This Oct we're driving from Rome to Florence with our base in Spoleto. Does anyone have a fabulous city in Umbria that can't be missed? Also interested in antique markets. How difficult is parking in Florence? Any info would be apprecitated.

Driving in Florence is horrible. We never did find the "easy to find" (on the map, sure -- but maps are no use to first-time visitors to Florence!) huge public parking plaza at the north end of via Cavour, because it took us an hour and a half to find via Cavour. Piazzas aren't easily identifiable from the street (Gee, do you think THAT was Piazza Republica?) street names change, there are many one-way streets. We jumped at the chance for valet parking offered by our hotel (Hotel Casci) so we wouldn't have to see the car until it was time to leave. Your best bet may be to park on the outskirts of town (south of the Arno)and take a bus in.

DO NOT DRIVE IN FLORENCE!!!!!

Hello jeanne, Of course, you have to see Assisi---a most unique experience. <BR>Drop the car in Florence.

If you drive to Florence just follow the signs to the train station--you won't go right thru town--and there is a large under ground lot right at the station.

I agree that Assisi would be the not-to-miss place to visit enroute from Spoleto to Florence. Also agree to lose the car in Florence. All the sights are w/in walking distance and mostly non-traffic streets anyway.

Orvieto is worth a visit, and is right on your way. Definitely do not drive in Florence. As noted above, there are places to park at the end of bus lines. We came from the south and found a small parking lot just off the first exit to Florence from the highway that goes north from the Chianti area ( I don't remember the route number).