6 nights in Orvieto.. Do we train/bus or day trips or rent a car?

Public transportation can be sporadic, I would suggest renting a car in Orvieto and turning it in there when you are finished.

Where else are you going? Have you checked the cost of renting for a week instead of several days?

You also have a large lake west of Orvieto and Civita di Bagnoregio to the southwest to see. Buses are just too much of a hassle, and driving in the region is not difficult.

We are starting in Venice 3 nights , Florence 4 nights, 6 nights in Orvieto, then Rome for 2. We have our flights and accommodations booked; just wasn't sure if we should get a car in Orvieto or rely on public transportation. Ths is my biggest dilemma. Thank you fr your help.

I'd rent a car, just be careful of ZTL areas. We've traveled in the area both by car and by train, car is a lot more convenient. With a train their schedule is your schedule and you need to be sure you get down from the hilltown in time for the next train. The trains may not run as often between cities like these as you'd like.

Buses between cities are not a great option if you don't speak Italian. Regional buses are primarily for students and workers, so they tend to run days and hours that serve their needs with scant service mid-day, school holidays, weekends, etc. Many towns such as Cortona are not going to have a staffed bus station, just the turnabout at the top where the bus pulls up; don't count on the driver speaking English, or being able to ask locals about the bus schedule.

As for day trips, we found that smaller towns like Cortona or Spello were more like 1/2 day visits. Go in the morning, explore and have lunch, then visit a 2nd town.

I hadn't checked into a car for the whole 6days because we wanted 3days for Orvieto too. We are training from Florence instead of getting our car there to go to Orvieto, I don't want to drive from the airport to Orvieto.

There are regular trains to Assisi and Cortona, but in both cases they involve an additional bus. A car would definitely be more practical.
On your trip to or from Assisi, you'll find Spello and Foligno worth a look. Spello is a small hill town, and Foligno has a nice historical centre.

Will it be difficult to get an automatic in Orvieto? Also, do you suggest a specific site to rent from?
Thank you!! I appreciate the help. I have been to Italy several times, but my husband drives and I navigate. So this will be my first driving experience.

Automatic cars are rare in Europe, and generally limited to larger models only. Also smaller satellite offices, like Orvieto, may not have them available. It would be good if you or your spouse could drive a manual transmission car. If you absolutely need an automatic car, you are better off if you rent at the Florence airport.

To rent it use a consolidator, such as:
www.autoeurope.com
www.kemwel.com
Both are part of the same corporate group and work with the big companies, such as Hertz. Check prices in both websites as they vary. If you need to drop off your car in Orvieto, select the Hertz company in the above websites, because that is the only rental car company with an office in Orvieto.

I used to drive a manual car 20 yrs ago, but not to keen on driving one around hilly towns and roads. Thank you for info regarding the renting of automatic in Orvieti.
Jody

We booked 3 days in Orvieto and even with a day trip we found two days to be plenty. Luckily we were able to cancel our last night and went to Rome a day early. In Rome we stayed at a hotel called the Hotel Aberdeen used by RS for their tours. Great location near the train station and staff were lovely.

We booked 3 days in Orvieto and even with a day trip we found two days to be plenty. We felt one day was plenty in Orvieto and even best as a day trip from Rome. Luckily we were able to cancel our last night and went to Rome a day early. In Rome we stayed at a hotel called the Hotel Aberdeen used by RS for their tours. Great location near the train station and staff were lovely.

If you rent your car in Orvieto, beforehand, double check the hours of the rental car office. I seem to remember extremely limited ..or no...hours on Sundays. I think we 'massaged' our travel plans to accommodate the rental office hours.

The scenery in the area is breath taking, very peaceful and rural. I think your idea about day trips is a good one as 2 days in Orvieto may be sufficient for seeing the sights, there is not lots to see but what a beautiful place to relax. Enjoy your trip!

Thanks everyone for the tips and responses. Appreciate your time and help.