bilboburgler

If I was staying in Rome for a period I'd, 1) make sure I was near a bus or train stop, it just makes life easier for getting around. 2) you might like the region around San Pietro station, it is not wonderfully touristy and very close to the Vatican.

Jean

SE of Rome, look at Frascati. 30 minutes by train for 2.10 euros. Last return train is late-ish (around 10).

It's a great base for exploring the Castelli Romani. LOTS to see and do in the area. You can get around a bit by bus and train. Ciampino Airport is nearby if you want to rent a car for multiple days on and off.

https://www.visitcastelliromani.it/en/

bvlenci

If you want to stay in Rome itself, I would consider the neighborhoods to the north of the Aurelian walls, that is to say the Parioli, Trieste, and Nomentana quarters. There are several parks in the area, and the Villa Borghese is nearby, as is the Parco della Musica, with a rich program of all kinds of music.

Another interesting neighborhood is Trastevere, where I would recommend staying near Viale Trastevere, or near the Ponte Sisto. Trastevere is a very large area, and some parts don't have great transportation.

The Prati neighborhood, north of the Vatican, is also nice, and convenient to other parts of the city.

The area near the San Pietro station wouldn't be my favourite. Other than the Vatican, there's not much nearby. I stayed there once for a few days when my daughter was doing research near the Vatican. Even for visiting the Vatican, it was all downhill on the way there, but all uphill on the way back.

annw

Siena is lovely.

There are two agriturismos outside of Impruneta in Tuscany that would make a lovely base -- 20-30 minutes away from Florence, but their own small town/community and under the radar. One walking distance to town/bus to Florence, the other would call for a car. An agriturismo in Umbria would also appeal, but then I do like Perugia (old center) and the nearby towns.

That said, I've spend weeks in Ravenna, often attending mosaic courses, and never tire of it, staying in the antique center and walking everywhere (bikes also popular). Outer areas of the city less charming. Regional train to Bologna and from there to everywhere in Emilia-Romagna and beyond.

Other interest would be in the north, in the Verona-Padua-Vicenza-Venice pathway, but doesn't sound like that's on your radar? Thinking of art, culture (opera in Verona, art in Padua, architecture in Vicenza/Venice...). A place in Sirmione on Lake Garda puts you in a great spot.

jtpj777

Perhaps consider Torino?
Not so much on the tourist map but an attractive city with great squares and museums. Good rail link to Milan ( one hour) and close to the Langhe wine villages like Barolo ( with its wine museum) and La Morra- a really beautiful area of Italy.
In addition you are also close to the alps with pretty alpine villages like Courmayeur within easy driving distance ( and Chamonix and the French Alps through the Mont Blanc Tunnel.

Jean

I like the Piemonte/Torino suggestion. It is a beautiful area, but, just so you know, May is the wettest month of the year there. I don't think it would (figuratively) wash out sightseeing, but some people just don't want to deal with rain. It could be a little early for the mountain towns, both in terms of conditions (snow on the ground, trails) and services (most lifts and cable cars don't re-open until June or July).

christym907

I agree with others who said they would go to Sicily. Been there twice and would go back in a heart beat. Getting ready to write a trip report , which I've never done before!

peteford

Thank you to everyone for your input. Much appreciated. Rome it is. We've found an apartment in Borgo, with a roof top terrace, which can take us for a month. We may do the final piece of the Via Francigena into Rome as part of the same trip (we've already walked from Lucca to Lake Bolsena), so plans are beginning to fall into place.
Thanks once again.

TDudette

Looking forward to reading your trip report!

Hub and I used buses and the tram most often. Check if a tram line 19 stop is convenient to your place.

bvlenci

Where in Rome is this Borgo? In Italy, "borgo" pretty much means "neighborhood". It usually has a modifier, such as Borgo Ripa, or Borgo Santo Spirito, which are both neighborhoods in Rome.

peteford

Hi. It's a named area of Rome between Castell Sant' Angelo and St Peters

KTtravel

Congratulations on your decision and apartment. Have a wonderful time!

bvlenci

That's Borgo Santo Spirito.