I am contemplating a 3 week trip to Italy for the fall of 2005. Specifically I would like to explore Florence, Rome, and the small towns of Tuscany and Umbria. What would be a good base for exploration ~ [using public transportation]? I am considering Siena and Assisi for bases ~ any thoughts? My interests include 1]art and architecture; 2] Cathedrals; and 3]small rural villages / markets. I prefer not to be located in large centres for the major portion of the tour ~ apart from 2/3 nights in Florence and Rome at the beginning/end. Thanks.

Hi abbey,

Is this a first trip?

Yes, it is my first trip to Italy. At this point, I'm still wondering how much time to allot to Florence and/or Rome. I am not a <city person> so I know Rome will be overwhelming. Perhaps I should consider leaving Rome for a second trip. My preference is definitely Florence and small towns of Tuscany and Umbria.

If you have three weeks you should not skip Rome. It is not that overwhelming. To me it has the feel of a large village. If you stay in a central location near the Pantheon or Piazza Navona you can walk to everything including the Vatican. For three weeks, I would recommend four nights in Rome, three in Florence, one week in the countryside. Pienza area is a great base but you would need a car. This would still leave you an extra week where you could add Venice or Cinque Terre or Lake district. You can see alot in three weeks but whatever you do, do not miss Rome.

BoulderCo
A car is not an option, but thanks for your input

Abbey,

I can't help you with a good base for Umbria and/or Tuscany without a car; I've only ever done it with car.

But on other occasions I've visited Assisi (from Rome) and Siena (from Florence), both times for a few days and both times taking the train. Wasn't difficult to get to either place (especially Assisi from Rome).

Both Assisi and Siena are beautiful: take your pick or go to both. Can't go wrong with the food, either.

I'm sure someone has advice on how easy it is to daytrip from Assisi or Siena using the train or bus.

You've listed your interests as art/architecture, cathedrals and villages/markets. Abbey, you'll love Italy! Start planning.

And, not to browbeat you, but parts of Rome feel almost village-y (to me, anyway).

Leely

My husband and I were in Italy for 3 weeks (2nd trip)and our focus was hill towns of Umbria and Tuscany. for one week we rented the lower half of an old but remodeled farmhouse in the hills of Umbria (www.calboccia)outside of Umbertide in Umbria - North of Perugia and about 30 miles from the Tuscan border and Cortona. We did daily trips to hill towns and loved it. We hit all the markets in these towns and being we had a kitchen, we were able to buy fresh produce, etc.

2nd week we moved to the Italian Riviera and did more hill towns as well as the riviera. We rented an apartment thru The Parker Company. The other week was split between Lake Como and surround and few days in Rome at the beginning of the trip.

I don't think Public transportation is the best for exploring the hill towns as it is not easy to get to some of the rural towns. You might reconsider renting a car for the hill town portion and stick to public transportation for Florence and Rome because you do not want to drive in those cities!

Thanks for all the input and suggestions ~ I am sure that I would love Italy. However, it would appear from comments thus far that touring the Tuscany & Umbria areas is not feasible without a car. Renting a car is not an option as I do not drive. I guess the other alternative is to consider an escorted tour??