I will be in Florence for about 10 days in July (free apartment) and would like to explore the hill towns of Tuscany and Umbria...Does anyone know if a bus/train goes to Civita? Is this a place where a car makes a big difference? I'm trying to decide if I need to rent a car in Florence.

Take the train to Orvieto and then the bus to Bagnoreggio.

JoshP, I have a restaurant recommendation for you in Bagnoreggio. It's called Hosteria del Ponte and the terrace looks out over the ravine and Civita. Spectacular view, spectacular food, moderate prices! <BR><BR>(I'll be in Orvieto in July also and will definitely have lunch one day at Hosteria del Ponte. So maybe I'll see you there. ;-) )

Marilyn,<BR>sounds good.......i will see you there! Does any one have input on how to get to Civita...? RAR, I wasn't sure if your posting was directions on how to get to Civita or just a recommendation on what to do...Thanks.

Rick Steves's Italy book has very specific directions on getting to Civita by bus or car and a very good description of it. You might also try his web site.We have been there a couple of times. It is one of my favorite day trips in Italy. Try to go during the week- it is more crowded on the weekends because many Italians visit Civita then. But don't miss it.

Civita was the highlight of my trip. I was there in early Oct. and there was maybe 2-3 other tourists wandering around. We took the bus from Orvieto, lovely ride through the country, to Bagnoreggio, then a short downhill walk to the bridge that leads to Civita. On the way back we caught a little bus on the other side of the bridge and rode back to Bagnoreggio. We met a couple on the little bus who had a car and very kindly gave us a lift back to Orvieto. I can't remember the day of the week (I think Wed.), but there was a flea market going in Bagnoreggio - very interesting.