Compare/contrast Orvieto to:
 

Assisi and Siena.<BR><BR>Anyone?

Orvieto would be my third choice. I think the Siena Duomo, although similar is better & prettier with loads more art works then Orvieto's. Siena's main piazza is larger, prettier, more art work. Mangia Torre is fun to climb with great views, better & higher the Orvieto's. The Palazzo has fanatastic art & history. The Palio & contrada history adds a lot to Siena.<BR>Assisi, San Francesco's basilica, fantastic, a must see on many levels, many, many fine churches, I thought the neighborhood streets were much more interesting then Orvieto's. I also liked the multi levels of the town, if you have problems walking , Orvieto is easier.<BR>I enjoyed Orveito, nice town, great vino, but if it came to Orvieto versus Assisi or Siena, for me, no question, Orvieto is 3rd.

Laura, All 3 are worth your time. But, I see Orvieto as a two hour stop rather than a destination. Both Siena and Assisi are located as a good base camp for day trips into Tuscany and Umbria.<BR>However, do try to see Civita, about :20 SW of Orvieto as you drive north from Rome.

Hi,<BR><BR>For me Siena is the best of all the three you memtioned. It is bigger but the best part is the piazza. It is so wonderful and different than the other hills towns, that can be similar. I loved the church in Assisi, but Orvieto for me was nicer. Assisi is very very commmercial. A lot of fat little friar mugs etc. I had one our best meals in Orvieto and the town was not as crowed as Assisi and I was there in July. Whatever you do you will be happy.

Thanks, everyone.<BR> <BR>Bob, I need to learn about Civita. I'll do a search, but can you name a couple highlights re the town? I'll consider Assisi for the nite (instead of Orvieto), but I'm just hoping it's not too much for the day (starting early in Positano.) What do u think??<BR><BR>Sue, do u remember where u had that great meal in Orvieto?<BR><BR> <BR><BR>

Laura, Civita is the extrordinary ancient hill top village, actually named Civita di Bagnoregio--of Rick Steves fame. Go to his site for details. It is totally unique and worth an hour. Not far from Orvieto.

Yikes! Your message heading gave me flashbacks to third period freshman English!<BR>What's next: If a train is headed from Rome to Orvieto at 100 MPH, and another train... : )

Laura,<BR><BR>I have to disagree and cast a vote for Orvieto. I loved this little, quaint hill town and stayed 2 nights with our then 14 year old son. It deserves more than a 2 hour stop over. From the ride up the funicular to the underground Etruscan ruins. The Duomo is really beautiful and the view from this city overlooking Umbria is magnificent. It's also a quick train ride from Rome and on the direct route to Florence. We went to Siena also, but it was a "moody" day for my son suffering from jetlag. Couldn't really get a feel for the place and found it much more touristy than Orvieto. A larger city, not as quaint. I am sure my daughter might disagree with me since she lived and worked in Siena during her junior year of college. Orvieto is one of my favorite hill towns in Italy. Try not to pass it by.<BR><BR>Denise

Laura,<BR><BR>I think this is the name of the restaurant, Antica Trattoria dell'Orso. They have great homemade pastas with fresh vegatables etc. I agree that Civita di Bagnoregio, is a wonderful town. We drove from Rome to a hill town whose name escapes me, then on to Civita di Bagnoregio, and then we spent the night in Orvieto. This was the beginning of our wonderful odyssey. Have fun.

Of the three towns you mention, Siena would be my choice followed by Orvieto and then Assisi. I agree that Assisi is pretty commericial, though worth a day visit. Siena though, that is a unique place and unlike any other town I've visited in Italy.

Hi Laura! <BR><BR>It seems to me, after faithfully posting & reading this forum for more than 5 years, that people tend to like best the cities/towns where they stay at least 1 night. Daytrips are just different.<BR><BR>We stayed in San Sano (Chianti) & day tripped Siena. Stayed in Orvieto & daytripped Todi, Civita di Bagnoreggio, Deruta.<BR><BR>I'll top my old report if I can. It might give you some ideas & help your decision. It's called "Guilty & Ashamed".<BR><BR>Buon viaggio!