I have one day to enjoy a train ride through Umbria between Florence and Rome and stay overnight. I am torn bewteeen Orvieto or Spoleto, which sounds a little more unusual and off the beaten path, but a little longer on the train. Any opinions? Any one stay in one or both places? Thanks
Posted by
Johns Island, SC
172 posts
Love Spoleto! Sister City of Charleston SC. You can see pictures at our blog;
http://gadtravel.blogspot.com/
Posted by
Marin, CA
527 posts
Orvieto was our surprising favorite this trip. Our little Magnolia Inn (see Rick Steves) was perfect with a great bathroom, perfect location and frescoed ceilings (ask for it) for 65 euros.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32214 posts
Kate,
My preference would definitely be Orvieto! It's a beautiful small hill town with an interesting history. It's also an easy trip to Rome, if that's where your final destination is?
Some of the interesting sites in Orvieto:
Duomo - in addition to the spectacular "striped" exterior, the interior is beautiful. There's also a small room on the right side that has an incredible frescoed ceiling (can't recall the details of this - check Rick's book if you're interested).
St. Patrick's Well - interesting double-helix design that allowed donkeys carrying water to travel both up and down at the same time. Certainly a very difficult project given the technology at the time, and the Italians now refer to any difficult task as being "as challenging as digging St. Patrick's well".
Underground tour - this is also an interesting part of the history of Orvieto, and one of the ways the residents used to withstand sieges (I found the part about the Pigeons interesting). As I recall, you can buy tickets for the tour across from the Duomo at the TI.
And of course the view - standing in the old Fort (near the top of the Funicular) and looking out into the valley presents a fantastic view!
If you decide to visit Orvieto, it's an easy ride to the town from the train station. Buy a Funicular ticket at the Tabachi in the station (good for 70 minutes, I believe) and then take the short ride up to town (the Funicular is right across from the station). Depending on which Hotel you select, you should be able to walk - I used Hotel Corso).
Happy travels!
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
We really liked Orvietto as well. I'm sure there are lots of good choices. Orvietto was better than we expected and has features other towns don't.
Posted by
Atlanta
43 posts
We stayed in Trevi and had the very best meals on our whole trip. Not a lot of touristy stuff right there, but it was still our favorite place. www.borgoulivo.it was where we stayed. They picked us up at the station, took us into the town, and took us back to the train.
Posted by
Beaverton, Oregon, USA
72 posts
For a small town, try Bagnoregio.
Stay at Hotel Romantica Pucci. Best B&B I've ever stayed at. Many reviews online.