Half-day tour from Orvieto
And now for my second question of the day. My husband and I will spend two days in Orvieto next April (latter half of the month). I figure we should have time to take about a half-day tour from Orvieto, maybe to some wineries? Not sure what else is good to do in the country side out there. We will not have a car, so the tour will need to provide the transportation most likely. Also, this is one area I feel we can splurge a bit, so I don't mind something a bit pricier (maybe like $75 to $90/person?) This will probably be our one chance to explore the Tuscan and Umbria country side, as the rest of the trip will be in Rome, Florence and Siena. Any suggestions? Thanks!
Teresa
Chicago 10/7/12
Send Private Message
Teresa, have you contacted your hotel about arranging a tour? Many of them do this. I think you'll love Orvieto, especially after the daytrippers leave - there are several little bars on the main square near the Duomo, great for an evening glass of wine and some food. There's also a good museum right across the street from the Duomo, from the top floors you get very close-up views of the upper part of the Duomo. There's an Orvieto Pass that includes the funivia ride to and from the train station plus museums and discounts on some hotels/restaurants, and the little electric buses that take you around the city (good for an orientation ride, one is a direct bus to the Duomo, the other weaves around major sites).
I'm a little wary of booking tours through hotels - I'm always worried that the only reason they're suggesting a tour is because they'll get a kickback. However, I will definitely check out your other suggestions! I'm very excited about Orvieto and getting to experience small town Italian life.
There's a tourist information office across the street from the Duomo as well, you might be able to get a tour recommendation from them. If you will be spending time in Florence, you might be able to get to the Montalcino or Montepulciano area for hill towns and wineries; the tourist information office in Florence (across the street from Santa Maria Novella train station) might also have recommendations for tours.