Add dates

Orvieto Culture & history

Our most recommended Orvieto Culture & history

From Rome: Orvieto & Civita Bagnoregio Coach Tour

1. From Rome: Orvieto & Civita Bagnoregio Coach Tour

First, get picked up from your hotel in central Rome or head to the meeting point in the city center. Board the coach and depart at 8 AM, setting off towards the ancient city of Bagnoregio in the Province of Viterbo in central Italy.  When you arrive, take a stroll around Civita di Bagnoregio which was founded by Etruscans more than 2,500 years ago. The town is noted for its striking position on top of a plateau between the two valleys called Fossato del Rio Torbido and Fossato del Rio Chiaro. Find out about how the settlement is also known as the 'dying town' and was historically accessed by a single road that led from the Tiber valley to Lake Bolsena.  Then, stop for a delicious lunch at a local Italian restaurant. In the afternoon, continue the tour to Orvieto, another small town of Etruscan origins where you can admire the magnificent 14th-century cathedral, a masterpiece of gothic architecture. Visit the remarkable Pozzo di San Patrizio, a historic well that was built by architect-engineer Antonio da Sangallo the Younger of Florence in the 16th Century.  Finally, return to Rome where you will be dropped off at the meeting point in the city center.

Assisi & Orvieto Day Trip from Rome

2. Assisi & Orvieto Day Trip from Rome

Escape Italy's busy capital for one day on this trip to Assisi and the Umbrian hill town Orvieto. On this tour, you will unveil the religious architecture of Umbria (such as the famous Cathedral of Orvieto) and discover the wines and local products of Tuscany. Leaving Rome in a northerly direction and driving along the Tiber Valley, reach Orvieto as your first stop, a small town of Etruscan origins where you will stop to admire the magnificent 14th century cathedral, a masterpiece of gothic architecture. The tour continues through the green Tuscan Hills covered in olive groves and vineyards. This is the land of some of Italy’s best known D.O.C. (quality controlled) wines, which include Orvieto, Chianti and Brunello di Montalcin. You will then have a further stop, where you will taste some local wines and other typical Umbrian and Tuscan products. Afterwards, enjoy lunch, consisting of traditional local dishes. In the early afternoon you will continue your journey and drive along the shores of Lake Trasimeno. Finally, reach Assisi, which is located at the foot of Mount Subasio. Assisi is famous for being St. Francis' birthplace. You will see the Church of St. Claire*, St Francis’ birthplace and his childhood home, the Townhall Square. Around the Townhall Square, you will see the People’s Palace and the Roman Temple dedicated to Minerva. One highlight of the tour will be the visit of St Francis’ Basilica, located close to the ancient city walls, with its magnificent frescoes painted between the 12th and 14th centuries. You will reach Rome around 19:30/20:00, where you will be dropped-off in the vicinity of your hotel.

Orvieto: Private Walking Tour with the Cathedral of Orvieto

3. Orvieto: Private Walking Tour with the Cathedral of Orvieto

Step back in time as you explore the streets of Orvieto with a local guide on this walking tour. Uncover the ancient origins of this town. Let your guide reveal how history has shaped the art and architecture of this town. Meet your guide in amid the palace, tower, and cathedral in Piazza del Duomo. Stroll to the 14th-century Gothic Cathedral of Orvieto. Enter the cathedral to admire the vibrant and colorful frescoes and mosaics inside. Head to the historic well of Pozzo di San Patrizio to view its two helical ramps that are in a double helix shape. Hear the facinating story behind this well from your local guide. Climb to the top of the medieval Torre del Moro tower. Admire stunning views of the town, the cathedral, and the surrounding countryside.

Rome: Assisi and Orvieto Day Tour

4. Rome: Assisi and Orvieto Day Tour

The mystic town of Saint Francis, surrounded by its ancient walls, was built on the green slopes of Mount Subasio and with its colorful houses of stone, narrow streets, flowering balconies and noble palaces provide beautiful views for memorable pictures (do not forget your camera). An interesting visit to St. Francis Basilica, with its early Renaissance masterpieces by Giotto and Cimabue, and the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli. Then the tour continues to Orvieto, where you can admire a masterpiece of Gothic architecture with a glistening façade of stained glass, mosaics and sculptures. Soak up Orvieto’s charm and admire the countless churches that are scattered around its center. Back to Rome, drop off at your hotel.

Orvieto & Civita di Bagnoregio: Private E-Bike Tour

5. Orvieto & Civita di Bagnoregio: Private E-Bike Tour

Escape the hustle and bustle of Rome for the day on a 14-hour bike tour through the lovely landscapes of Lazio and Umbria. Following a pick-up from your hotel, transfer by train to the Tiber Valley for the start of your biking adventure. Experience the tranquility of the Alviano Nature Reserve, and pedal uphill to Civita di Bagnoregio. Known locally as “The Dying Town,” the once thriving cliff side village is one of Italy’s most beautiful towns from the Middle Ages. Perched on a plateau of rock that is connected to the rest of the world by a narrow bridge, cross on foot or by bike for breathtaking views. Continue biking through the lovely landscapes of Umbria, heading for Orvieto, the climax of your day. Built on a summit of volcanic tuff, the city’s defensive walls are constructed from tufa stone. Explore Orvieto's enchanting streets and go to the impressive 14th-century cathedral (Duomo), with a Gothic façade considered one of the masterpieces of the Late Middle Ages. Marvel at the large rose window and golden mosaics, before dinner in a wine cellar and your transfer back to Rome.

