I have almost completed the plans for our family of three (we have a 12 year old son) for our first visit to Italy. After Florence we will make our way back to Rome for our flight back to U.S. I'm stuck on where to spend our last two nights. The information on this forum has been so helpful, I greatly appreciate any ideas.

In my mind, there are only two places: Siena and Orvieto. No one leg is that long, but the atmosphere of the towns is worth it. And since you won't spend a lot of time traveling, you'll be able to visit other towns in those areas.

I second Linda's suggestions. Especially to spend your last night in Orvieto (it is easy to get to FCO from Orvieto). Do visit the Tourist Info office there and take the English language tour of the caves -- you don't see a lot of caves, but it is an excellent tour and you'll learn a lot more about what living in the Etruscan town of Velzna (the city which preceded Orvieto) was like. Have a top-notch final dinner at Giglio d'Oro (you can probably stop in during the day to make a reservation for that night). If the chef has a recommended menu for the dinner, go for it...It really was one of the best meals we had in three weeks all over Italy. Dress is casual but nice. An excellent place to stay is teh Hotel Aquila Bianca, right in town and with parking. Of course if you aren't driving, you can take the train, but if you do have a car the trip to the airport is very easy.

We took our 11-year-old son to Italy last year, and he can hardly wait to see more next May; has even taken language courses with me. You'll have a wonderful adventure wherever you go, but I also agree that Orvieto is an easy distance from both Florence and Rome. Whether you're driving or taking the train makes a difference...our son loved Assisi.

On our (family of 4, kids 9 & 12) way from Florence to Rome we spent the night in Orvieto. Took the underground tour there. My kids enjoyed it. The town is adorable (although most of these medieval hillside towns are).

Here's another vote for Siena and Orvieto!

Since you are heading for Rome, Orvieto seems a very good choice. <BR>Siena is lovely and also Volterra. <BR>

Hi Marilyn, it is me again, should you choose Orvieto, a site visit to <BR>Bagnoregio will capture your son's <BR>imagination.... <BR> <BR>Should you choose Siena I think he will love to look for the Contradas ' <BR>little shields in buildings all around Siena ....... <BR>( PS He is a fortunate boy) Good luck <BR>