Tuscan countryside with rolling hills
The rolling hills of Tuscany & the Val d'Orcia

The Drive

June 15 is a scenic transit day from Florence to Rome with two memorable stops. Two vans depart Via de' Martelli 8 at 8:00 am sharp with Paola.

8:00 AM SHARP

Depart Florence

Two hired vans depart Via de' Martelli 8 with Paola. Grab a last Florentine coffee & pastry first. Arrivederci, Firenze!

~1.5 hours through Tuscany 🌾
Midday

🍷 Montepulciano

Hilltop medieval wine town. Can't drive in — walk up to Piazza Grande (~45 min, all uphill). Lunch & a glass of Vino Nobile. Details below ↓

~1 hour drive 🌿
Mid-Afternoon

⛪ Orvieto

Clifftop town with one of Italy's finest Gothic cathedrals. Optional underground caves tour. Details below ↓

~1.5 hours to Rome 🌆
~7:30 PM

Arrive Rome

Check in at Via dell'Esquilino 38, near Termini. Casual dinner and a wander through Monti. See the Roma page →

Ask Paola & the drivers: they may know great stops along the way too! Total drive ~4–5 hours including stops.
🍷

Montepulciano

Hilltop wine town in the Val d'Orcia

A stunning hilltop medieval town in the Val d'Orcia, famous for its Vino Nobile wine and panoramic views. Walking the main corso takes about 45 minutes — all uphill, but worth it.

What to See & Do

🏛️ Piazza Grande

The main square at the top of the hill, with the Palazzo Comunale and the duomo. The climb's reward.

🍷 Cantina Wine Bars

Several en route up the hill — the cantinas are dug right into the tufa rock. Taste the Vino Nobile.

🌄 Val d'Orcia Views

Panoramic views over one of the most beautiful landscapes in all of Italy.

🥪 Street Food

Porchetta sandwiches and pici pasta are the local specialties.

Practical notes: wear comfortable shoes — Via di Gracciano is steep cobblestone all the way to the top. Budget about 1.5–2 hours for the walk up, photos, lunch, and a glass of Vino Nobile.

Orvieto

A dramatic clifftop town in Umbria

Perched dramatically atop a volcanic tufa cliff, Orvieto is one of the most visually arresting towns in Italy. The cathedral facade is among the finest examples of Italian Gothic architecture.

What to See & Do

Orvieto Cathedral

The facade is jaw-dropping; go inside for the Chapel of the Madonna di San Brizio frescoes.

🕳️ Underground Orvieto

Guided tours of the Etruscan caves beneath the city — fascinating for kids and adults alike. ~€7/person.

🗼 Torre del Moro

Climb for 360° views of the surrounding cliffs and countryside.

☕ Piazza del Popolo

The local market square — grab a coffee or gelato here.

Orvieto tips: Orvieto Classico is the local white wine — crisp and dry, worth trying with a quick bite before continuing to Rome. Budget 1.5–2 hours; the cathedral alone is worth 30 minutes.

Next: Roma →