3 Day Orvieto, Italy Itinerary (Perfectly Planned + a Map)

👉 Jump to: Where to Stay | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Map | Getting Around | Tips | FAQ | Get Printable Version

Orvieto is a striking town of 19,000 set on a plateau of volcanic “tufa” rock. It was built by the ancient Etruscan civilization around 2,800 years ago, even before Rome was founded. It’s located in the Umbria region of Italy, just 1.5 hours northwest of the capital city.

This ancient city is best known for its gorgeous architecture, world-class white wine, a decorated cathedral, and specialty wild boar dishes. The vision of Orvieto, perched dramatically on a cliff, looks straight out of a fairytale.

As it’s the only landlocked region in the country, many people tend to bypass this beautiful area. But I guarantee that one trip to Umbria will leave you absolutely smitten with this verdant wine valley. 

Now that you’ve put it on your list, here’s the perfect 3-day itinerary for your stay in Orvieto.

Where to Stay for 3 Days in Orvieto, Italy

For a 3-day visit to Orvieto, these are my top picks for where to stay: 

• 🏆 My #1 Overall Pick – Hotel Palazzo Piccolomini
• ⛪ Near the Duomo – Hotel Duomo
• 🏡 Mid-Range – La Magnolia
• 💎 Luxury – Palazzo Petrvs
• 🍷 Winery Resort – Altarocca Wine Resort
• 🌻 Rustic Farmstay – Locanda Rosati
• ❤️ For Couples – Emme Palace Hotel & Spa
• ✨ Boutique – Ripa Medici
• 🛌🏻 Budget – Chiara e Benedetta Villa degli Ulivi
• 🏠 Apartments – Browse rentals in Orvieto

3-Day Orvieto Itinerary

🖨️ Get a printable version of this itinerary

Day 1 – Climb the Torre del Moro Clock Tower, Visit the Duomo, and Explore Orvieto Underground

Morning – Burn off breakfast by climbing the clock tower

Start your trip with a cappuccino and pastry on the outdoor patio at Caffè Montanucci across from the Piazza della Repubblica. Then burn off your meal by climbing about 250 steps to the top of the Torre del Moro clock tower up the street from the Piazza Duomo. 

Entry is less than €4, and you’ll get incredible 360-degree views of the rooftops of Orvieto and the surrounding valley!

Afternoon – See the Duomo and tour Orvieto Underground

Continue down Via del Duomo to the symbol of the city, the Duomo di Orvieto. This 14th-century Roman Catholic cathedral is one of the most ornate in Italy. Pay €8 to admire the artwork and architecture within, or just study the mosaics on the facade from the outside.

Book the Hotel Duomo to stay steps from this historic landmark. The intricately designed structure boasts architectural styles from different centuries and is truly a sight to behold.

Next, enjoy fresh pizza for lunch at La Piazzetta Bistrot before heading to the Orvieto Underground Tour. 

You’ll meet your guide across from the Duomo outside of the tour office. Explore Etruscan tunnels and learn about how this ancient civilization built such intricate underground systems over 2,500 years ago.

Alternatively, tour the Pozzo della Cava for a different look into the Etruscans’ underground world of archeological artifacts and cave systems.

Evening – Enjoy a unique dinner, followed by more underground exploring

End your day with a glass of Orvieto Classico wine and a fantastic meal from Labirinto di Adriano, a renowned restaurant and museum famous for its prehistoric fossils and underground Etruscan networks. Ask for Antonio, the most delightful server in all of Orvieto!

Finish your tiramisu, then head downstairs to explore more underground caves. These remarkable Etruscan tunnels were discovered in the 1980s during renovations to the shop’s floors. Imagine finding thousands of years of history beneath your shop!

Entry to the museum is free with the purchase of dinner. Make sure to wear a jacket as it gets quite chilly underground.

