First time poster, long time lurker here. First timer to Italy, mid-20's.

I am arriving in Florence @ noon on a Friday. I had planned to take a late train to Rome Sunday night. I'm leaving from Rome the following Saturday. So I'll have 2.5 days in Florence, 5 full days in Rome.

The problem? I've decided I really want a taste of the countryside. I now think I should have planned to stay Sunday night in Florence, then driven Monday through the countryside south to Rome. This would've been great relaxing break between the cities too. However, I'm past the point where I can cancel the first night's hotel stay in Rome. (Well, I guess I am since I'm leaving in a week. The hotel didn't list cancellation policies on their webisite or on the confirmation fax I sent.)

Can anyone give me advice on how to get a taste of the countryside? I see these options: day trip on train to Orvieto from Rome, getting up Sunday morning to drive to Rome and sacrificing a day in Florence, or trying to cancel my first night's lodging in Rome. Best choice? What would you do?

Hi K,

>cancel my first night's lodging in Rome.<

Yup.

You might even want to cancel 2 nights in Rome.

Next best is to train to Orvieto for a day.

I agree that you should cancel one night in Rome (not two) and spend a night in Orvieto after driving from Florence.
Check with the Rome hotel if this is okay.
I'd take the SS222 (leave early)and enjoy. You could leave your car in orvieto (as Ira advised)or simply get on the autostrada after Montepulciano.

Try this idea...

Cancel your last night's stay in Rome and do a two-day, one-night countryside loop in a rental car returning it at the airport prior to your flight home.

What ira ssz:

More Florence, less Rome; I'd go 4 and 3/5 Florence/Rome allowing that you might visit Sienna and/or Pisa while in Florence.