m34aggie

We'll be in a group that allows a lot (maybe too much) free time in Orvieto (especially) and Assisi. What are some things to hat after the group sees the headline things and that wouldn't require more than 2-3 hours (even if it involves hiring a guide or driver to get around/outside of town)?

tuscanlifeedit

In Assisi, a walk out to the Eremo di San Francesco is worth every minute it takes. A guide could take you but it's very easy to find your own way.

Two other spots certainly worth a visit are the Rocca Maggiore and Santa Chiara.

I hear many complaints about Assisi being full of tourist shops, but if visitors seek out the important historical/religious sites, it is a rich and rewarding place to visit. Especially if you love San Francesco.

There is an underground tour of Orvieto, but I wasn't thrilled. Underground doesn't really do it for me, but you might find it interesting.

venturegirl

Is this a tour of Umbria? You might want to highlight what you'll already be seeing, including within the towns, so that people who are familiar with this region can give you ideas that complement that.

Orvieto is lovely with stunning views and interesting underground tour, but is probably a 1/2 day trip. I know less about the surrounding area, but you also have to factor-in the funicular time to get in and out of Orvieto.

I wan't overly impressed with Assisi and didn't think it required much time - it's particularly touristed since it's a pilgrimage site. Perugia is nearby and very worthwhile - you could have a taxi take you from Assisi to the center piazza of Perugia at the top of the town and even worth walking around for a couple of hours because the architecture is so amazing (I recall it being about a 30 min ride).

Ceramics towns nearby, like Deruta. Also not too far from Assisi are Trevi, Spoleto, and Todi. Of course, travel time on small country roads will eat in to your 2-3 hours.

bvlenci

What are the headline things in these cities? I don't want to repeat them in my response.

StCirq

Not far from Orvieto - Bagno Reggio.

bobthenavigator

I assume StCirq means this lovely place, and I concur.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civita_di_Bagnoregio

Bamaman

Civita di Bagnoregio is also a short distance southwest of Orvieto. It's an incredible little hill top town like none other.

StCirq

I did mean that, bob. Sorry, been a loooong day!

kybourbon

You can take a bus from Assisi to Spello or Foligno.

There is bus service to Civita di Bagnoregio from Orvieto(check return times).

You might want to do a wine tasting run by the wine consortium. This is towards the back of Orvieto.

http://www.ilpalazzodelgusto.it/it/p...ustazione.html

You can hop a train from Orvieto to Chiusi (just a couple of stops - 20 minutes - 4€) and visit the Etruscan museum there (catch a local bus from the station).

You could take the same train (Orvieto/Chiusi) and catch a bus at Chiusi (not on Sunday) to Montepulicano (about 30 minutes from Chiusi).

m34aggie

Thanks to you all, especially for the ideas for excursions that won't take long from each of the towns. This is a group basing itself for 2 nights in Orvieto. One day has free afternoon and night,so enough time to get to Chiusi OR to Civita Di Bagnoregio. Other day has trip to Assisi with free afternoon there, so enough time for the walk to Eremo di San Francesco or something else in Assisi.

kybourbon

2 nights somewhere only gives you 1 sightseeing day. You will barely have time for Orvieto. You gave the impression you were staying both places several days.

You will barely have time to see the "headlines" and eat.

m34aggie

Kybourbon:
Actually not the case. Will have evening of Orvieto arrival, and morning-plus in town, including Duomo and tufa caves, before free afternoon and night. Next day, day trip to Assisi, with free few hours there after headline visits and before return to Orvieto for onite. It's also our second time in Orvieto so looking for other stuff,, since we're repeating Duomo/Signorelli and caves. So: afternoon and evening truly free in Orvieto and 2-4 afternoon hours in Assisi. Again, thanks for good ideas.

joannyc

In Assisi, the Cathedral of San Rufino is where both Sts. Francis and Clare were baptized. Walking along those tiny back lanes with the flower-bedecked homes was gorgeous.

Also, in Assisi, the Basilica of St. Clare (Santa Chiara)is worth a visit. Clare was the founder of the Poor Clares. Chapel of Crucifix of San Domiano (on right, spoke to Francis "Go rebuild my church, etc.", stairs from nave to tomb of St. Clare (at far end) and at opposite end between stairs (Saint's relics, hair, etc.)

Below Assisi, St. Mary of the Angels (Santa Maria degli Angeli) is where Francis lived, worked, and died and where the crucifix spoke to him. His original tiny chapel is in the main aisle inside of this church. Really worth a visit!

I had a great dinner at Ristorante Medioevo in Assisi. Highly recommend it.

Leely2

I agree with Tuscan about Assisi. And if you only have a day trip there, I'm not sure you'll have much time for all its riches, headline or otherwise. I've also been to all the sights joannyc mentions--they are terrific. Assisi for me is an overnight. The tiny back lanes at the "top" of the old city are gorgeous and peaceful.

In any case, have fun whatever you manage to squeeze in!