Orvieto / Umbria

Umbria has all the natural beauty and charming hillside towns of its more popular neighbor Tuscany (not to mention equally fabulous food and wine) and it’s much easier to visit on a day trip from Rome. In just two hours you can be in Assisi, home of Saint Francis and his spectacular church with both upper and lower basilicas, the university town of Perugia or, one of our favorites, the medieval hill town of Orvieto.

Situated atop a volcanic outcrop, Orvieto (just an hour and a half from Rome by car) offers a relaxing escape from busy city life. Marvel at the frescoes in the grand 14th century gothic Duomo compared to the older 11th century church of San Giovenale and admire the view from the clock tower in the center of town before heading half an hour down the road for a tour of a local winery and an incredible gourmet lunch paired with the best wines of the region.