We wanted to visit these towns when we go to Rome in the fall. Are they fairly close to each other? If so, where would you recommend to stay overnight? Which is the closest city/town where we can get a rental car without having to drive in Rome? Thanks!
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
I have only stayed in Orvieto. It's convenient from Rome, so may be the best choice for first stop and car rental. As I say, I don't know about the others.
Orvieto has a great cathedral. If you get there early in the day, you can visit the side chapel with the alter cloth from the corpus Christi miracle (which is why they build the cathedral). You should also take a tour of the tunnels under the town, they date back to the Etruscans. Orvieto is also different from other hill towns because it sits atop cliffs rather than the top of a hill.
I can't remember the name of the hotel we stayed in. It was close to the town center and I'm 90% sure it was one of Rick's recommended hotels.
Posted by
Centennial, CO, USA
1883 posts
Orvieto and Civita are very close...about 18K. We rode our bike from Orvieto to Civita (to the OLD town) and back for a day trip. Cortona is a bit further.
Either Cortona or Orvieto would be best for spending the night...much more charm. Civita de Bagnoregio seems more industrial, not as charming...plus the new town is not on a hilltop, so more cars, less to see too.
Not sure about rental cars...sorry, we've never rented. we tour by bike, then take trains/buses to get were we are going.
Posted by
Land of La
8645 posts
Rent a car in Chiusi. Easy train ride from Rome. Then venture out to your chosen hill towns. Beautiful country to explore.
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
Orvieto is only an hour by train from Rome and you can rent a car there. Check viamichelin.com for actual driving time from Orvieto to Cortona, but I'd guess about 2 hours. Assisi is near Cortona and worth a visit while in that area.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32198 posts
My suggestion would be to focus on Orvieto, as it will provide the opportunity to visit Bagnoregio and Civita di Bagnoregio (it's a very unique and beautiful location - the lunch in Antico Forno was awesome!). Following the directions in Rick's book, I took the Bus to Bagnoregio and then the small Shuttle to Civita. Note that the Shuttle driver has a "siesta" in the afternoon, so time your visit accordingly.
Orvieto is also a great place to visit. As a previous Post indicated, the Church is wonderful, and you could also visit St. Patrick's Well and take the Underground tour (I found their reason for having Pigeons in the caves was quite interesting). Of course, there were some excellent restaurants and gelato spots to sample as well.
Getting to Cortona is slightly more difficult (involves a Bus ride from the raiil station, as I recall).
Happy travels!