Tuscany by the Sea​

Orvieto is situated in Umbria on top of a large platform of volcanic tufa. Rising above high cliffs and surrounded by defensive walls, it is among the most dramatic cities in Europe and is easily visited on foot. Some of Orvieto’s highlights include hiking, shopping for fine pottery and crafts and enjoying delightful dinners at simple trattorias, featuring local delicacies such as truffles and mushrooms.

The Etruscans founded Orvieto and left some remnants (now in the Archeological Museum) and a necropolis that you can reach on a popular two-mile hike. An underground city—a labyrinth of tunnels and caves long kept secret—lies beneath the city and is now open for guided tours, which can be booked on site. The Romans followed the Etruscans, and later the city became very closely connected to the Papacy. St. Patrick’s Well was built for the popes in the mid-16th century and has unique double helical ramps for one-way traffic (originally for mules carrying water).

A notable monument is the Gothic cathedral (the Duomo), with its striped façade in white and green stones, and its remarkable sculptures. On our included walking tour, you will visit the cathedral and San Brizio Chapel, adorned by Luca Signorelli’s masterful fresco, Last Judgment. Not many know that it inspired the famous Last Judgment of Michelangelo.

Depart from the U.S. for Italy. The particulars of your arrival overseas are detailed with your flight itinerary and airline tickets.

Upon arrival at the Rome Fiumicino Airport, meet your VBT representative outside the customs area in your arrival terminal. The representative will be holding a VBT sign. Then transfer by private car (approximately 2 hours) to your hotel in Orvieto. Once in Orvieto settle in at your hotel. The rest of the day you are free to explore the city with VBT's City Information in your Final Travel Booklet as your guide. Choose a restaurant for dinner on your own. Tomorrow morning, a local guide will meet you for an orientation tour. .

Please note: If you arrive early, your hotel room may not be available until 1 p.m. You may store your luggage with the Reception Desk.

After breakfast at 9 a.m., meet your local guide at the hotel. She will take you for an orientation tour of the city and a guided visit to the remarkable cathedral – the Chapel of San Brizio. She will also share inside tips on what to see and do in Orvieto, including a 2-mile hike to the Etruscan necropolis or an optional guided visit to the underground cave park. The rest of the day is free for your own discoveries and shopping.

Continue your discovery of Orvieto with a visit to Saint Patrick’s Well.   A masterpiece of engineering, this well was constructed in 1527 by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger. It is 62 meters deep and has two spiral staircases with 248 steps each. You may return to your hotel by funicular.

VBT Air Package guests arrive throughout the day.