Train from Florence to Orvieto then bus or train to Rome

This just answers one of your questions: You asked about things to see/do in Orvieto: You'll like Orvieto! The facade of the Orvieto Duomo is one of the major sights. Also the Pozzo di San Patrizio (St. Patrick's Well).

Others here with more knowledge of the transportation system will answer your transportation questions--especially important is your question about whether the Sunday bus schedule is more limited than during the other 6 days of the week. In other parts of Italy I have noticed that the Sunday bus schedules are more limited, but hopefully others here will give you a more specific answer as to the Sunday Orvieto - Rome bus schedule.

Is there a reason you prefer a bus over a train to Rome? There are Regionale Veloce trains every 2 hours on Sunday for 7.50 euro 2nd class, 11.65 euro 1st class. There are a few IC trains at other times, some going to Rome Tiburtina.

Kent,
Thank you for your response. Sounds like you enjoyed Orvieto.
Grazie, Brenda

Sam,
My husband thought it might be more scenic to go by bus rather than train. Do I understand you correctly that the bus goes to a different station than the train?
Grazie,
Brenda

The view from the train isn't any different than the one from the bus. The train (the old line where regional trains travel) runs parallel to the A1 freeway so you will see the exact same view. The high speed line runs underground through a few straight tunnels, but that line is also partially parallel to the freeway (and the old rail line). In any case from Orvieto you will be on the old rail line.

Brenda, you're welcome. You'll enjoy Orvieto.

On a Sunday you will probably have more train options from Orvieto. I always take the train.

The museum pass for Orvieto is good. The museum across the piazza from the cathedral has great views from the upper floors of the facade mosaics. At the orher end of town is the oldest church in Orvieto, San Giovenale, which reopened last June after several years of fresco restoration. There is a market in Piazza del Popolo on Thursdays and Saturdays.

The ticket for the funivia is also valid for the bus that goes to the Duomo.

Roberto,
Thank you for the information regarding the bus versus the train. The train sounds good to me. Everyone is so wonderful to write in with answers and suggestions.
Grazie,
Brenda

Zoe,
These are some good ideas, thank you for the suggestions.
Grazie,
Brenda

I am considering home basing in Orvieto in early December. Fives must do's I have read:
1. Ceramiche Artistiche Gallery
2. Musei Archeologici Faina e Civico
3. Tenure Let Velette Winerary
4. Gelateria Pasqualetti. Must have Gelato and Espresso
5. Orvieto Catherdral

And if I and you are lucky, the Umbria Jazz Winter Festival.

I would favor the local train and I would think you can buy your ticket at the train station. I am use to buying my tickets once I land in Rome and taking the train to the Termini but I would also be interested in how do you do this in your location? I like to buy a week or more out to get Super Economy but on a regional train( Regionale Veloce from another helpful post here) so I will also stand by to see how todo this.

Does anyone have a lovely hotel or B&B that makes the trip memorable in cold December?

Hotel Virgilio on the main piazza, Hotel Duomo around the corner, Hotel Aquila Bianca just off Piazza della Repubblica.

Casa Orchidea - through Booking.com - lovely 1 bedroom apartment - around the corner from the Duomo - close to Hotel Duomo

Kathy,
Those are awesome suggestions and reading them gets me so excited for the trip.
Yes, that would be perfect if the Jazz Festival is going.
Have a wonderful trip in December and don't forget some light underwear to stay warm.
Sincerely, Brenda

Recommend Inn Affittacamere Valentina - in Orvieto. It is a block off of Palazzo del Popolo where the Saturday and Thursday markets are. It is very reasonably priced, and, not far from a favorite dinner spot at L’Asino D’Oro on Vicolo del Popolo. Easy walk from there to the Duomo.
We booked thru Venere.com. You'll love the fact that there are not only reviews and ratings offered there, but additionally they show about 75 pictures. Nice breakfast there. We highly recommend.

For regional trains in Italy (including Regional Veloce), just buy the tickets in Italy. You can buy them from any ticket window or ticket machine in the country (for instance, you can get your Orvieto to Rome tickets in Venice, or Florence, or anywhere else convenient for you). If using a machine, just be sure to change the starting point before entering the destination. If buying from a ticket window, make it clear what your start and end points are (it helps to have this written down, to minimize confusion).

Don't forget to validate ALL regional train tickets just before use.

Some ticket machines only take credit cards, others take credit cards and euro and will dispense change along with your ticket. Methods of payment are clearly marked on the machines.

Everyone, thank you for the suggestions of where to stay for Kathy. We are already staying at the nunnery. Everyone should have that experience just once, huh?
Harold, thank you for explaining how to purchase our tickets from Florence to Rome and the details. We very much appreciate you taking the time to respond. That is exactly what we needed to know.
Also, Zoe good point about the credit card or cash. Grazie guys!