need a little help here
 

We're leaving for 14 nites in Italy on Sept. 23. This will be our 4th trip to Europe (Spain '88,Portugal '92,England '94).
On these vacations we would fly in with no reservations except for a car at the airport and our 1st night's lodging. After that we were winging it. Now we're in our 50's and not so daring. We want it all mapped before we leave. Here is our itinerary followed by 2 questions.
nites 1-4 Rome,
train to Santa Margharita Ligure for
nites 5-8
then to Siena via(train or car?) for
nites 9-14
Question #1 Should we rent car in San. Marg.
and drive to Siena or take public trans. and rent car in Siena?
Question #2 Our flt. home departs Rome at 12:45pm. Should we spend our last night in Rome to be closer to the airport, or is it feasible to take the train from Sienna directly to the airport on our departure day?
Thank you in advance for your advice. It was a lot more fun wingin' it!
Ciao, Mike and Justine

Sounds like fun. As for me I would stay close to Rome. It's been 7 months since I've flown out of FCO but security was very tight returning to the US (if that's your destination) and we waited 3 hours before we could check in. Although this might not be normal, the security checks change often and I wouldn't risk it unless you don't mind missing your flight.

Since you are asking, you should spend your last evening in Rome. It is such a beautiful city after dark, particularly the area between Piazza Navonna and the Pantheon. Find a great restaurant on a side street, take a long walk afterward for coffee and gelato, toss a few coins in the Trevi Fountain. Be sure to arrange for a shuttle to the airport in the morning the night before. It's a quick and easy drive -- 30-45 minutes. If you can, avoid the soulless, over-priced airport hotels, no matter how convenient.

There is no direct train from Siena to FCO. In fact, I beleive you will need to change trains in Florence or Chiusi in order to get to Termini and then get on a train to the airport. So it would be better to stay the last night in Rome. Stay in the city and take a cab or shuttle to the airport the next morning. If your plane leaves at 12:45 pm you should plan to be at FCO by 10 am. Have the taxi come for you by 9:15. As for renting a car vs. train from SML to Siena, I'd get the car in SML.

Hello norclmike, isn't it strange that when we get older we don't feel as "daring", lol.

Personally, if you feel comfortable about driving in Italy I would rent your car in Santa Margarita and drive to Siena.

For sure I would spend the last night in Rome and than as suggested take a shuttle to the airport in the morning. Or you could take a taxi. Your hotel in Rome can make the arrangements for you. You are fortunate that your plane does not depart until 12:45pm versus early in the morning. There is no way that I would depend on a train to get me to the airport the day my flight departs. Trains can be late and there is always a possibility of a strike. So the last evening in Rome will be relaxing and fun without worrying about whether you will make it to the airport in time or not from Siena. Have a wonderful trip!

I agree--get the car in SML. And, you can bus from Siena to Rome but I would stay closer if you plan to drive--perhaps Orvieto.

Santogaetano:

which shuttle are you talking about? We also have an early morning flight out of Rome in June. I looked at a few airport hotels just to get an idea and decided that it was not appealing at all. You are right about spending the last night in Rome. We plan to take a taxi, since the shuttle from Termini to the airport does not run very early in the morning. Is that the one you are talking about? Maybe I am wrong about the schedule. If there is another one please let me know, since I assume it should be cheaper than a taxi. Thanks.

Hi Norcalmike,

Here's a thought, since you are driving, how about staying outside Siena in the beautiful countryside rather than inside the walls? Easier with a car.

Agree with staying in either Rome or Ovieto the last night. Orvieto is really special.

Buon viaggio!

norcalmike:

I'd take LoveItaly advice.

Suggest you stay in Rome in case of a train strike. There are also taxi strikes so I would suggest you arrange for a car the night before and not depend on a taxi. When we were in Rome in May, there was a taxi strike the day my dad was to fly out of Rome. Luckily our hotel arranged a car the day before so we didn't have to rely on getting a taxi. We lucked out there.

To all who responded: Grazi beaucoup!
We will rent car in SML and return it somewhere between Siena and Orvieto and spend our last nite in Rome.
to LoveItaly- Yes, strange and just a little sad but inevitable. But we're both healthy, in decent shape, and so looking forward to this vacation. My wife is 1/2 Sicilian and has always wanted to go to Italy. I was leaning more towards France, but the history of Rome/Italy,the ruins,the art along with
this message board changed my mind. We love this board.
thanks again everybody,
Mike & Justine

Dayle That is exactly what we are thinking. We were going to stay just outside the walls of Siena. But after reading more of the messages on this site, particularly Stu Dudley, were looking for lodging around San Quirico, Pienza or Montepulciano. Sound good?

norcalmike,

Sounds wonderful! On my second Italy trip, we stayed 4 nts in Chianti and did day trips. One day to Siena. We liked it OK, but I've been to many Tuscan and Umbrian towns that I honestly liked a lot more.

Last trip, I stayed in Montalcino for 3 nights and did day trips. I was traveling solo, so wanted to stay within the walls. My hotel, Il Giglio, parked and retrived my car for me each day.

LOVED Montalcino, the brunello, Grappolo Blu and surrounding towns. Be sure to visit Sant'Antimo (first mass to miss crowds). A beautiful and spiritual experience.