Itinerary Check Please
 

We will be spending one month in Italy, flying in and out of Rome.<BR><BR>4 days in Rome<BR>3 days in Sorrento<BR>2-3 days in Tropea (?)<BR>2 days Reggio di Calabria (family history)<BR>7 days in Puglia<BR>Heading North again<BR>1 day Sorrento (a rest stop on the way North)<BR>3 days Siena<BR>3 days Florence<BR>3 days Orvieto<BR>1 night Rome and fly out in morning.<BR><BR>My main question is the end of the itinerary. Does it make sense to Siena, Florence, and then Orvieto in that order before heading back to Rome to fly out? We have a car.

One small detail. Assuming you are looping through Puglia including Lecce and Alberobello and Matera, you might want to go from there across to the west on the A16 and up through Benevento, then the smaller SS372 to link up with the autostrata A1 considerably north of Naples. This would be a sort of shortcut and avoid a lot of traffic. That would mean a different stop from getting involved in heading back into Sorrento for that one night. Or in fact you could head right up the east coast and turn off to go to Perugia or somewhere there.

I like the itinerary except for one thing. What could you possibly do for 3 days in Siena?

Patrick,<BR>Thanks for the tip, that's why I am asking. I like the idea of just heading up the east coast. Any recommendations for Perugia? I also want to check out pottery in Deruta.<BR><BR>Mark, <BR>I don't know what I'll do for 3 days in Siena, I've never been there. Thought maybe a day trip to San G. Again, that's why I'm asking. Am I allowing too much time in Siena and Orvieto and missing something?<BR>Thanks for the tips !

Sienna and Orvieto are both very nice towns, but IMHO 3 days is too much for each. I would shave a day off of each and add them to Rome and/or Sorrento. both of these areas have more to do in and around them.

Anyone else with some ideas??

I agree with Patrick--skip Sorrento on the way north and spend some time in Umbria. Actually, those 9 days in centro Italia need work. I see 3 days in Umbria near Assisi, and then 5 days in Tuscany at one location. One day is adequate in Orvieto. We would need to know more about your strategy to comment further. Also, what time of year is this trip? Have you seen Italy before? I envy a full month in bella Italia. We just bought our tickets today for our 12 trip--2 weeks in Oct.

Oh yes, almost forgot. Go to the trip reports at www.slowtrav.com to see my trip from spring of 2000 that included Puglia. Good luck !

We were in Italy in 1997 and spent a week in a timeshare near Assisi and were only able to spend 1 day Florence. Since we are using a timeshare in Puglia, that week needs to stay fixed. We will be in Italy June 15-July 15. Umbria/Tuscany was so beautiful that we wanted to go back. My strategy is to see the countryside and hilltowns in the easiest way. I am not able to hike and walk long distances, so thought staying within the walls of Siena might be a good choice. I am really open to suggestions. While in Southern Italy in 1997 we made some friends from Milan. While I don't have a great desire to see Milan, it would be fun to see our friends who live in San Donato (I think that must go outskirts of Mlan?) I appreciate all of this help ...keep it coming !!

Any more suggestions?

Hi Sally Jo<BR><BR>I did a similar trip to the one you outlined 2 years ago.<BR><BR>Although mine went:<BR><BR>1 hour Rome airport (pick up car and drive straight to...<BR>2 days Spoleto<BR>&gt; Assisi, Arezzo etc are all 20 min drives from here<BR>2 days Perugia<BR>3 days Florence<BR>1 day San Gimignano<BR>1 day Siena<BR>5 days Rome<BR>5 days Naples<BR>&gt; again Pompeii etc are all short drives from here<BR><BR>I am going again in June but this time we are renting a villa for a week near Siena and will do everything nearby in day trips. Much easier than packing up gear and moving on every few days. The other 3 weeks we're still undecided... maybe Sicily... maybe up north... It's so hard deciding. :)<BR><BR>