Day 2 – Hike the Anello della Rupe, Go Wine Tasting, and Visit Europe’s Largest Volcanic Lake

Morning – Hike the Anello della Rupe that circles the entirety of Orvieto

Wear your workout clothes today. Start your morning with a cappuccino to-go from Palace Caffè, then head to the Anello della Rupe trailhead on Via del Popolo. This trail circles the entire rock of Orvieto and offers gorgeous panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes. It’s a peaceful way to take in the scenery.

You’ll make a complete circle around Orvieto in a little over an hour if you walk the full five kilometers. But you can also explore a smaller section of the trail if you want to take it easy. Follow the “percorso” signs all along the way to stay on track.

Afternoon – Go wine tasting at a family-owned and operated vineyard

You’ve earned a treat after all that exercise, so drive to the Madonna del Latte vineyard just 15 minutes west of Orvieto. Book your tasting a day in advance to secure a timeslot.

This family-owned and operated vineyard uses organic-certified methods to grow both red and white grapes in the volcanic Umbrian countryside. Learn how they make their wine and taste five different kinds, all of which are expertly crafted with love. You’ll also see where the family stores some wine barrels in an alleged Etruscan tomb.

Ask for Ana if you can – I’ve never met a more passionate and informative guide. She was so lovely and made the experience beyond anything my mom and I could have expected. I cannot recommend a visit to Madonna di Latte more highly.

🍷 Note: You can ship wine home directly through the vineyard. Consider this if you want to drink Orvieto Classico forever!

Stay at Locanda Rosati farmstay on the outskirts of Orvieto if you’d prefer a rustic environment near the vineyards or at Altarocca Wine Resort for an immersive luxury stay among the vines. You’ll still be close enough to Orvieto to enjoy both town and countryside vibes.

Evening – Have dinner and a stroll at Lake Bolsena

Continue 25 minutes southwest of the vineyard to Lake Bolsena, Europe’s largest volcanic lake, in the Lazio region on the border of Umbria and Tuscany. The area boasts dramatic willow trees and hydrangeas the size of your head.

Wander the picturesque lakeside village’s quaint shops and medieval town center before sitting down for dinner on the water at Trattoria del Moro. Ask for a table with a view of the lake and feast on local seafood, pasta, and pizza before heading back to Orvieto for a long night’s sleep.

Day 3 – Day Trip to an Ancient “Dying Town” and Shop in Orvieto 

Morning – Hit the road to Civita di Bagnoregio

Get on the road first thing in the morning to the nearby commune of Bagnoregio, a 30-minute scenic drive from Orvieto. Park here and grab a quick breakfast and coffee at Bona Ventura Caffetteria Italiana before walking across the footbridge to the stunning hilltop village.

Afternoon – Wander the citadel streets, befriend cats, and have pizza for lunch

Cross the pedestrian bridge (€5 access ticket) to Civita di Bagnoregio, another 2,500-year-old Etruscan city with a population of just 12 residents. This ancient citadel is unlike anything you’ll ever see. But unfortunately, it’s considered a “dying town”, which is expected to crumble and be uninhabitable in the next 100-200 years. Visit now while you still can!

Say hello to the local cats and observe the different viewpoints around the town. The moonlike Calanchi Valley badlands to the east look Arizona-esque! Admire colorful potted plants on ancient stone terraces and charming cobbled roads looping around the tiny village.

Enjoy lunch on the patio at Taverna Bistrot, where you can people-watch by the Porta di Santa Maria, the town’s stone entryway. The potato pizza here was remarkable! Stop by the local shops for handmade goods and fun souvenirs. You won’t soon forget the sheer beauty of this incredible hilltop village.

Evening – Return to Orvieto for shopping, dinner, and an evening stroll

Head back to Orvieto for a final evening stroll through the cobblestone streets. Check out the local shops in the Piazza del Popolo. I recommend taking home local honey and spreads from Casa Parrina by the Piazza della Repubblica. Say hi to the owner Morando for me!

