In Orveito for 6 nights

While Orvieto is in Umbria rather than Tuscany, that doesn’t mean you can’t do day trips to some Tuscan sites from there. My husband and I spent a week at a B&B just outside Orvieto and had plenty to see both in town and on day trips. One question — you mention using Orvieto as a base but don’t mention if you are staying in the city proper. The reason I ask is that the town sits on a high bluff, and cars are not generally allowed in the town unless they are owned by residents or businesses. There is a large parking lot below town, with an elevator and escalator up to town, but it is a pay lot. Have you inquired at your hotel whether you can bring a car and whether you will need to pay for parking? If you are still looking for a place to stay, I heartily recommend Antica Olivaia, located just outside the main town. The owners speak English well, having lived in the US for a time, and the property is beautiful. The owner will cook dinner a couple times a week, and It’s fabulous. Not to be missed!

Orvieto is 70 minutes by local train north of Rome, and they're about a 90 minute drive up to Siena. The roads are very good in the area, but some of the motorway is a toll road.
If you are wanting to tour the popular hilltowns in Tuscany, you might want to find a central location a little farther north.
We stayed outside of San Gimignano, Orvieto and Poggibonsi on an agriturismo for 5 days. Then we moved down to Orvieto for a couple of nights before taking the train into Rome.

Orvieto is great, with lots of attractions of its own and quite good restaurants. How practical it is for visiting Tuscany depends on what specific places you want to see in Tuscany. My guess is that you would do better to split your time, but I don't know what towns you want to see.

Orvieto is in Umbria. You have to decide if you want to tour Tuscany or Umbria. If you want to stay in Tuscany, chose a central location there like Siena.

When we planned our trip to Tuscany, I found Google Maps invaluable. We were able to locate all the places we wanted to visit and then chose a "home base" convenient to all of them. Although we planned to rent a car, we wanted the ability to take public transportation into Florence. We found a great location with easy bus access.

I agree the Orvieto might be a little too far south to explore Tuscany. If you chose something closer to Siena, you would be an easy drive to points south (Montepulciano, Montalcino) and places north (San Gimignano, Volterra, Castellina).

Thank you all for your excellent input. Although we will have a car, it will be parked outside the town in the public lot. I trust it will be safe. I've read a lot about theft so we won't leave anything in the vehicle.
Just returned from Yellowstone where there's a lot of driving. This made me reflect on our Italy trip.
That's why I turned to this forum. Will share your thoughts with my other companions. I appreciate your valuable time!

I'm not sure why someone would think you need to stay in Tuscany to see Tuscany. Orvieto is very close to where Umbria meets not only southern Tuscany but also northern Lazio (which is where Civita di Bagnoregio is found). It's a great location, with lots of options. The only challenge in picking where to go is that there is no guidebook that focuses on just those three regions. But you will have TONS of great options.

Happy travels!

Michael is 100% correct. This is a perfect base area and you may also explore Tarquinia from there. Find an agra tourismo in the area and enjoy. With the nearby highway you can get anywhere that you want to go without any problems...

I certainly appreciate this info. If there's any additional must see towns we are open to experienced suggestions.

If your into Etruscan history you chose the right place in Orvieto, plus you can visit Chiusi 40 minute drive, for more Etruscan history, museum and underground visits. Montepulciano is 30 minutes from Chiusi.

for your time in Sorrento make sure you are in the historic center...it is a bit touristy...like everything in sorrento...but they have great food and you can day trip to Positano and the Town of Amalfi and Ravello and Atrani and the Isle of Capri and Pompeii and the national museum in Naples...all good places.

We are staying right in the heart of Sorrento. We booked a year ago to get this key location from Airbnb. Glad your thoughts agree with our choice. Hoping to catch the ferry to Naples. Mixed reviews about the safety there. None the less we are planning a day trip there. Since you mentioned Naples I suspect you've been and have enjoyed your visit. 🙂

While orvieto is a nice little town, but the place closes at 9pm. Several years ago I spent three nights there and that was my experience. Perugia might be a better choice and the town stays open later into the night. Personally, I found Perugia to offer more amenities and is very near Tuscany.

Buon viaggio,

Having lived in Orvieto for a year and a half I found it to be the perfect central home base. With a car you can easily have lunch on the Mediterranean (Monte Argentario), stopping on the drive to see the ruins of Vulci (no tourist mobs and ruins are beautiful). Another day trip to Tivoli lets you explore the extraordinary Villa d’Este (The hotel on Lake Como copied a few of the 100’s of fountains on the grounds of a stunning palazzo) as well as Emperor Hadrian’s “city” built on the hill so he always had advance notice of anyone approaching his private domain. These ruins are fascinating with the engineering and art of a lavish private town.

I loved Pienza and the small vineyards around Montepulciano. Don’t be afraid to take a side road! I discovered more historical sites and breathtaking views when off the beaten track.

Better to check off fewer destinations and savor time in the ones that captivate your eyes and heart. My solo adventure was life changing. Learning to slow down and behave like an Italian — such a better way!!! Enjoy every moment!!!

What great information from all! I have been sharing your replies with my fellow travelers. It's unanimous...we are keeping our original plan of staying in Orveito. 🙂

Orvieto is a lovely spot. The only disadvantage I see is that you are likely to use the main highway frequently for your day trips. Within an hour or so and worth a visit, most of them not too big: Civita (never mind the bridge), Todi, Viterbo, Pitigliano/Sorano, San Casciano, Cetona, Sarteano, Panicale, Paciano, Montepulciano.

A bit further afield, Pienza (my favourite), San Quirico and Montalcino. Try to get lost around here, beautiful driving. The nicest part of Umbria is on the east side, also a bit further in time and distance. Spello and Assisi are special, Norcia was at one time. There are plenty more options above, depending on how far you are willing to drive for the day. Special side trip, for me anyway, lunch at the restaurant by Monte Oliveto Monastery, visit the monastery before or afterwards.

Lake Bolsena close by (never visited).

If you take the suggestion to visit Monte Argentario and Vulci, be sure to include a stop at the outdoor sculpture garden, Il Giardino dei Tarocchi, Nikki de St. Phal’s whimsical and fantastic work. I believe it is open only in the afternoon.