Located in Southern Umbria, Orvieto is a fortified city in the heart of Italy’s rugged green heart. Unlike its glamorous neighbours, Umbria has managed to stay out of the spotlight, retaining its rustic charm. The same goes for its small villages, towns and cities, which offer more of an authentic travel experience.
On arrival, time slows as you adjust to Umbria’s laid-back rhythm. The feeling is almost instant, encouraged by the calming swathes of greenery and undulating hills. Majestic and remote, Orvieto sits dramatically atop a tabletop of eroded volcanic tuff, with panoramic views of the region’s vine-covered landscape.
Remnants of Etruscan and Roman roots remain intact, luring history buffs and architecture enthusiasts to its magnificent Duomo. An underground network of mysterious passages is just as fascinating, with two subterranean wells and some fine museums worth adding to your three-day itinerary. Add a mix of family-run trattorias and immersive wine tours to the agenda, and you’ve got yourself an excellent three-day trip sorted.
Whether you’re planning a romantic break in Italy or a multi-generational family reunion, our private villas are ideally located for exploring Orvieto and beyond. With the help of our insider guide, craft the perfect itinerary for your getaway. Our award-winning complimentary Concierge will also go the extra mile to enrich your stay with tailored experiences and in-villa services.
Day 1 in Orvieto: Exploring the Best Attractions in Piazza del Duomo
The city is one of the most ancient in Italy, with its treasure trove of tombs, temples and countless artefacts to visit. Before your grand history tour of Orvieto begins, you can begin the day with a slow morning cappuccino on the piazza.
Then saunter over to the Duomo for an introductory glimpse into Orvieto’s layered history. Throughout history, the Duomo has been hailed as “the greatest and richest polychrome monument in the world” by the Swiss art historian Jacob Burckhardt. Pope Leo XIII famously referred to it as the “Golden Lily of Italian cathedrals,” a title that has endured, luring visitors with its colossal doorways, columns and spires. Some 52m, it is a stunning spectacle to see in person, soaring high above the city.
No visit to Orvieto is complete without exploring its subterranean city. Underground, a whole network of mysterious tunnels, cellars and passageways nod to the city’s rich history. Join a walking tour for a thorough deep dive into this secret world, which goes back some 3,000 years. Our award-winning Concierge can help organise a private tour with a local expert.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, we recommend stopping for lunch or dinner in the centro storico (old town). There are plenty of charming trattorias to choose from in the area. Coro, just off the Via del Duomo, is a highlight, with a menu so good it deserves a Michelin star. The accompanying bistro and cocktail bar, Gocce, follows a seasonal menu with homegrown ingredients.
Day 2: Orvieto’s Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Activities
After immersing yourself in Orvieto’s rich history, you're now ready to dive deeper into the city’s unique culture.
Start by exploring its renowned ceramic tradition. Corso Cavour and Via del Duomo in the centre offer a look into the city's vibrant majolica-style ceramics. If you have a deeper interest in Orvieto’s ceramics tradition, our award-winning Concierge can organise bespoke workshops with a local artisan.
Also on the Corso, you’ll find Michelangeli’s local carpentry business, which has been in the same family for seven generations. The family’s wood-cut styles are scattered across the city in park benches and unexpected street corners.
For lunch or dinner, head out of town towards Lake Bolsena to Trattoria del Conte. This authentic roadside restaurant serves simple Umbrian recipes made from local produce. For a true Orvieto staple, look out for Umbricelli (or Umbrichelli) on the menu, a traditional pasta dish made with a rich tomato sauce and locally sourced wild boar or sausage.
Day 3: Wine Tasting in Orvieto and Souvenir Shopping
On your final day in Orvieto, there’s one experience you can’t miss: wine tasting. After all, this charming city is home to some of Umbria’s finest wines, with wineries that are rich and varied.
Orvieto has been a centre of winemaking since the Etruscan period. Today, many of its iconic white blends still benefit from the region's naturally cool Etruscan caves.
Throughout the year, many of Orvieto’s cantinas welcome visitors, offering tours and tastings that showcase the region’s rich winemaking heritage. We recommend a stop at Decugnano dei Barbi, a stunning winery in the hills just east of the city. Running since the 13th century, the winery produced its first Orvieto Classico in 1973. Today, they continue to produce a superb range of white, red and rosé wines.
Be sure to consult our award-winning Concierge, who can arrange bespoke wine journeys through local vineyards. Our villas in vineyards, like Villa Soele just south of Orvieto, offer an even more personal experience with the vines, bringing Umbria’s best wines directly to your doorstep.
Heading into town? A stop at La Musa Gelateria is a must – the town's very best ice-cream prepared with seasonal ingredients. If time permits, stop in at Bottega Vera to stock up on souvenirs, including brightly coloured majolica-style ceramics. The historic centre is home to a selection of artisanal boutique stores selling leather goods.
Orvieto’s local farmers’ market is held in the Piazza del Popolo every Thursday and Saturday from 7:00am to 1:00pm. Stock up on a medley of fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers and succulent local meats.
Your dream home in Umbria awaits
Base yourself at one of our luxury villas near Orvieto, which range from restored farmhouses to lavish countryside estates.
Villa Clara is one of the finest properties to rent in Umbria, located just 7km from Orvieto’s restaurants, cafes and boutiques. Or stay in a beautifully restored farmhouse like Il Cipresso Dorato, which offers spectacular views of Orvieto’s rooftops.
All of our handpicked villas in Umbria come with a dedicated Concierge team, fully versed in the best local experiences in Orvieto and beyond. Sit back, relax and let our Villa Specialists find the perfect villa for you.