That's what I thought So Orvieto is in as a destination and we'll remember the passeggiata and see what happens. We joined one evening in Matera and had great fun.

Most passaggiate in Italy pale in comparison to Matera's, and I would think Orvieto's is especially more subdued.

If you visit Bevagna at a time when the tourist office is closed, you should also check at the Palazzo del Municipio, also called the Palazzo Lepri, to obtain entry to the baths.

Regarding Rome, it is not really clear what kind of guide you are looking for, whether you want a purely private tour or a small group. Perhaps you should start a separate thread anyway, since a lot of people who have experience of tours in Rome may not see your question buried this far down in this thread.

"Most passaggiate in Italy pale in comparison to Matera's, and I would think Orvieto's is especially more subdued."

Well, I had a good time, but I'm not an expert on passEggiate. :-B

Yes, thanks for the copyediting. I didn't mean to suggest the passeggiata in Orvieto wasn't worth joining. They all are. Just noting Matera's is one of Italy's most theatrical so as not to expect something similar. Actually, Perugia has a particularly lively and large passegiata that is almost a destination in itself.

Thank you all for your help. I will start a new thread for Rome.

One last question - still wondering if you found cell phone service OK in the hill towns or not and same question re: GPS. I need to reach and be reachable during the trip and am thinking of renting a satellite phone.

I've found cell service throughout Italy to be better than where I live (Los Angeles area).

my sister lives just outside todi in the countryside and we last visited there in may....

there is tons to do in the area. todi is experiencing a real economic turn down which is a shame but it will not preclude you having tons of fun.

the best pizza we visited was rosa dei venti; fiore di todi; 39-338 8829214-cell. on a hillside outside todi with fantastic views. great local dishes too plus anti-pasto.

an excellent winery not far is Signae (have done special items for the last pope); loc. purgatorio- 06035 gualdo cattaneo.

another pizza place Vesuvio--- a simple place; todi- via XXV aprile 1/F- QuartieEuropa (Cappuccini)---really, really good---naples style.

in rome check out the little queen B&B in the very central old jewish quarter... for a nicer room stay in their apartments a few doors away.. fantastic and walkable to lots of attractions and fab local restaurants..

Bob's limo is an excellent way to get into town from the airport.

Jean, thanks - I'm surprised but happy to hear that.

rhkkmk: We'll be very close to the village and expect to spend a bit of time there. I look forward to the pizza and will report back.