I am traveling with my Brother and sister-in-law in October. Our original plans were to spend three days in Cinque Terre but my sis is just now recovering from a broken hip. She will just be at 100% activity when we leave. Question is- would you recommend staying in Orvieto and driving around the countryside exploring Umbria or those days in Cinque Terre. We are not sure what her activity level will be but are hoping she may be able to walk with walking sticks....definitely will not be up for hiking the trails. Any opinions on which way to go? If Orvieto ...have any opinions on where to go in that area? Thanks,
KP
Posted by
Little Rock, AR, USA
116 posts
I would highly recommend Orvieto and the surrounding area. CT is all uphill or downhill--even if you did no hiking at all.Just getting to a restaurant, the train, or the beach is a major level change. And -- Orvieto is fabulous -- and much less crowded.
Posted by
OP
San Rafael, ca, USA
2 posts
Do you have some suggestions on what to do in and around Orvieto for 3-4 days?
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
12002 posts
Orvieto has many charms including some underground tours and the Rupe, a path around the base of the plateau. You can get to Cività di Bagnoreggio easily from Orvieto, as well as Lago Bolsena. Deruta and Perugia are also within reach and interesting.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32475 posts
Kristi, Which place to choose will probably depend to some extent on what type of activities you're planning. In Orvieto you'd have to leave the car down by the station and use the Funicular to get up to town. Once there it's relatively flat so walking shouldn't be an issue (although touring St. Patrick's Well might not be advisable). If you visit Civita di Bagnoregio, your S-I-L will have to be able to navigate the bridge and stairs from the parking lot to the town. The bridge has a slight uphill slant. Another question is whether your S-I-L will be comfortable sitting on her hip for long car rides, getting in and out of the car frequently, etc. The Cinque Terre might also be good, depending on which town you stay in. Monterosso is relatively flat between the old town and new town and not a difficult walk. Via Roma (old town) heads uphill, but the first part is fairly gentle. It also has the best beach so if your S-I-L wants to relax on a beach chair and read a good book (weather permitting), that's a possibility too. If you wanted to explore the other towns or other nearby places using the local trains, that shouldn't be difficult (although there are stairs leading up to the station platforms in Monterosso). I don't think the boats will be operating then. Either area is possible, depending on what type of travel activities you're planning. Happy travels!