We will be taking a DayTrip from Rome to Orvieto by Train the day our Rick Steves Tour ends in Rome. While we've read that Orvieto is worth a night or 2, we just can't do this on this trip (we are heading to Sorrento for 5 nights after the tour ends).
We'd appreciate any info you can give us on the Rome to Orvieto Train Trip. Can we just get tickets that morning? Are these the ones we've read about that need to be validated? Also, any NOT TO BE MISSED sites, restaurants, shops, etc.
Thanks!
Yes, you can just show up to the station to buy tickets.
How to Look Up Train Schedules and Routes Online gives you the DB train schedule link and tips for using it.
Orvieto is beautiful. The ticket for the funivia (across from the train station) is also valid for the minibus that takes you to Piazza Duomo. There are two bus routes: the longer one takes you through the winding streets, really a fun ride, only takes about five minutes or so longer than the direct bus.
See the Cathedral, and go to the museum across the street for a view of the mosaics on the cathedral facade from the upper floors of the museum - they look close enough to touch.
Saint Patrick's well and the ruins of a castle are on either side of the funivia.
If you are there on a Thursday or Saturday morning, there's a market in Piazza del Popolo. The TI office in Piazza del Duomo is very helpful.
If you are not spending the night in Roma after you visit Orvieto, leave your luggage at the Roma Termini station, the train station in Orvieto doesn't keep baggage (although I've heard there is somewhere near the station that does), you will probably have to connect in Roma to go to Sorrento.
It's a 70 minute train ride up to Orvieto, and it's a very popular and worthwhile place to visit--even for a day.
Orvieto is also a great place to stay for a night before going into Rome. It's a shame your schedule won't allow you to stay there, as they have some great Bed and Breakfasts there.
The local sights have already been very well covered above.
We were in Orvieto last October and really enjoyed the "cave" tour - you get tickets and depart from the tourist office across from the Duomo. There are a few steep parts and a very narrow interior staircase - so good walking shoes are helpful.
