I am going on a tour of Tuscany in May and have opted to spend an extra week at the end of the tour in and about Rome. I would like to use three of my days exploring the city, and then head out by train to stay somewhere, not too far away, that is quiet, picturesque, and historical. I have been to Pompeii twice, so would like to spend the time somewhere else. I need to be able to get back to Rome with relative ease in order to catch my flight back home.
Any suggestions on destinations and reasonable accommodations?
Thanks
vanessagillian

Ostia, Orvieto, Gandolfo or any of the "castelli romani" towns would fit the bill for you, and Tivoli, too. I think Orvieto would be good if you'd like to spend a day or so.

BC

Orvieto.
I've been at least 5 times in the past 30 years, and I never tire of it.
Do stay overnight, though...you get a much better sense of the place if you can be there at night and in the morning.
Not only is the Orvieto Duomo one of the most beautiful anywhere in Italy, but also there is nothing quite as romantic or spiritually nourishing as sitting on the steps of the Duomo at 10pm, when you have the whole place to yourself...

Vanessa,
Take a look at Orvieto, stay at Valentina's B&B http://www.bandbvalentina.com/

Or try Spoleto, stay at http://www.umbriaholidayrentals.com/index.php?cats=34

Henry

Thanks so much, everyone, for responding. I am going to look online and see if I can find accommodations in Orvieto--wll also try for Valentina's. Will keep you posted.
vanessagillian

Hello to everyone who responded. We were not able to get accommodation at Valentina's, but are booked into the Hotel Corso.
From what you have to say about Orvieto, it seems like it will be a fabulous part of our trip, which includes the Cinque Terre, Tuscany and Rome. I feel so lucky to be going back to Italy!
Best regards
vanessagillian

We are planing to do the more or less the same next May, staying most of the time in Rome we wish to take a few day, or overnight trips, I had thought of Orvieto, Ostia Antica, and a day visit to Tivoli. We have been in all these in the past but will come back gladly. Any other suggestion to include a new place>?
This trip we do not wish to rent a car, and relax in the train,metro or whatever. Any suggestion will be highly appreciate. Is the b&b Valentina that nice? any other nice place?
Since it will be for one night I guess we can pay a little more if necessary.

Hi Graziella
I will let you know about the Hotel Corso in Orvieto when we get back. vanessagillian

In the Sabine Hills, there is a village, Casperia, with a highly rated B&B and the chance to do olive oil tours; I have not been but have it on my list for the future. It takes less than an hour by train from Rome:


http://www.latorrettabandb.com/

See this thread, too, for info about the area:

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-near-rome.cfm


A day trip which I have taken, and liked very much, was to Nettuno, on the sea about an hour from Rome.

Ekscrunchy,
Was Nettuno easy to get to by train or bus?
Bettina

Yes! Easy!!

We took the train from Termini. Less than an hour. From the station, you can walk to the medieval part of town on the sea; from there we walked back to the "new" city and had lunch at Da Rodo, then walked to the US cemetery..and back to the station..

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...gestions-1.cfm

http://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries/cemeteries/sr.php

Graziella, we stayed at the Valentina this past October. Two years previous we stayed at the Hotel Duomo. The Valentina has more charm and character, but the location of the Hotel Duomo is unbeatable -- especially if you request a room that looks out on the Duomo. I can't tell you how special it is to look out your window late at night and see that beautiful work of art right in your own backyard!