Suggestion-less is more spend a minimum of 3 days in each place, &quot;do&quot; less towns.If it is worth seeing it is worth exploring.What would you do in Siena for three days?!I could think of plenty to do for a month!<BR>This dosn't have to be your only trip to Italy.Check out slowtraveler website<BR>www.slowtrav.com RR

Thanks Robert. I don't want to change locations very often, that's why I thought 3 days in each Siena, Florence and Orvieto. I'm thinking the Hotel Duomo in Siena, Hotel Casci in Florence and Orvieto....not a clue. I'm not even sure that this is the other town we want to stay at. Any more suggestions?

Tarquinia is worth a stop for its Etruscan museum and tombs. From Orvieto it is a nice day trip to Todi, although one day in Orvieto proper might be sufficient. Perugia is nice, and Assisi and Deruta are reachable on a day trip.

Any ideas of where to stay in Perugia?

Why Perugia--Assisi is :20 away. I am not trying to be critical, but do you have a good map? Also, viamichelin.com can help you with driving times and routing. This sounds like a fabulous trip and I want to make sure you have the right perspective on time and distance. You have a great opportunity here--good planning will be crucial.

Why the most time in Puglia?,I dont know much about that location.Would possibly condider rural suth tuscany instead of Orvieto.Example Castiglione de orcia area,rural close to brunello vineyards etc.

Hi SallyJo,<BR><BR>On our last trip we spent 4 days in Chianti &amp; did day trips from there, then drove down to Orvieto &amp; stayed 3 nights a Palazzo Piccolomini which was lovely.<BR><BR>We really enjoyed staying Orvieto, a facinating town, very untouristy, great for the passeggiata, lots of interesting shopping &amp; galleries. We did the underground cave tour, the Etruscan museum, the Etruscan tomb excavations just below the town, had some fabulous meals &amp; wine, did day trips to Deruta (diappointing quality of ceramics &amp; don't go on Sunday as many shops are closed), Todi which was wonderful, and the very best was an afternoon at Civita di Bagnoreggio - a must see. We dropped our Avis car in Orvieto &amp; trained back up to Pisa &amp; Cinque Terre.<BR><BR>Buon viaggio!

Thanks for all of the comments. Bob, I looked at driving times on the website and I've reorganized things. You are absolutely right, I needed help (and still do) on driving times and where things are in relationship to each other. Here's what I've come up with:<BR>Puglia to Assisi - 7 hrs drive time, stay 2 days in Assisi<BR>Assisi to Siena = 1 ½ hr drive time, stay 2 days in Siena<BR>Siena to Florence = 1 hr drive time, stay 3 days in Florence<BR>Florence to Milan = 3 hr drive, stay 2 days in Milan<BR>Milan to Rome = 5 hour drive, stay overnight to fly out in morning.<BR><BR>The reason Milan is there at that time, is to visit a friend who lives there. This makes our visit on the week-end. So, what do you think ? I am very open to kind criticism, suggestions. <BR>

Good for you--at least you are trying to get it right. Your problem is the car. You do not need--nor want--to drive a car in Siena, Florence and certainly not Milan. And, the drive to Rome from Milan is more like 8 hours.<BR>So, here is an alternative plan:<BR><BR>Drive to near Assisi--your first day is shot with the drive from Puglia. Central Umbria deserves some time--so, spend 3 nites here--2 days of tourism<BR>Look at Malvarina near Spello.<BR><BR>Drive to near Siena--do not stay in the city with a car--stay outside. Look at Hotel Piccolo Oliveta--just outside the south wall. Spend 3 nites here and explore south Tuscany<BR><BR>Drive to Florence--see San Gimignano enroute--drive to airport and DUMP THE CAR NOW ! Taxi to hotel in Florence<BR><BR>Now, your time in Florence depends on your friend. Why not have them train to Florence and join you--3 hour trip. Or, you train to Milan if you must and stay with him. The tracks go both ways.<BR><BR>Finally, train to Rome--less than 2 hours from Florence and almost 5 hours from Milan. Rail travel is cheap and cars are not--especially with parking in cities, gas, and tolls. We always drive--but NOT IN THE CITIES--TRUST ME!<BR><BR>That may help. I am sure you will tweek this, but the point is not to drive all of the time--more hassle than benefit.<BR><BR>Good luck--I wish I was going on this trip--you will have fun. We are going back to Tuscany in Oct. for 2 weeks. It will be our 12th trip to bella Italia.

