Suggestions for day in Orvieto?

Amanda, While it would be better to spend a night or two in Orvieto, it's certainly feasible for a day trip, especially as you'll be leaving early and returning to Rome in the evening. Some of the main sights you might consider.... > St. Patrick's Well - while there's a €3.50 admission charge, this is an interesting site and the double-helix design was quite an "engineering marvel" in it's day. > The Underground tour - there's an extensive network of caves in the city, which have been used from ancient times and even during WW-II for shelter. Some of the rooms contain numerous pigeon lofts, and if you take the tour you'll learn the reason for those. > Duomo - the exterior of the Duomo is somewhat different, but there's also lots to see inside. The incredible frescoes in the Chapel at the back are not to be missed! You might want to take a mirror so that you don't strain your neck. > Other - I like just wandering around the town and enjoying the ambience (and of course some Gelato or Vino). If you decide to try some Grappa, plan for some "rest time"! There are some nice restaurants there, so you might consider a fine hot meal before returning to Rome. I dined at a great restaurant there (was recommended by the staff at the Hotel), but would have to check my records to see if I can find the name. Happy travels!

I have no answer; but I'm looking forward to the responses. I'm planning to do an Orvieto day trip from Rome in July with my family as well.

This may be too much for one day but from Orvieto you can take the bus to Bagnoregio-1hr 4 euro round trip. It departs from Piazza Cahen or the train station in Orvieto. From Bagnoregio to Civita catch shuttle bus or 10 min walk to bridge. This is the town RS always talks about, the views are beautiful ....as is Orvieto!!! Just spending the day in Orvieto is well worth the trip...!

Just arriving in Orvieto is fun: take the funiculare up from the train station. Lots to see in Orvieto: start with the tourist office across from the Cathedral. Book yourself into the underground tour. It's also worthwhile to sign up for the guided tour of the Cathedral. Orvieto is best for just walking & browsing around. It has lots of alleyways & courtyards to explore. The walls are accessible in parts and there's a pleasant park at one end. Lots of great views of the countryside! As for food, oooh Orvieto is a good place to throw budget and diet to the wind!! For a reasonably-priced Umbrian cuisine lunch, I'd recommend the small Asino Doro. Aim for an early lunch (before 1PM), as it gets very busy. It's tucked in a courtyard, off one of the pedestrian alleyways. For a real blow-out dinner, try Trattoria dell'Angello - you have to reserve though. Swing by early in the day and see if they can book you in. BTW, the white wine in Orvieto is very good. I have not met a single locally-produced house red wine served in Orvieto that I didn't like! Orvieto is one of those places where you really must concentrate on trying the local cuisine and wine -- even if if moves you out of your comfort zone!! I found the terrace restaurants in the piazza next to the Cathedral pretty mediocre and avoidable. If you want to sit a bit and people-watch, try for the gelato place instead.

Frequent contirbutor Ron in Rome has a great piece on Orvieto here http://www.roninrome.com/%20shopping-dining/orvieto-day-trip-from-rome. Lots of inspiration!

Been to Orvieto 2x. we enjoyed the walk down St Patrick's well. The views from the walls to the surrounding countryside is a wonderful place to take some great pictures. The church is fantastic, one of the most beautiful from the outside that I've seen in Italy. Spend some time in the piazza just people watching. Shopping for ceramics in Orvieto is one of my favorite things to do. There are a few shops with less expensive, less unique pieces, but then there is one shop with beautiful items. I'm sorry, I don't have the name of the shop, but you will know it when you walk in. I bought an olive oil container the first trip (with poppies on it) and on the second trip I bought a cookie jar and a bowl with fruit and bees. Just wander the streets (there aren't many) and enjoy small town Italy at it's finest.

Thanks for the suggestions! Sounds like we will enjoy this day. We will be staying right by the San Pietro train stop near the Vatican in Rome. Where should I go to buy the train tickets, which route, and should I buy them the day before or morning of? Also, does anyone know how early the train leaves from Rome, and how late from Orvieto back to Rome? We want to make this as full a day possible. Thanks!

Be sure to see the town in the evening. On a nice summers night, after the daytrippers have left, it's incredible. The older residents of the city sit on the long stone bench opposite of the duomo and chat. Strolling through the streets and looking out over the countryside, it's a great way to spend an evening. Especially after dinner at Trattoria del Moro Aronne Nidi (listed in Rick's guidebook).

I also suggest the underground tour. It's only an hour long and we found it to be very interesting & informative. I also suggest climbing to the top of the Torre del Moro (tower). The views from the top are wonderful. Oriveto is a great little town for just walking around. We loved walking around during the afternoon "siesta" when we felt like we had the whole town to ourselves! Enjoy!!

Get a round trip ticket or 2 one way train tickets the day before for a early train. Its only a little over an hour. With a evening return you would have a great day.