For many years Rick Steves has said that this is his very favorite Tuscana hilltown. We have decided to see for ourselves. Would appreciate any advice anyone would have in terms of the best hotel/b&b - where to eat - what to see, etc. How far is it from the Rome airport in terms of distance and time and what exit should be taken to arrive at our destination. Many, many thanks in advance.
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
It is a very tiny village. The uniqueness is the village itself it's size , its route a walkable bridge. But to stay there or near prob has no need unless you are an artist that is painting the village. We stayed in Orvieto then visited on a driving daytrip. I thought it was just right doing that. It a slow drive from Orvieto but I thought worth it since we had an xtra day to see counrtyside along the way and Civita.
But from Rome I do not think it is worth the hige effort to get there.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32393 posts
richard, I agree with the previous reply, in that it would be better to stay in Orvieto and just visit Civita on a day trip. If you're driving, it would probably be better to park outside of the town and use the Funicular. There are several good Hotels listed in the Guidebook. I had a very comfortable stay at Hotel Corso. There is a small B&B in Civita operated by Trattoria Antica Forno, however there would be virtually nothing to do in the evenings. Check The Official Website for more details. You could also stay in Bagnoregio - there are Hotel listings in the Guidebook. Are you aware of the usual "issues" regarding driving in Italy? If you need further information, post another note. Happy travels!
Posted by
Portland
3647 posts
I can't imagine what RS was thinking when he said that Civita was his favorite hill town. There's nothing much there. I could list a couple dozen Tuscan and Umbrian towns much more worth the time and effort. We took a look when we were staying nearby, a few years ago. Don't worry about the "best" hotel or restaurant, there's almost no choice. If you want somewhere easily accessed from FCO, Orvieto (actually in Umbria) gets my vote. You can check driving time as well as get directions on viamichelin. com.
Posted by
Ontario Canada
688 posts
Richard On our 1st trip to Italy(1 month) we did go on a driving day trip to Civita and thought it was great for a day outing if you have the time. It so happened it was on market day and my husband thought he died and gone to heaven when a little man with a trailer with parmessano romano wheels of cheese was there. Being a cook(just at home now - we did have a restaurant) he purchased 8kg. The expression on the man's face will not be forgotten. He even gave us a bottle of his home made wine. Civita was under re-construction at the time so not much to see. The walk across the suspended bridge with the wind whipping is a trip in itself. I am sure it is back to normal and the few inhabitants that are still there would welcome all. I recommend if you have the time. You can park in the town and take the bus up to the bridge which we did the first time.
The 2nd time we walked(long).