Thank you very much Bob. Your suggestions are great. We drove into Florence last time and we weren't sure our tiny car would even fit down the street we needed to go down. It was so tight that a vespa along the side had to get out of our way before we could proceed !! My only hesitation is staying outside the walls of Siena. Because I have a limited amount of &quot;walking power&quot;, I was concerned about getting into the town itself. Can you take a taxi in ?

Yes, you can taxi into town--all the way to the Duomo on top of the hill to save your legs. After that, you can walk around most of Siena easily. The hotel is about a :15 walk from the Campo. Or, stay 20 km south at Palazzo del Capitano in San Quirico and bus into Siena. That is a great base for south Tuscany.

Again, thanks for the quick reply. I'm feeling rushed to make reservations for July....or do you think I have plenty of time. I had found a place called Hotel Le Terre Rosse through Tuscany Net that appeals to me (although noone on the board seems to have heard of it). It has ground floor rooms and looks very accessible. I may just take a chance on it. In Florence I am going to make reservations at Hotel Casci. Only loose end is accommodations around Assisi (you mentioned Malverina) and Tropea in Southern Italy. You have been such a big help, any more suggestions?<BR><BR>12 trips !!! Lucky you ! No wonder you have so many good ideas !<BR><BR>

I would book now. Look at Palazzo Bocci in Spello--I like that village. I do not know the place in Tuscany, and I know most of them--check it out well.<BR>Also look at www.lacosta.it--a real sleeper in Montefollinico. Casci is a good bet--also look at residenza Giotti.

Thanks again. It appears that the hotel in Spello is within the walls, am I correct ? Are cars allowed? I have emailed both places (Palazzo Bocci and Hotel Piccolo Oliveta) to see if they have a ground floor double room or an elevtor, which I'm doubting.

We did park in the town square in Spello, about a block from the hotel, but that is not always true. I seem to recall an elevator--it is a nice hotel.

For the record, I could easily spend 3 days in Siena. I could spend a week there.

Bob,<BR>Received a confirmation email from Hotel Piccolo Oliveta. I am very excited, it sounds great !! Cooking classes even !! I am a little concerned about Spello, so have another question for you or anyone else with an answer. You recommended Palazzo Bocci. The tour book I looked at indicated it was a real workout for the legs in Spello. Perhaps they meant they climb into Spello, and since this hotel is within the walls, I would be okay, given I can't hike a long disance. Just want to clarify, as I don't want to get into a situation that is impossible for me.

They call them hill towns for a reason.<BR>It is not too bad in town, but any of these villages call for good legs. I am not sure of your tolerance.

I think I'll book Spello for 2 nights. If it turns out to be too much, it won't be for long. Thanks for all of the advice. My only accomodation left to book is something between Sorrento and Reggio di Calabria (besdies Reggio itself, which I don't think will be a problem). Thinking of Tropea. Any ideas anyone?

Have you considered taking a trip to Civita? We're going there in 2004, and I've heard it's one of a kind.

My understanding is that Civita is probably tougher to get into than other hilltowns. I could be wrong though. I am trying to find a place near Assisi where the hiking/walking wouldn't be too hard. I have some walking/hiking limitations and don't want to get over my head. I had read great things about Malvarnia. Looks wonderful. I read that the dining room is in the old wine celler. Steps are fine with me as long as it's not to steep...or just a ladder!! Anyone with experience?