I drove into Orvieto and parked in a paid parking lot at a school near the top, more or less at the rear of the duomo, and only needed to climb one staircase to get to the Duomo. It has been my impression that there is also an elevator or funicular that makes the climb. Given the nature of Italian hilltowns, I did not find the drive up to Orvieto (or down) at all difficult. Other than staying in Bevagna, I can hardly think of a town of any note or reputation in that area that doesn't involve climbing a hill. They most substantial historic towns are hilltowns for several good reasons!

granbury, if you get a fabulously beautiful clear day, you might also consider a drive up to Montefiascone. A magnificent view of Italy from the snow-capped Sibilllini mountains to Rome and even Elba can be had from the large parking lot, right underneath the notable church whose magnificent dome was designed to rival that of St Peter's in Rome. On a clear day in February, you can have the parking lot pretty much to yourself.

Montefiascone is the home of perhaps my very favorite Italian white wine, Est! Est! Est!, and some additional views (including Lago di Bolsena) can be had with just a bit of climbing and walking the circumference of the town, but the best view -- from the top of the town that historically served as a fortified hideout for popes fleeing assassins -- is a real challenge. Still, if you go no further than the parking lot view, it is breathtaking.

I've never been to Bomarzo, and you would want a dry, not bitterly cold day to go since it is all outdoors, but you might find it enjoyable to walk about (no stairs, I think, but possibly walking on uneven stone or dirt paths).

Thank you zeppole for your wonderful suggestions. They are all now on my to do list.

I have been to both Tuscany and Umbria on a number of occasions and am familiar with hill towns. After much research I picked Orvieto because it met my requirements: I have not been before, it is fairly flat, not too small or too big, medival, with numerous places to choose from to eat. And there is a funicular that runs from the train station to the top.

Hi granbury,

We stayed in Orvieto for 3 nts years ago and just loved it. I think you will too. Lots of interesting shops and art galleries, the Etruscan museum, the underground tour, the well and duomo, the excavations at the base of the town. Really great food and wine.

FYI, there are also multiple acensori (escalators) at the opposite end (from the train station and funiculare) of town that go up from the park park.

Buon viaggio!

Orvieto is definitely the best choice for you. People here gave to you a lot of good suggestions, better than I could do (and I'm Italian!), I can only add a suggestion for a 1-day trip towards Tuscany, from Orvieto to Montepulciano and Pienza: you can take the autoroute on the go, and come back through the via Cassia which is considered one the most scenic route in Italy, with a little deviation to S.Casciano dei Bagni, where you could try a fantastic experience in the thermes - link: http://www.fonteverdespa.com/en/the_spa.htm