Stop in Assisi or Orvieto on way to Rome

Having not been to Assisi (though friends raved about it), I can't offer a comparison, but I will say that I loved Orvieto and it's much more in a direct line between Siena and Rome than Assisi is. I believe Rick lists a hotel in Orvieto near the train station that will store your bags, for a small fee I believe.

ETA: I believe the hotel Steve mentions is the same I'm thinking of and is called Hotel Corso? I don't recall seeing a left luggage area at the Orvieto train station, but since I was not looking for one, it's entirely possible I missed it.

I would say it depends on your motivation. If you're attracted to Assisi because of the St. Francis connection, go. But if you're going because you want to visit a beautiful charming town, choose Orvieto for the reasons given above - more convenient. (Be forewarned that the Assisi train drops you off in "Lower Assisi" and you have to bus or taxi up to the main town. The taxis are pricey.)

Assisi is a bit out of the way when going from Siena to Rome, while Orvieto is literally on your way. I would opt for Orvieto unless your heart is set on seeing Assisi. Orvieto is great. While the stunning facade of the duomo is reason enough to visit, there's plenty more to see and do. And how often do you get to ride a finicular? Assisi is also great (spent 3 enjoyable days based there last May). There are inexpensive public buses from the train station up to the town.

Orvieto is a wonderful city even for a few hours. I believe that the Hotel Picchio has luggage storage and it's very near the train station--I think that they close for an hour or so during lunch time so you'd have to plan your visit accordingly.

Here's the hotel e-mail address: hotelpicchio@bellaumbria.net

Can't commend on Assisi but I loved Orvieto. It's a vibrant little town. We were there for half a day & I hated to leave. There are a lot of neat things to do in Orvieto. I suggest the underground tour. It's only an hour long & I thought it was very interesting.