I'm presently beginning to plan 2 trips ahead (big mistake).<BR><BR>We've always travelled by train but for this trip I'm considering renting a car (not as yet decided).<BR><BR>We would like to visit the various cities/towns between Rome and Florence (Siena, San G, Montee..,Perugia, Spoleto, Todi, Orvieto, etc).<BR><BR>Trying to weigh pros and cons of train vs auto.<BR><BR>Also, trying to decide on a couple of home bases from to visit the towns on day trips.<BR><BR>Any ideas from those who've done this would be appreciated.<BR><BR>I have been reading previous posts and beginning to get some ideas.<BR>

Myer--- Merry Christmas! How's the Spain trip coming along?? Did you decided to go for Salamanca?<BR><BR>As far as Trip #2, our German friends raved about a place they found in Tuscany, 30 minutes away from Florence in a small village called Montespertoli (http://www.podere-casanova.it). They drove everywhere and found the place very convenient, with wonderful neighbors, and very nice owners. She told me they had a large flat on the ground floor with two bedrooms, bathroom, living room and a kitchen with a fireplace (very good prices). There about 5-6 rentals to choose from. Hope this helps!!!

Myer<BR><BR>I would consider a car essential for exploring Umbria/Tuscany. The driving is easy and a big part of the adventure. Yes, you will get confused by road signs. And yes, you will get lost at some point(s). And parking is a bit of a chore.<BR><BR>But, avoid the big cities &amp; you will have a lot of freedom.<BR><BR>We used Todi as an Umbrian base. 1 hour from Orvieto. 20 minutes from Deruta. 1 1/2 from Assisi. 2 1/2 hrs from Montalcino. 2 hrs from Rome.<BR><BR>It turned out to be an excellent choice - small enough &amp; big enough with wonderful charm &amp; easy access.

Myer, I agree with Ian that a car is essential to do it right. For Umbria, I would suggest a location near Spello or Assisi for total coverage. In Tuscany,I would go south of Siena--Montalcino, Pienza, Montepulciano. It will take at least 4 days at each to see it well.<BR>Good luck !

I'll totally agree with Bob's recommendations, as that's exactly what we did two months ago. <BR>The first part of visit in Tuscany, we stayed at the farms of Donaetlla Cinelli Colombini in Trequanda (between Siena and Pienza). Check out its website:<BR>http:www.cinellicolombini.it/eng/fattoria.htm<BR>There's also a writeup on<BR>http://www.initaly.com/agri/colle/colledet.htm<BR>For the Umbrian part of the trip, we stayed at a castle outside of Assisi--Castel San Gregorio.<BR>They don't have a website, but you can read about the place on:<BR>http://www.takeoffitaly.com/umbria.assisi_hotels.html

Thanks to those who replied. I'm thinking more and more of a car.<BR><BR>Maira,<BR><BR>At this stage my wife wants to 'wait and see what happens' so I'm just playing with what might be the next trip after Spain. Or maybe it's time for Paris again and try Paris-Brussels(never been there) and maybe something else.<BR><BR>In a few days I'll post (on a different thread) the potential Spain itinerary for comments.