We are in a squabble and have decided to let the wonderful Fodorites choose for us. We have one night to spend in a hilltown. It can be anywhere between Rome and Florence. We want to sit and watch the world go by and get the true feel, (well, as much as one can)in one night of the tuscan life. Can anyone help? Thanks, Sharon

Orvieto, but it is in Umbria not Tuscany.

Are you driving? Where are you coming from--going to next. It really depends.

If doable, I vote for Pienza. It's gorgeous, buy cheese, there are ramparts with benches behind the cathedral where you can sit and soak up the views, good food.

Yep, Pienza. Especially if you have a car.

I'm with Sally here..Orvieto..or maybe Assisi~

We will be meeting in the Tuscany/Umbria area. Some will be coming from Florence and we will be driving up from Rome. We have devoured the guidebooks and are only more confused. All the places sound absolutely devine. How does one choose? So many places and so little time. This is why we decided to put it in the hands of the experts. Thanks, Sharon

I loved Siena, and adored our fabulous "garden view" at the Palazzo Ravizza hotel, which also has a great breakfast buffet included in the price.

If I were to choose only one Tuscan hill town to visit, to really get a sense of what that term means, and without having to fight hordes of tourists to do so, then I would unquestionably choose Volterra.

Volterra has it all-a collection of ancient architecture and artwork dating back to the Etruscan times-and all historical periods in between. Lovely piazzas-partic. the Piazza dei Priori-one of the most perfectly preserved medieval squares in all of Italy-Machiavelli wrote about the terrible battles that took place in and around this now serene spot.

There is of course a cathedral and baptistery, beautiful artwork and art museum, interesting 13th century "tower houses" (many more medieval houses) the Etruscan ruins, and even a 1st cent. BC Roman theatre which is under excavation.

The restaurants rangrefrom simple to elegant and romantic, many featuring local specialties.

As for hotels, you might want to check out the Park Hotel le Fonti-a nice Tuscan style hotel where you can walk 10 min. and be in the center of town.

Volterra is a joy to experience, a true gem of a Tuscan hill town, and without all the crowds of its more well-known neighbor, San Gimignano. It is deserving of far more than a day, but if you only have a day, then it will more than meet and exceed your expectations.

With so little time, I'd choose one that would be easy to get to and thus allows more time there.
I love the Montepulciano. Pienza and Montalcino (my favorite)area, but you might also choose Cortona or Greve area.
I think Volterra, although I like it, a bit "out of the way" for only one night between Rome and Florence.

Hi sha,

>Some will be coming from Florence and we will be driving up from Rome.<

Orvieto is on the train route Rome/Florence if that's important.

Orvieto has a funicular to take you up to the town, that's a lot of fun.

Orvieto has one of the best restaurants in Italy, I Sette Consoli
Pzza Sant’Angelo 1A
phone/fax 011 39 0763 343911

It has some tourist sights as well.

Traveling by train? Orvieto

Traveling by car? Pienza

Of the ones I've visited:Montepulciano or Siena.

Of the ones I'd like to visitienza or Orvieto.

Thanks for all the information. We will be driving, both ways. I would have never thought of Volterra. Please, keep the suggestions coming.

Pienza and Orvieto are excellent suggestions...easy to navigate, easy to park, pretty, charming, etc. and small, not overwhelming.

However, we too stayed at the Palazzo Ravizza in Siena and loved it. Siena is a great town to spend a day or even part of a day. The campo and Duomo are wonderful, and if you stay the night, it is a great town to stroll through in the evening...we loved it.

Best of all though is that the Palazzo has a parking lot for your car and lovely common rooms to relax in. If you opt for dinner there, you should be pleasantly surprised. And the garden is delightful. If you go, be sure to ask for a room in the back...a view you will surely never forget.

Montepuliciano!!