Meet your driver at the pier and set out on your 90 minute drive north across the Umbria region, a land of steep hills, deep valleys and small villages boasting medieval castles and churches. Built on a massive limestone outcropping, Orvieto boasts over four thousand years of history and a magnificent setting. Once a citadel of the Etruscans, the city is a medieval gem. Upon your arrival in Orvieto, you can start your tour with a visit to the magnificent Duomo, which lies in the heart of the city. Built in the 13th century A. D. to commemorate the Miracle of Bolsena, the cathedral features elaborate carvings and mosaic work. Spend time exploring the interior chapels, with frescoes by Fra Angelico and Signorelli's masterpiece, Last Judgment.
Continue your discovery of this gem of Central Italy with a walking tour of the historical center, and its Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo, a simple building that was started in the 13th century A.D. which still maintains an impressive grandeur. In Piazza Cahen, you can see the Fortezza dell'Albornoz which was built around 1350 A.D. Originally known as the Rocca di San Martino, the original fortress was surrounded by a moat, which was only accessible by a drawbridge. The Rocca was almost completely razed to the ground in 1395 A.D. and was finally rebuilt during the mid-15th century using original plans and an additional circular line of fortifications.
As the town offers so many different options, the rest of the visit will be at your leisure. You can wander through the city's picturesque lanes and alleys, shop for Orvieto's famed ceramics and Pinocchio dolls, or perhaps just sit at an outdoor cafe and enjoy the splendid medieval atmosphere and the local Orvieto Classico wine. Those feeling ambitious may want to visit the underground city of tunnels, galleries, stairs, cellars, and unexpected passageways, created over the centuries. At the appointed time, your driver will return you to the port.
