Like Eloise, Spoleto was not my favorite hilltown. It is a very busy town in terms of traffic and has a very chaotic feel. Much of the town is currently under scaffolding lending an even more drab effect. It does have some redeeming qualities but I would not travel all the way from Rome to go there.

My vote would also go to Orvieto. You have been before but to me it is a very charming town surrounded by lovely scenery. The Cathedral is beautiful and there are some very interesting Etrustran ruins. It is a very managable train ride and the town is small enough to be seen in a half a day.

Whatever you decide...enjoy!!

BBC 4 [TV] has just started re-showing the excellent 1970's dramatiasation of "I Claudius". After a bit of nagging, we managed to persuade DD [18] and DS [15] to watch; they were thrilled when Augustus Caesar talked about going "to Ostia" [Ostia antica to us] to see someone of on a long trip. WE could all envisage the harbour etc. from our day trip. Even better, they then showed some of the games [supposedly set in the Colloseum]; we stayed less than1/2 mile away and could see it from our terrace. We are all now hooked on all 12 episodes!