Excursion Discover the medieval town of orvieto tour at Civitavecchia

Travel into Umbria’s hill country to explore the medieval clifftop town of Orvieto.

Historic Orvieto, Duomo of Orvieto

Departing from the pier, settle in for a 2-hour drive through Lazio’s countryside and into Umbria, passing steep hills, deep valleys, and small villages crowned with medieval towers and churches. Your destination, Orvieto, rises dramatically atop a massive volcanic tufa plateau, its stone walls and skyline appearing long before you reach the base of the historic center.

Upon arrival, meet your local guide and begin a walking tour of approximately 1.2 km through Orvieto’s winding medieval streets. As you ascend into the heart of the old town, learn how this ancient Etruscan settlement evolved into one of central Italy’s most important medieval strongholds. The architecture remains remarkably intact, with much of the town unchanged since the 14th century. Your tour leads you to the magnificent Duomo of Orvieto, a masterpiece of 13th-century Gothic architecture dedicated to the Miracle of Bolsena. Admire its lavish façade of mosaics, sculptures, and striped marble before exploring the interior, where chapels display frescoes that famously inspired Michelangelo’s own “Last Judgment.”

Traditional Umbrian Lunch

Following your visit, continue with a short 100-meter walk to a local restaurant for a traditional Umbrian lunch, including tastings of extra-virgin olive oil on toasted bread, balsamic vinegar with Parmigiano Reggiano, ombrichelli pasta with tomato and basil, mimosa cake, water, and a glass of Orvieto Classico wine.

After lunch, enjoy approximately 75 minutes of free time to browse artisan shops, admire panoramic viewpoints, sample local specialties, or relax in one of the town’s outdoor cafés. When your exploration concludes, walk approximately 1.1 km back to the coach pickup point before beginning the 2-hour return drive to the pier.

Note

Please Note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking of approximately 1.55 miles (2.5 km) over uneven terrain, cobblestones, and some uphill stretches, with a small number of steps at various points. It is not suitable for wheelchair users or guests with mobility limitations, as the medieval streets and inclines can be challenging. Comfortable, non-slip walking shoes are strongly recommended. Guests must be respectfully dressed to enter the Duomo, and access inside may be restricted if mass is taking place; in such cases, explanations will be provided outside. The drive between Civitavecchia and Orvieto is approximately 2 hours each way and may vary with traffic. Bottled water is provided on the coach, but there is no onboard toilet. Restrooms are available in Orvieto during guided and free-time segments. Free time allows for shopping, with credit cards accepted in most shops, though small purchases are more easily made with euros. Tour order may vary due to local conditions.