I have two nights to spend somewhere between Orvieto and Spello, where we'll have four days to explore some of the towns in the area. We'll have a car.

Lake Trasimeno sounds appealing, but I'm thinking maybe going further south would be a better idea.

Any suggestions?

I am confused--that is only about an hour drive.

So I don't like long driving trips.

Seriously, I was just looking for another place to stay.

What do you think of Rieti, to explore that area?

Spoleto is a good base for trips by train or car. We visited Bevagna and Todi from there.

How about staying in or near Norcia? I love the area. There are some beautiful villages, great food, hiking, and incredible scenery. The area would offer something different from the Orvieto and Spello areas and there is plenty to explore and experience.

http://www.bellaumbria.net/Norcia/home_eng.htm

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

I highly recommend using this guidebook when exploring Umbria-

http://www.amazon.com/Umbria-Heritag.../dp/8836528376

Todi is an attractive town with a lovely central piazza. Montecastello di Vibio with its tiny jewel box of a theater is nearby.

I spent a total of about 6 weeks in Paciano and Panicale a few years ago and spent a lot of time wandering around Lago Trasimeno - I loved that area! Lots of great day trips are possible to Cortona and Assisi and Perugia, as well as to small towns up in the mountains, and spas....fabulous area and much less traveled than Tuscany. I rented a lovely little "chalet" from Vacanze Ideale just outside Paciano for about 400 euros a week, and it was perfect.

bon_voyage,

Montecastello di Vibio is one of my favorite small villages in Umbria. The theater is indeed a "tiny jewel box".

I enjoyed the 2 nights I spent in Torgiano, a small medieval town south of Perugia and west of Assisi, at the Hotel Le Tre Vaselle. It is partly in a large, 17th century manor/farmhouse and is very atmospheric. The restaurant of the same name is fantastic. The hotel/restaurant are owned by the Lungarotti Winery group, and at the wine shop you can do a tasting of their wines.

ronZ,

I have some friends who used Panicale as a base for touring southern Tuscany a few years ago. They just loved it! Very untouristed.

I liked our daytrip to Todi, but have stayed there yet myself. It's one of the many I would recommend for a base.

Your are alerady staying in two of my overall favorites - Spello and Orveito. Be sure to have dinner at Il Mulino in Spello - excellent.

Buon viaggio!