Wind down with a relaxing dinner at Mezza Luna, renowned for its spaghetti alla carbonara. Then walk home under the charming streetlamps. Stay at Hotel Palazzo Piccolomini or La Magnolia in the heart of town. They are within a 10-minute walk of everything in these buzzing shopping and dining areas.

Alternatively, save money by booking Chiara e Benedetta B&B just outside the city walls. I stayed here with my mom and experienced the best hospitality imaginable from my hosts, Rosanna and Isabella, for less than $150 per night. I’ll stay there again when I return!

Orvieto Itinerary Map

Here is a Google Map with all the stops, attractions, and hotels mentioned in this post.

How to Get Around in Orvieto

Most people walk in Orvieto. The charming cobblestoned streets make for delightful strolls, though the roads are tiringly steep. If mobility is a concern, a 6-minute funicular ride starting at Piazza Matteotti near the train station will take you to the historic city center for €1.30. A free shuttle takes you from the top of the funicular straight to the Duomo.

Orvieto is not an easy place to navigate by car. I may or may not have scraped the side of my rental when trying to squeeze through an ancient stone archway 🥴. If you do plan to rent a car in Italy, though, stick to the main roads and opt for the smallest rental car possible.

If you don’t want to rent a car, you can take a train from Rome or Florence to the Orvieto Scalo train station in less than two hours.

Itinerary Planning Tips

Wear Sturdy Walking Shoes

The streets of Orvieto are extremely steep. Plus, the uneven cobblestones make navigating even more strenuous. Wear the proper walking shoes with good traction to explore the city. My mom nearly twisted her ankle in sandals on our first day!

Make Dinner Reservations in Advance

The restaurants in Orvieto fill up nightly, especially during the busy season. Make lunch and dinner reservations at least a few days in advance if there’s a particular restaurant you’re dying to try. I rarely make reservations anywhere, but I genuinely had to get a timely meal here.

Consider Booking a Stay with A/C

Most buildings in Orvieto are not equipped with air conditioning. After all, many are thousands of years old! If you plan to visit during the hot summer, confirm that your hotel or B&B has air conditioning. You’ll be very sweaty without it!

Have Cash on Hand

I recommend having at least €100 on hand in Orvieto. There’s a toll fee you have to pay to enter the city by car, and many smaller businesses only accept cash. Small tips are very much appreciated. You’ll be grateful to have euros when you find yourself in a cardless establishment!

Try the Wild Boar

The Umbria region of Italy specializes in wild boar. Though you may not think it sounds appetizing, everyone raves about its rich flavor. Order wild boar meat sauce, sausage, or stew from nearly any of the local restaurants in Orvieto. It’s a very popular menu item!

Purchase the Orvieto Carta Unica (City Pass)

Purchase a Carta Unica city pass if you plan to visit any of the main attractions in Orvieto. This grants you access to all the attractions I’ve mentioned above and more for only €35! This gives you around a 20% discount on entrance fees if you visit everything on the list.

You can buy this convenient all-in-one ticket across from the cathedral in the Piazza Duomo tourist office, or at the top of the funicular.

FAQ About Itinerary Planning for Orvieto

How many days is enough for Orvieto? 

Three days is enough to get a feel for Orvieto and its incredible history, but I recommend at least a week to get to know the steep streets and unique attractions. It’s such a special place and deserves a less rushed trip.

What is Orvieto famous for?

Orvieto is famous for the ornate Duomo Cathedral, Orvieto Classico wine, ancient Etruscan underground tunnel systems, and wild boar dishes.

Can I visit Orvieto as a day trip from Rome?

Orvieto can be a day trip from Rome as it’s less than an hour-and-a-half drive from the capital city.

🖨️ Get a printable version of this itinerary

***

Enjoy your trip to this glorious little town full of art, history, and delicious food. I hope your stay in Orvieto inspires many more visits to the lesser-visited parts of Italy.

Need more Italy inspiration? Check out Lea Rose’s piece on the best places to visit in Italy next.