RubyTwins

Hi o.k. down to the wire making final plans. We rented a car in Orvieto. We are in Orvieto three days. We want to spend one day driving about (husband and two 12 year olds). Leaving in two weeks.

We thought we would pop over to Civita di Bagnoregio (which seems like that would just take a couple hours at most) and then we thought maybe Gubbio or Todi (based on everyone's helpful suggestions here and guidebooks)? I keep reading the flowers could be in full bloom when we go and the landscape is gorgeous. We can only fit in so much.... but a nice walk is also a possibility.

Any suggestions? I think we have to have the car back by 6:30.
We need to probably fit in lunch and a gelato in there for 12 year olds.
Thank you

sandralist

Gubbio and Orvieto are on opposite sides of Umbria. Todi does not have much of interest for 12 year olds. I would target Civita di Bagnoregio but also the Cascata delle Marmore. Double check when they release the water on the day you plan to be driving. If you have time, maybe visit Narni?

http://www.marmorefalls.it/eng/0/home/

http://www.campodellemargherite.com/about-narni.html

http://www.lifeinitaly.com/tourism/umbria/narni.asp

sandralist

I don't know if the "Race of the Ring" in Narni will be taking place during the one day you plan to be out exploring in the car, but it is either something you want to see or something to avoid because of lack of parking:

Here is the program of events for dates in April and May

http://www.corsallanello.it/programm...=10&view=month

and here is description of how last year's festival proceeded:

http://www.italoamericano.org/story/...0/narni-anello

RubyTwins

Yes I just checked and Race of the Rings IS going on when we are out and about in the car. Is it interesting or hokey? Is it crazy crowded on a weekday? I could see my kids being interested and my husband being aggravated with crowds of people. Anyone been?

sandralist

I've not been. My experience in general of festivals in Italy is that parking is very difficult unless you go early. You can probably find pictures online to get a sense of the crowds, but if you look at the program for the weekday you are planning, you might very well see that the major events are in the evening on a weekday, and I would expect midday activity to be more about preparations and few talks or ceremonies, not a big jam up. The "Race of the Rings" is not internationally famous like the Palio in the Siena, so I just don't imagine it being overwhelmed or being too hoked up, but -- there is a fine line in Italy between hokey and interesting, and some festivals are interesting just because they have been so hokey for such a long time.

Still, I think Gubbio migh be too far if you need to get the car back by 6.30 and want include Civita di Bagnoregio (unless you go to Gubbio first?) If you decide Narni isn't for you, consider Spoleto, Spello, Montefalco or (if you want a break from hill climbing), Bevagna.

Be aware that most Umbrian towns take a long lunch hour, where just about the only thing open is restaurants.

zoecat

You might enjoy visiting one of my favorite towns, Pitigliano-
http://www.bestsmalltownsitaly.com/t...uscany-center/

It is close to Orvieto and the surrounding countryside is lovely.

I also suggest nearby Sorano-
http://www.bestsmalltownsitaly.com/t...uscany-center/

I highly recommend this very unique and delicious place in Sorano for a snack or lunch of local food, paired with local wines and beer- Cantina L'Ottava Rima.

bvlenci

Gubbio is a good two-hour drive from Civita di Bagnoregio. Much as I like the town, I don't think it merits such a long drive. You'd be driving past many other little towns that are just as charming.

I second a visit to the Falls of the Marmore. When the water is released, it's really quite a sight. Before they're released, you can hike on paths near the course of the waterfall. When the scheduled release time approaches, there are sirens that warn you to move away.

Spoleto is another good idea. One of the interesting things to see there is a large medieval bridge/aqueduct over a steep gorge at the edge of the town. As a work of engineering, and given the difficult terrain, I think it's as impressive as the construction of a medieval cathedral.

Lake Trasimeno might interest your family. It was the site of an enormous battle between Hannibal and the Romans during the Carthaginian war. I don't know if kids these days have even heard of Hannibal, but it would have impressed me as a kid. There are ferries from various towns on the lake shore to the islands in the lake.

http://www.umbriamobilita.it/it/orar...io-navigazione

The only inhabited island these days is Isola Maggiore. One of the other islands is a park. I've never been to any of the islands, so I can't say whether it's worth the trip. The boat ride might be fun.

Spello, near Assisi, is one of the prettiest towns in Italy (apart from my town, of course!).