Sunshine_KollyBalook

My husband and I are seniors who love to meet people, eat local food, drink local wine, see beautiful scenery, and have fun! We're spending 3 weeks in Italy (end of May to early June) - Venice (4 days), Florence (2 days), then 7 days in Sienna and 4 days in Orvietto. We'll have a car while in Tuscany. We then go to Rome and turn in our car. We figure we'll be busy with city sightseeing, etc. in the cities, but we'd love some ideas about where to go and what do see as we take day trips from Sienna and Orvietto. Any ideas would be much appreciated. We are so excited.

Henry

Sunshine,
This may help http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/tuscany/hs_planning.htm

stevewith

Since you are going to be in Orvieto anyway, consider dropping off your car there and taking the train to Rome.

There are really so many books describing the multitude of attractions of central Tuscany and southwest Umbria -- wineries, art towns, Etruscan tombs, shopping outlets, golf courses, cooking classes -- it's sort of like saying "any ideas of how to spend 11 days in California?" It all depends on who you are and what interests you. There are also books that are good sources of information about the important red and white wines of that part of Umbria and that part of Tuscany if learning about wine interests you.

The area around Orvieto is rich with Etruscan history and Jewish history. But if you are mainly interested in doing cultural sightseeing in the cities and skipping that in the countryside, there are lots of scenic drives, walks, shops and food tours, plus activities like biking, hang gliding, river rafting, day spas and natural hot springs.

Sunshine_KollyBalook

Thanks so much for the suggestions!
Henry...We'll definitely check out the link.
Steve...Wish we had thought about leaving the car in Orvieto and taking the train to Rome. We'll check to see if we can make that change without incurring any large fees! Fortunately, the drop off location is walking distance to our B&B, but we weren't happy about driving into Rome.
I guess I was hoping that someone might have their personal favorite places to recommend. We like all kinds of things, but nothing athletic, other than walking.
Thanks again!

bobthenavigator

I would not locate IN Siena if you plan to do day trips from there by car. There are places just outside of town that would be better, but drivng into Siena is not easy.

annhig

Hi Sunshine,

one place i would definitely go from Siena would be the city of massa Marittima - a fascinating little place with a terrific cathedral, a fascinating wall to walk around, and great little restaurants - a barely a tourist in sight.

from Orvieto, I would head to the ancient city of Orbetello - estruscans, romans, and everyone since have left their mark on this little place. AND take your cossies - it's on a lagoon so there is excellent sheltered swimming too.

ira

Hi SK,

Any reason why you are staying in Orvieto and not Rome?

kybourbon

Siena area - San G, Volterra, Chianti area, Montalcino, Pienza.

On the way to Orvieto - Montepulciano

From Orvieto - Civita di Bagnoregio, Pitiligiano, Sorano, Saturnia, Sovana

Michael

Todi is a nice day's outing from Orvieto. Another possibility is Bomarzo.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...th/4201821884/

Michael

From Siena we did a day's outing to San Gimignano and Volterra (it was a long day):

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...th/4201748226/

Sunshine_KollyBalook

Thank you so much to all of you for your wonderful suggestions!!!! We'll read about all of them. Some I've heard of, but some are new to me.
Ira, after 4 days in Orvieto, we'll drive to Rome, drop off the car and spend four days in Rome!
Thanks again soooo much!
Anyone have suggestions about great local places to eat in Venice, Florence, Tuscany or Rome?

Sunshine_KollyBalook

Hi Bobthenavigator...we're not in the city of Siena; we're in the Valley of Pian del Lago, about 5km from the City at an agriturismo.