Nike

Hi
Any suggestions for either same day return independent travel or a bus tour to either Lucca or Orvieto from Rome?
Time would be winter.
Any comments on Orvieto vs Lucca?
Or an alternative?

metellus

I've not been to Orvieto, but Lucca has absolutely nothing to see. Just a very blah place. I'd go to Pisa instead. Siena would be even better.

bobthenavigator

Orvieto is easily your best option. Lucca is too far--although I do like it. The other good choice is Assisi, but it is further than Orvieto.

Nike

bobthenavigator or anyone,
In terms of sightseeing just for one day, and travel without a lot of connections, how would you compare going to Assisi with going to Orvieto?
thank you

Brahmama

We've been to Lucca twice but have not experienced the charm either time. Well, the last time it rained the whole time but anyway, I would recommend Orvieto. Just an hour from Rome (by train) and marvelous places to walk around plus good lunch choices.
We went to Assisi by car from San Gimignano, but honestly it took hours going and coming with lots of traffic.
We're going to Orvieto in May on a day trip and feel good about it.
good luck!

ira

I also suggest Orvieto over Lucca.

Nike

Is the train station in Orvieto convenient to the center of town--on foot, or by...?

peggi

We loved Orvieto!! It was a highlight for us. Great shopping of hand painted ceramics, wonderful cathedral, nice restaurants. Be sure to climb down the well.

Nike

sorry, I meant to add this to the last question
The Renaissance Dukes of Urbino had a palace, and it was a center for culture and learning. Is that palace still in existence, and can one visit it easily by public transportation?

Dayle

The train station is right by the funicular that takes you up to town.

Orvieto is wonderful. Be sure to get a full day there. Take the underground tour (don't miss), see the Duomo, the Etruscan tombs, the art galleries, wonderful shops, and fabulous restaurants and Orvieto Classico!

Beautiful town. Buon viaggio!

Michael

There is a ducal palace in Urbino which is now a museum. Is that the one you meant? In any case, I think that it is too far for a day trip.

Nike

I just searched on it, the palace is in the town of Urbino--anyone been there?

here is an article on it

http://www.marcheworldwide.org/html/....asp?lingua=en

bobthenavigator

And, once you get off the funicular, you are still a long walk to the Duomo--take the local bus that often meets the funicular.

tuscanlifeedit

I strongly back those who say Orvieto. IMO, keeping daytrips to sensible distances with simple transport options is the key to a successful outing. Orvieto has lots to see and do. It is easy to get to, and fun.

delvino

Bob,

Is a ticket required for that bus? I'll be traveling with my 70ish mother and I'd like to keep this type of additional walking down.

Thanks.

Nike

thank you all for your advice
I guess I was misinformed about Lucca

bobthenavigator

Hmmm ! Not sure if the funicular ticket includes the bus--very likely. If not, you can pay on the bus--less than 1E.

DRJ

Orvieto is a one hour train ride from Rome. The funicular is at the train sttion and delivers you to the center of town. A couple of blocks from the top of the funicular is I Sette Consoli, a fabulous restaurant. Beautiful outdoor tented dining area.