Orvieto stands on a tufa hill, so the first practical question is how to get from your point of arrival to the historic centre. Don’t start your day lugging a suitcase up a random steep road. First, check for a convenient route up and somewhere to leave your belongings.
Where to start your walk
The cathedral is the main highlight of a short visit. Its façade is worth admiring from a distance and up close, taking time to appreciate the details. If you’re planning to explore the interior, don’t base your plans on an unconfirmed bus arrival time.
How to extend your itinerary
St Patrick’s Well adds an unusual engineering feature to the route, but the descent and ascent require some effort. The Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo and the streets of the city centre offer a more leisurely alternative. Choose your itinerary based on how you feel, rather than the number of sights you want to tick off.
A local detail worth bearing in mind
Make sure you have enough energy left for the walk back down to your transport. The departure point may be considerably lower than the square where you finished your walk.
Plan for after the bus journey
This itinerary is designed for exploring the city at your own pace, rather than a fixed-schedule guided tour. First, check the arrival address against your ticket and find somewhere to leave your luggage. Mark your accommodation, the first sightseeing spot and the return pick-up point on an offline map. Count the time for your city walk from the moment you’ve left your luggage and are ready to set off.
On the day of arrival, plan just one main sightseeing stop. If your flight is delayed, cut back on the extra part of your itinerary, whilst still allowing time for a meal and the journey back. Before paying for entry, check the official opening hours, access conditions and any ongoing maintenance work. A view of the building from the outside does not mean that its interiors are accessible without restrictions.
What to keep before leaving
- the drop-off address and the transport provider’s contact details;
- an offline map showing the return route;
- confirmation of your chosen museum or guided tour session;
- contact details for your accommodation and the arrangements for collecting any luggage you’ve left behind.
You may find the following useful: How to plan your first day after a long coach journey, How to find a hotel from the coach station, Offline maps for travelling in Europe: how to prepare your phone. Check available bus journey options on RedRay; this guide does not confirm the availability of a direct service to every city.
Resources for preparation
General information about the city and attractions: Orvieto, Orvieto Cathedral, Pozzo di San Patrizio, Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo, Orvieto. The suggested walking route is the editorial team’s recommendation; please check with the relevant venues for current opening times.
Image details
- Orvieto - Duomo di Orvieto - 2023-10-01 01-15-01 001.JPG — Justinawind; CC BY-SA 4.0. The image has been resized and converted to WebP. The licence terms are available on the original page.
- Orvieto Pozzo San Patrizio 1.JPG — Fantasy; CC BY-SA 3.0. The image has been resized and converted to WebP. The licence terms are available on the original page.
- Orvieto, palazzo del Capitano del Popolo (02).jpg — Gianni Careddu; CC BY-SA 4.0. The image has been resized and converted to WebP. The licence terms are available on the original page.
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Questions and Answers
Can this route be used on the day of arrival?
Yes, by choosing the central section and one main sightseeing spot. After travelling through the night, it’s better to leave the strenuous climbs and longer journeys until the following day.
What is the most important thing to bear in mind for the walk?
Make sure you leave enough time for the descent back to your transport. The departure point may be significantly lower than the area where you finished your walk.
What should I do with my suitcase?
Before you set off, confirm that your luggage will be stored at your accommodation or in a secure left-luggage facility, including the time you’ll collect your belongings. Keep your documents, ticket and a fully charged mobile phone with you.
Do you need to buy all your admission tickets in advance?
First, choose your main attraction and check its rules. Do not book several time slots close together until you have confirmed the route between them. Keep your city walk flexible.