Reid777

I have a group of 38 adults going to Italy and Croatia in late September. We have 5 days in Rome, and while we are there, I would like to take a day trip to Gattavecchi Winery (or similar) in Multipulciano and then on to Orvietto, returning to Rome in the evening. We will have our own bus. Do you think this would be a good trip, or would it be too much time on the bus? Also, this would be on a Saturday - would I be better reversing the destinations? I know I will have to make reservations in advance, but can anyone recommend somewhere that would make a nice dinner stop for this many on the way back to Rome?
Thanks in advance for your replies, Reid777

Reid777

Whoops - hit the "submit" button instead of "edit" - sorry for the misspelling!

vjpblovesitaly

I didn't know there was an edit buttom

bilboburgler

for 38 people?

kybourbon

I would go to Orvieto first, spend a few hours (underground tour?), have lunch, then on to Montepulciano. That winery appears to be in the town (according to the address). Everyone could sample some wines, tour Montepulciano, have dinner in Montepulciano, before heading back to Rome.

Reid777

This is the 4th time I have planned a European trip for this group of family and friends - and we are all still friends and like each other!!! I don't think I could have done it without support and advice from Fodor's members.
Thanks kybourbon, I think your idea is the way to go. And, by the way, my husband is a big fan of KY bourbon!!
Vjpblovesitaly, you can edit while previewing...

Jean

Is your group amenable to splitting up for dinner? Many of the restaurants I remember in Orvieto and Montepulciano would have to close for the night to accommodate a group of 38.

But one that might work in Montepulciano is Trattoria di Cagnano.

http://www.trattoriadicagnano.com/

and one in Orvieto:

http://www.grottedelfunaro.it/eng.htm

Reid777

Thanks Jean - we have no problem splitting up. Both of your recommendations look wonderful.

kybourbon

The reason I suggested Montepulciano last (even thought it is further from Rome) was because I didn't think anyone would want to wine taste in the morning. Since your winery link is actually in the town, that would allow everyone time to wander on their own after the tasting.

If you wanted to put it first, perhaps give everyone independent sightseeing time in Montepulciano first and meet at the wine venue around lunch. There are little buses that run through the center.
http://www.sienamobilita.it/mappe/montepulciano.html

After lunch, head to Orvieto. Orvieto has tasting also (run by the wine consortium), but it would be more about Orvieto area wines. The info with prices seems to be only in Italian.
http://www.ilpalazzodelgusto.it/it/p...ustazione.html

Pictures here (scroll down) and link to schedule.
http://www.ilpalazzodelgusto.it/it/e...regionale.html

Nothing wrong with visiting two wine venues in a day.