djmum

My husband and I want to explore the towns of Tuscany. We are flying into Rome at the end of August and picking up a rental car .We have ten days. We thought we'd make our way to Florence and spend a few days there, but on the way see as much of Tuscany's art, architecture, history and landscape as possible. We thought we'd start at Civita de Bagnoregio, then Orvietto, and we want to visit Sienna, but that's as far as we've got.
Any ideas if we should base ourselves on one town? And if so where? And which towns should we see?
A small challenge is that I walk with crutches (about a kilometre) and can climb steps, but long steep hills can be a problem, so it's helpful if we can park near our destinations. I also need reasonably accessible accommodation ... I can handle a few steps but I want to keep my energy for exploring the towns.
Any ideas?

Henry

djmum,
This will give you some ideas http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/tuscany/hs_planning.htm

Henry

djmum,
Look at http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/desti...y/civitabd.htm
see the picture on the right, can you handle it.

kybourbon

I would drive to Orvieto for the first night and visit Civita the next day (it won't be enjoyable jetlagged if you can manage it as it's quite uphill). Wander Orvieto your first afternoon/night.

If you don't think you can make the hill at Civita, there is a place to eat where you can view the hill town.

I would look as Pienza as a base as it's flat, small and has a selection of restaurants. You should be able to walk to dinner easily. It's also easy to drive in and out for day trips.

Siena is hilly also so it will be a challenge as will many town in Tuscany.

djmum

Henry, the link to Civita is fantastic! Thanks. There are some helpful ideas in the Slow Travel post - I can cherry pick some towns, and there are some good links as well. I need to read it more thoroughly and then I might be able to pick somewhere central to stay. Thanks for taking the time to write.

djmum

kybourbon, thanks for the suggestions. I' m going to give the bridge at Civita a go ... I'm pretty determined when I want to do something. Staying a night at Orvietto is a good idea. I've read about Pienza and it's a town I want to visit. Thanks for the heads up about it being flat. I think it's close to Montalcino and Montepulciano, and I also want to visit Sovana, so Pienza might well bve a good base. Many thanks.

bobthenavigator

I would also see Sovana from Orvieto, so perhaps 2 nites there. Both Montalcino and Montepulciano are quite steep, but Pienza and San Quirico are not. Good luck !

kybourbon

Buonconvento (between Piena and Siena) is also flat. I wouldn't stay there, but you might want to stop for a visit.
http://www.comune.buonconvento.siena...line/Home.html

In Pienza, there are several hotels within a couple of minutes walk from the old town. These are just across the street.

http://www.pienza.net/site.asp?idSit...a=2&idPagina=3

http://www.piccolohotellavalle.it/index_uk.htm

This one is in the old town.
http://www.anghelhotels.it/eng/relai...ienza/home.htm

This one is a couple of minutes more walk outside and has parking.
http://www.albergorutiliano.it/servizi.en.php

I've stayed in these apartments (in the old town) and some of them wouldn't have steps. There's a parking lot across the street (paid).
http://www.ilgiardinosegretopienza.it/

There are prices for the apartments and better pictures on this link (under rooms) as well as links for other rooms/apartments.
http://www.portalepienza.it/

RonZ

Orvietto is a wonderful town. I can recommend the Hotel Duomo.

In Florence we never fail to have at least one dinner at Buca Mario.

djmum

Gosh, everyone has been so helpful! Thank you. !

djmum

bobthenavigator, it seems we could see Sovana from either Orvietto or Pienza, but Orvietto might be the better option, I've heard it's wonderful. And I'll check out San Quirico. I've not heard of it, but this is what the forum is for.

djmum

Kybourbon, those links are amazing. Thanks for taking the time to write them down. And I'll check out Buonconvento. I wanted a list of small towns, I'm getting one!

djmum

Ronz, thanks for recommending Hotel Duomo in Orvietto. What's access like to the hotel and within it? I'll push myself to the limit when I'm out and about, but I'm usually exhausted at the end of each day, and an elevator is much appreciated. Still, sometimes the hotel itself can be worth the effort too.

Dayle

Dj,


Ithink you should be aware that after the bridge walkway to Civita, there is a short but very steep section of rough stairs before you reach town level. It's hard to know what to recommend for you, but you should definitely give it a go!

Also, I know there are small town shuttle buses in Montepulciano & Orvieto. Ask about them at the tourist info offices or just watch for their stops. Might be helpful.

Buonviaggio!

djmum

Thanks Dayle. I'mm certainly going to visit Civita, steps, whatever .... But it is helpful to be forewarned! And thanks for the information about small bus shuttles. Do you think I'll need them if we have a car? I understand that there is a large car park at the base of the funicular at Orvietto, but I'm not sure about Montepulciano.

Saraho

we stayed at Orvieto four weeks after I had knee surgery. Hotel Virgilio which is directly opposite the Cathedral would be easier for you to walk to than Hotel Duomo. We have stayed at both hotels, although on our last trip we stayed at a convent there. I was able to walk across the bridge at Civita even after my recent knee surgery. Walking on uneven cobblestones gave me more trouble than going up steps there. Have a wonderful trip!

bobthenavigator

Drive up into Orvieto and park behind the Duomo---the Hotel Duomo is about a block---no reason to take the funicular.

djmum

Sarah's, thanks for the encouragement! Helps to know thst others with mobility issues have walked across the bridge to Civita. and I'll take a look at both hotels in Orvietto, it's good to have options to get a booking. Both hotels have parking?

djmum

bobthenavigator, I didn't know you could drive into Orvietto! Thanks

Anna001

You have to visit san gimignano, its amazing and you can park just outside the town. Im not sure if you can drive into it, don't remember, but it's a fantastic village and the food is amazing...not to mention the ice cream