Assisi and Orvieto Full-Day Excursion from Rome

6. Assisi and Orvieto Full-Day Excursion from Rome

Spend a delightful day outside of Rome on this 12-hour escorted tour that takes you to Umbria, one of the most picturesque regions of Italy. Rich in vineyards, olive groves, and iconic hilltop villages, this is where you’ll find Assisi, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The home of Saint Francis, still surrounded by its ancient walls, was built on the green slopes of Mount Subasio, and is recognizable by its colorful houses of ink stone. Narrow streets, flower-decked balconies, and noble palaces all provide opportunities for some memorable photos. Visit St. Francis Basilica and admire its early Renaissance masterpieces by Giotto and Cimabue, and then see the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli.  You’ll have time for a lunch break at a typical local restaurant (not included in the tour price) before continuing on to Orvieto, where you’ll have a chance to take in the magnificence of its Gothic cathedral, with its glistening façade of stained glass and mosaics. Enjoy a walk to soak up Orvieto’s charm and admire the countless churches that are scattered throughout its center.

From Rome: Assisi and Orvieto Small Group Tour

7. From Rome: Assisi and Orvieto Small Group Tour

Escape the hustle and bustle of Rome for the day on a full-day tour of Umbria, one of the most picturesque regions of Italy. Rich in vineyards, olive trees, and hill-top villages, the most famous site in the region is the UNESCO World Heritage town of Assisi. Upon arrival at this mystical place, learn about Saint Francis as you wander within the ancient walls. Built on the green slopes of Mount Subasio, the colorful houses of ink stone. narrow streets, flower decked balconies, and noble palaces provide beautiful views. A highlight of your time in Assisi will be a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis to see Renaissance masterpieces by Giotto and Cimabue. After lunch, continue to Orvieto to admire the magnificence of its cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture with a glistening façade of stained glass, mosaics, and sculptures. Soak up Orvieto’s charms, and marvel at the countless churches scattered around its historic center. Transfer back to Rome for a hotel drop off in the early evening.

From Florence PRIVATE: Historical Umbria, Assisi and Orvieto

8. From Florence PRIVATE: Historical Umbria, Assisi and Orvieto

Discover Umbria, one of Italy’s true hidden gems, during this full-day tour that will take you into the green heart of the country. Visit Assisi, a UNESCO World Heritage site and discover its rich history which dates back to the Roman age; learn about its most illustrious citizen, Saint Francis, during a 1,5-hour walking tour. Enjoy a typical Umbrian lunch served in a beautiful location in Asissi. The next stop will be Orvieto, founded in 1290 and probably designed by Arnolfo Di Cambio, it is one of the most famous monuments of the Romanesque-Gothic Europe, offering a comprehensive overview of Italian art. Enjoy your free time as you like, visiting the churches, the famous well, wonder around or just have a seat and enjoy a glass of wine in front of the amazing Duomo. Also significant to the Roman era are the Arch of Drusus, the Roman House and the Roman Theatre.

From Rome: Full-Day Assisi & Orvieto Semiprivate Tour

9. From Rome: Full-Day Assisi & Orvieto Semiprivate Tour

Enjoy a day away from the bustle of Rome on a full-day tour of Umbria, one of the most picturesque regions of Italy. Rich in vineyards, olive groves and the hillside villages, the most famous site in the region is the UNESCO World Heritage town of Assisi. Upon arrival in this mystical place of St. Francis, walk inside the ancient walls. Built on the green slopes of Mount Subasio, the colorful houses of ink stone, narrow streets, flowered balconies and ornate palaces will offer great views. A highlight of your time in Assisi will be a visit to the Basilica of San Francesco to see the Renaissance masterpieces by Giotto and Cimabue. After lunch, continue to Orvieto to admire the magnificence of the cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture with glittering facade windows, mosaics and sculptures. Enjoy the charm of Orvieto, and admire the many churches scattered around its historic center. Return to Rome for a hotel back in the early evening.

14 activities found
Sort by:

Other Sightseeing Options in Orvieto

Want to discover all there is to do in Orvieto? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Orvieto

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 133 reviews

Katherine and Federica were an excellent tour guide. It was just the my grandma and I, the transportation was a leather seat van, very comfortable. Katherine was very attentive and patient, informative and professional. I highly recommend this tour if you don’t like a big group of people in your tour.

What a wonderful day we had! Paola and Gianlucca were so friendly and informative. Gianlucca was a great driver and met all of our needs. Paola was able to tell us so much history. Andres was a very knowledgeable tour guide in Assisi. I highly recommend this tour.

Great day trip outside the city of Rome. Two charming towns with plenty of things to visit, and great restaurants. Paulo was excellent and the local guide as well. Highly recommend as a change to the city’s buzzle

Excellent trip, I would say perfect. Cristina is a very good guide. Delicious lunch, and the driver Lucca drives very safely. Beautiful Assisis and Orvieto Recommended 100%

Juliana and Roberto were great. Juliano was extremely conversant and knowledgeable concerning our tour sites. We would not hesitate to book another tour.