Verona vs Orvieto

Orvieto, skip Verona. IMHO

Time for just one? Orvieto! It has way more sights to see than Verona. Verona is fine if you are spending several days in the Veneto, or want to attend the opera in summer. However, its main claim to fame seems to be that it's the home of a fictional character.

I agree that Orvieto is smaller, lovelier, hillier (but with an escalator) and the cathedral and the views are gorgeous. And the side trip to Civita di Bagnoregio is even more "back door." Verona's point of difference is the Roman arena, but to me it's most memorable as the city where I saw a woman walking a raccoon on a leash.

I absolutely love both places. But because you said you enjoy hill towns, I would suggest Orvieto.
Here are some photos I took there in 2011, in case you want more proof: Orvieto in May 2011

Both are great places to visit. If you are spending several days in Rome, you could daytrip to Orvieto and spend a night or two in Verona.

Verona is a very interesting place with lots of sights, but for a different experience I would choose Orvieto, it's a different place at night and early in the morning when day trippers are gone.

I agree with the others. Of the two, Orvieto would be a better choice than Verona and will also facilitate your ongoing journey to Rome. You'll have to allow about half a day overall for the trip from Milan to Orvieto, which will leave about a day and a half for touring. Some of the sights to check out....

• The beautiful Duomo with the incredible Signorelli frescoes on the ceiling.
• St. Patrick's Well - an incredible engineering feat in its time.
• Orvieto underground tour - the history is quite interesting.
• Civitia di Bagnoregio day trip - you could do that on the day after your arrival. With transportation back and forth, it will likely be at least a six hour trip (possibly longer).

Orvieto is only about an hour from Rome by train, so you could still do a bit of touring before heading to Rome.

I like them both very much. Either is a fine choice and both are easy to put on the itinerary for your next trip. If you are traveling during opera season in Verona, I've heard that going to the opera in the Arena is very special, even if you aren't a big opera buff. On the other hand, Verona is pretty crowded during opera season . . .

Flip a coin.

Thank you so much for your input. Orvieto it is.

Mike - if you opt for Orvieto, please consider the Ripa Medici B&B. I was there in late March and the place was immaculate. Read my review on this B&B. We paid less than 90 euros for our apt. I traveled from Calabria to Ravenna and Orvieto was my favorite town, but I haven't been to Verona.
Rosana

I've been to both multiple times. Verona is very interesting but Orvieto hands down.