Travelling by train. Can't decide between visiting Orvieto or Cortona. Know that Orvieto is on the more direct train line between Florence and Rome. Any Recommendations? Has anyone stayed at the youth hostel in Cortona, Ostello Cortona?
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5847 posts
I've been to both places. Personally, I prefer Cortona to Orvieto but I think either would be a good choice. Both are easy to get to by train. Cortona can also be reached from the same train line as Orvieto (Rome - Florence). Take the train to the Camucia stop and then it is about a 20 minute bus ride up the hill to the town.
Posted by
OP
Williamsburg, Virginia
94 posts
Why did you prefer Cortona?
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1449 posts
they're both great, I've liked both. Cortona seems a bit more compact and hilly.
my advice -- flip a coin.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5847 posts
Hi Conny,
Cortona is a lot smaller than Orvieto. I don't have any particular reason why I liked it better ... I think that I just enjoyed the ambience of a smaller town. I happened to stay at a great B&B right off of the main square. Every morning, I sat in the square and enjoyed my cappucino and croissant and watched the people opening up their shops and felt happy to be in Italy. I was in Cortona last April and in Orvieto in May 2006. I liked both towns and would go back to either.
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
My vote is Orvieto over Cortona for the sights. The hostel in however in Cortona is one of the best.
Posted by
OP
Williamsburg, Virginia
94 posts
Thanks everyone for your input. I guess I can't lose either way.