Orvieto

Day 1: Arrival and first panoramas

Ease into Orvieto’s rhythm atop its volcanic tuff plateau and get your bearings through its signature views. Today is about gentle exploration and timing the best light to make those panoramas sing.

• Morning: Arrive by train and ride the funicular up to the historic centre; stroll straight to the Rocca Albornoziana gardens for sweeping valley views from the bastions. Wear sturdy shoes for cobbles and expect stronger winds at the edge.
• Midday: Drift to the southern end of Piazza del Duomo and linger at the walled overlook towards vineyard-clad hills and the abbey with the 13th-century tower. In summer, seek shade and plan a leisurely lunch nearby with a window seat onto the countryside.
• Afternoon: Climb Torre del Moro (partial lift + 236–250 steps) for a full 360-degree panorama over rooftops, the Duomo and rolling Umbrian fields; the bell chimes every 30 minutes. If skies are hazy, give it time—conditions often clear quickly after brief overcast spells.
• Evening: Loop back along the fortress walls for golden-hour light over the valleys and the Duomo’s glowing facade. In winter, start earlier for sunset; in summer, return later and enjoy the softly lit monuments after dusk.

Day 2: Etruscan edges and quiet quarters

Trace Orvieto’s oldest margins where strategic viewpoints first defined the city. The north-western cliffs and medieval lanes offer big horizons with a slower, more local pace.

• Morning: Head to the church of San Giovenale, poised on the cliff edge since 1004, and take in far-reaching views across the Paglia river valley to Lazio and Tuscany. Step inside for layered frescoes; dress modestly and keep voices low during services.
• Midday: Follow quiet lanes that skirt the cliff rim, pausing at small belvederes to study the tuff’s contrasting colours (reddish-yellow sillar and darker pozzolana). Keep a safe distance from barriers and avoid venturing near unprotected edges.
• Afternoon: Seek out viewpoints along the higher south-western walls for deep valley perspectives and long light. Watch how locals read weather moving across the hills—use it to time your own photos between passing clouds.
• Evening: Join the passeggiata around the Rocca gardens for sunset and silhouettes of the Duomo from different angles. If you’re keen on technique, consider a local photography session; clear winter nights are superb for crisp cityscapes.

Day 3: Chasing light and the wider landscape

Make the most of timing and seasonality—misty autumn mornings, crystal winter horizons, spring greens and mellow summer evenings all change the scene. Today blends a look back at Orvieto from below with a final sweep of favourite viewpoints above.

• Morning: Catch sunrise from the Rocca terraces or, if timing allows, be first up the Torre del Moro for layered valleys and low-angle light. Bring an extra layer—elevated spots are cooler and breezier, especially in autumn and spring.
• Midday: Drop to the valley by funicular and short taxi for a countryside vantage among Orvieto Classico vineyards; look back to the cliff to appreciate the city’s dramatic setting. Enjoy a relaxed lunch with a view, and note how agricultural patterns shape the panorama.
• Afternoon: Return to the upper town and circuit more of the elliptical rim, revisiting your preferred side for the day’s light (south-west favours low winter sun; spring brings fresh greens and wildflowers in the fields below). Save some energy—the cobbles add up.
• Evening: Farewell sunset at the southern Piazza del Duomo overlook or the square by San Giovenale—choose the one that gave you the week’s best moment. In summer, check for open-air events at the Rocca amphitheatre, or simply toast the skyline with a glass of local white.

By Air

• Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi (PEG): about 80 km; roughly 1 hr 15 mins by car. Public transport typically via train with a change at Terontola-Cortona; around 2–2.5 hrs in total.
• Rome Fiumicino (FCO): about 150 km; 1 hr 45 mins–2 hrs by car via the A1. By public transport: airport train to Rome (Leonardo Express to Termini or FL1 to Tiburtina), then Regionale Veloce or Intercity to Orvieto; total 2–2.5 hrs.
• Rome Ciampino (CIA): about 135 km; around 1 hr 45 mins by car. Bus to Rome Termini, then train to Orvieto; around 2–2.5 hrs total.
• Florence (FLR): about 165 km; 1 hr 50 mins–2 hrs by car. Tram to Firenze SMN, then Regionale/Intercity to Orvieto; around 2–2.5 hrs total.

By Train

• Main station: Orvieto (Orvieto Scalo) on the Rome–Florence conventional line; frequent Regionale/Regionale Veloce and some Intercity services. High-speed trains generally do not stop here.
• From Rome (Termini/Tiburtina): typically 60–90 mins; departures at least hourly, often more frequent.
• From Florence (SMN): about 1 hr 45 mins–2 hrs 15 mins; some direct Intercity/Regionale Veloce services or with a change at Chiusi-Chianciano Terme.
• From Perugia: about 1 hr 50 mins–2 hrs 20 mins with a change (usually at Terontola-Cortona or Chiusi).
• Last leg to the historic centre: the funicular outside Orvieto station runs up to Piazza Cahen in a few minutes with frequent departures; city minibuses connect from there.

By Car

• A1 motorway (Autostrada del Sole): take the Orvieto exit; the hilltop centre is a short, signed drive from there.
• Approximate driving times: Rome 1 hr 30 mins–1 hr 45 mins; Florence 1 hr 45 mins–2 hrs; Perugia 1 hr 10 mins–1 hr 20 mins.
• Parking and access: the historic centre has a ZTL (limited traffic zone). Use edge-of-centre car parks such as Campo della Fiera (multi-storey, escalators to the centre) or Piazza Cahen (by the funicular), then walk or take local minibuses.