Rome on the IC train. ES* doesn't stop there.

jamikins

Assisi is a wonderful small town. Its pink building, built on a hill is soo picturesque. We spent 2 nights there, and had a wonderful time!

MarkY

I second Orvieto. My wife and I just spent a night there on our way to Greve and only wish we would of spent more time there. Here is the place we stayed, highly recommended.

http://www.karenbrown.com/italy/deta...so?RecID=10563