Another B&B which really looks lovely close to the Pantheon and with really raving reviews is Relais Maddalena, you might be interested in taking a look at its site.

Anna - the locanda looks terrific, [I always look at the places you recommend and book-mark them because you find such interesting places!] but at first i thought it might be a bit out of our league financially, until i realised that the 3 nights for the price of 2 offer was €90 pp, not for each night, but for the whole stay! Even over Christmas, 3 nights, with 2 meals as well we breakfast, is only €225 each.

definitely somewhere to bear in mind for an Umbria trip .

Anna & Annhig,

thanks again to both of you, for the help and the enthusiasm. We have already booked the hotels both in Florence and Rome but I'll save the information, this is our first trip together to Italy but I am sure it will not be the last!

Hi Ursulina,

I have been to Rome & Florence during Christmas many times & it’s always great. Please check the weather forecast before you leave because it can get very cold (esply in Florence). IMO, to be safe, it’s a good idea to bring a pair of good walking boots (not just shoes) & perhaps one set of thermal undies because, as a tourist, you’ll be doing a lot of walking outside.

Regarding daytrips & traveling city to city, may I suggest you email your hotels, tell them what you would like to do & see if they have suggestions. Also ask for suggestions about what to do/what is open on Christmas Eve/Day.

Regarding Siena, there are many tour companies in Florence which offer a day trip to Siena & my suggestion is to take one of these because you will have an English speaking guide pick you up, drop you off & give you a tour of Siena. Your hotel should be able to help you with this. I took one of these day trips, fell in love with Siena & later returned on another trip & spent 4 days there.

IMO, you do not need to rent a car for this trip. Take the train to Rome from Florence (make sure you get seat reservations). I’m pretty sure that parking a car, let alone driving, in these places is a nightmare. You could also email the hotel & ask them to send a car (taxi) to pick you up at the train station & drive you to your hotel. This just makes life a lot easier.

Have a great time!

Ursulina,
I see you're from Boston, so I'm sure you have a comfy pair of waterproof/resistant winter boots & long johns. I suggest you take them. Hope you'll never need them, but if you do, you'll be very happy you have them.

Hi Seeker,

I actually DO need to be reminded about the Winter stuff. Of course I own all the Northeastern gear (although last year it barely snowed in the city!)but I am not the wisest packer... I just try to keep it light and simple and frequently regret it later, so your advice is more than welcomed!