Orvieto, a cathedral city of ancient buildings and stone-paved streets that goes back to Etruscan times, over 2000 years ago. Seen from across the valley, it is one of the most notable sights in Italy, perched above the Umbrian countryside on a rocky plateau, painted by William Turner in 1828, and hardly changed.
Orvieto is small, but there is a lot to see, entirely on foot, the whole length can be walked in about half an hour. Famous for its Gothic cathedral, fine wine, and St Patrick's Well.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Your hotel, or under the central clock tower
Meet you at your hotel, or under the central clock tower
The clock tower called Torre del Moro is at the crossroads in the centre.
Nicholas Gallery
We amble 200m down the road to my Photography Gallery where I'll give an outline of what we shall see during the day using my own photographs to illustrate the itinerary. From there we walk to St Patrick's Well.
St Patrick's Well
A wonder of Renaissance engineering with a double helix of 248 steps. The changing light and atmosphere as we descend is a marvel in itself.
Cathedral Square - Piazza Duomo
A tour around the outside of the Gothic cathedral, with a coffee break in front of the cathedral, a description of its history, and what you will see within.
Orvieto Cathedral interior
I shall point out the extraordinary features within the cathedral of which I have previously given an overview.
Lunch
A walk down some of the back streets to our 'trattoria' for lunch with a short siesta in your hotel afterwards.
The Etruscan Cemetery
We shall go by car to one of the most unique sites in Italy, the 2500-year-old Etruscan Necropolis just below the city's cliffs. The tombs are replicas of Etruscan houses with pitched roofs standing along narrow streets.
The Belvedere
By car to the hill opposite Orvieto, the Belvedere, with its fine view of Orvieto. A real photo opportunity. From here we drive back to Orvieto.
End of the tour
I'll drop you at your hotel.
Ending Point
At your hotel
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
guide fee, excursion by car outside the city for up to 3 persons
lunch, entrance fees
To enter the cathedral or church, women need to cover their shoulders, and shorts are not permitted.
Cobbled streets as best walked in comfortable shoes.
Please bring small change for entrance charges and refreshments.
Bring a camera if you have one. You can photograph inside the cathedral and the well, and the view of Orvieto from the Belvedere outside is best photographed with a proper camera.
I run my own tours from the first Friday in the month so that week is usually difficult during the summer season
I have lived in Italy for 40 years, and thus know the culture, the people and language extremely well. I am a professional photographer and have also taught photography for many years mainly to amateurs, but also professionals. I have guided groups of photographers around Umbria, Latium and Tuscany since 1999. However, I also guide purely cultural tours in central Italy.
$600/ per group