I don't see why not. I went in January and I thought it was really great. There weren't many people around and it is such a cute town that it sort of feels like a movie set. It is really cute.

Of course, you won't see everything important to see in the CIty of ROme in less than 15 days!

I went to Orvieto for the day in late December, just before this past Christmas. It was cold and I'm sure I'd have enjoyed it more had it not been. But anywhere you go will be subject to the weather and it's an interesting place, to be sure. Shops and restaurants were open so plenty of chances to get inside but do dress warmly.

There were obviously far fewer tourists and the market well off the beaten path was open. It felt less like a movie set to me than a "real" town, that is to say a town not on the usual tourist track and that's a good thing. The restaurant where we had lunch was full of what appeared to be locals even though it was quite near the cathedral. I think you'll enjoy yourself.

Have a coffee in the train station cafe while you wait for the train. Quite a sociable place.

Thanks all! This is just what I wanted to know. I think I just needed affirmation that it was not a terrible idea. And yes, GAC, I've been to Rome before and know I will never see all there is to enjoy there. I will certainly throw another coin in the Trevi fountain to insure my return!

There is always the underground tour in Orvieto if it's a bit nippy.
http://www.orvietounderground.it/index.php/en/

The day I was there the underground was unexpectedly closed. I had really been looking forward to it more than anything.

We arrived early evening in Orvieto and stayed overnight after several days in Tuscany to drop off the car, and took the train to Rome at noon the following day. It is a very pretty town, strolled around a little bit and tried to do the the underground tours but they were not running that day so we were quite disappointed. We had probably the best porchetta sawndwich in that town, in a little non-descript restaurant, as well as one of the best rib-eye steak dishes I've ever had, very simply prepared. I told my husband that the next time we are in Rome, we would have to do a daytrip to Orvieto again. I think you will enjoy it. However, with only 5 days in Rome, I am not sure if that is anywhere near even enough time to really see Rome, but that is just my opinion.

Thanks for all this info! The underground is part of what drew me to Orvieto, but I had not seen the website you posted, kybourbon, so thank you. Also helpful to know its been closed when some folks are there, so I won't get my heart totally set on seeing it.

msteacher,

We spent 3 nights in Orvieto at Palazzo Piccolomini several years ago (doing day trips from there). We just loved it!
The duomo, the underground tour, the Etrusca archeological excavation site (tombs), the shops, the food, the wine - Orvieto Classico.

Be sure to spend an entire day there and stay for dinner.

Buon viaggo!