I have some extra days before the start of a garden tour in Rome in May and am thinking of spending time in the Viterbo area looking at several other gardens. Will probably need a car to get around. Anyone have input on whether I should stay in Viterbo or Orvieto, or split my time between the two? Relative merits of either/or? I am planning to take the train from Fiumicino airport to one or the other, then pick up the car. Any ideas about which would be easier as far as parking, accessibility, etc., would be appreciated.

Just remembered my second question, which is: any suggestions/recommendations about where to stay in either? Thanks so much!

I don't know Viterbo at all, but can tell you that Orvieto is great! I'm on my way there today (from Locarno Switzerland.. by car) and can't wait to return to this lovely hilltop town. I'm staying in a different place this time. I've stayed at the Palazzo Piccolomini a couple of times and will try the Hotel Duomo this time. I hope the weather is as nice as it is in Locarno today. We have a cloudless sky, with the lake glistening in the sunshine! Hate to leave this beauty, but Orvieto is calling...
Carol

Hi julia; Viterbo is very historic, but we found Orvieto to be so lovely and historic. Without a doubt, my choise. In addition, if you choise Orvieto you MUST visit Civita di Bagneregio. There is only a walkway that leads into this very tiny old town. Parking can be a problem as there is only limited parking where the walkway begins. ENJOY Iris

They're both interesting places to visit, with lots to see as well as gardens, but I think Orvieto would be a more charming place to stay overnight (though probably more expensive). Viterbo would be more convenient for places like Villa Lante and the botanical gardens in Viterbo itself. Another suggestion would be Bolsena, on the shores of the lake of that name, roughly in between the two, which I loved. It's famous for its hydrangeas, I think (some flower anyway, and they have an annual festival for it in the summer), and the lake is beautiful.

Thanks so much for your replies! I love the Bolsena suggestion, especially because there is an island-garden there I would like to visit, Isola Bisentina - have already written to ask for an appointment. Great idea - I'll look into getting there by train. Or I may have to train to one of the other towns and pick up a rental car there?

I can recommend the Hotel Duomo in Orvieto. I am here right now, using the computer in the lobby. It is a lovely hotel, just a short walk from the duomo (up some stairs) and just by the best gelato around, so says my Italian friend who is showing me around the area.

Have no idea but Viterbo, but I do know I would go back to Orvieto in a heart beat....take me with you.... I will never forget our day there..NEVER

Julia, by all means Viterbo, at least the area, and if your trip is on June 20-22 you can also enjoy the Hydrangea festival in Bolsena this year.
My website is chock full of info on the Viterbo area,,,and all of central Italy..take a look : we are up for a prize as the best tourism website in Italy done by women! Will know on Mar. 29th when the give out the prizes in Viareggio Donna è Web . www.elegantetruria.com

Thank you all for the testimonials! It appears I must split my time between Orvieto, Viterbo and Bolsena. Macryan, thanks for the website link - it is indeed elegant! I am now investigating hotels in all three places. Hotel Duomo in Orvieto looks good, thank you simpsonc for the recommendation. And also looking into train travel from the two Rome airports - arriving at FCO but must meet my group at Ciampino a week later.

Mary Jane, please do you have any hotel recommendations for Viterbo. Most internet sites show only newer hotels such as Best Western or hotels outside the center.

I hope you're going to the Parco dei Mostri in Bomarzo! There's also a great restaurant in Viterbo called La Torre. Local cuisine/ingredients prepared by a Japanese chef. Really great food, best we've had while living in Rome.

What is the best way to get to Viterbo from Rome?
Bus? Train?
All I can find is : a commuter train - looks like it takes for ever?
thanks!

tt