Hi Leaving for Rome tomorrow. I realize this has been talked to death, and tons of traffic on day trips from Rome. But people seem much higher on going to Viterbo than Orvieto. While Orvieto is further, it is on a fast train (between 45 minutes and an hour from Termini). Viterbo is an hour a half (at least) from a subway station that is 4 stops south of Termini, so combining subway, train and the need to leave some margin for the subway, it must be at least 2 hours and that is optimistic. So why do people seem to say that it makes more sense to try Viterbo for the day (realizing that much of this board thinks that one is crazy to leave Rome at all). (Carrying this further, one notes it is only 90 minutes from Rome to Florence, but the majority of the board says this is crazy. Sure five days in Florence beats one day, but does one day not beat no days. And one can sleep on the train both ways!) Thanks Neal
Dear Neal, it depends on what you want to see/do for a day out of Rome. I lived in Rome for 40 years (with a few years off for good behavior in Moscow) and now live in the Viterbo area which is the real Italy with traditions, lifestyle we had in the 60's in Rome. So if you want to see what it WAS like, take the train to Viterbo ( 1.30 hrs 9 euro for the BIRG ticket roundtrip plus metro/bus in Rome) for the day. Orvieto is a valid day trip too, but you are in Umbria: differnt people, food, mind set. Remember Italy has been a united country only since 1860 so every region is different and unique. Wherever you go, enjoy!
My two cents! I prefer Orvieto to Viterbo, but I have spent more time there and know it better. It's an easy train ride, as you thought, from Rome and then you walk out of the train station, cross the little street and you grab the funicular which takes you up to the wonderful hilltop town....Simple. It's very self-contained and I think maybe easier to navigate by foot because of this. Viterbo is more spread out. I know MaryJane love V, but I really do think Orvieto is the one I'd choose........sorry MJ Ciao, cheryl
Originally posted by Neal: Hi Leaving for Rome tomorrow. I realize this has been talked to death, and tons of traffic on day trips from Rome. But people seem much higher on going to Viterbo than Orvieto. While Orvieto is further, it is on a fast train (between 45 minutes and an hour from Termini). Viterbo is an hour a half (at least) from a subway station that is 4 stops south of Termini, so combining subway, train and the need to leave some margin for the subway, it must be at least 2 hours and that is optimistic. So why do people seem to say that it makes more sense to try Viterbo for the day (realizing that much of this board thinks that one is crazy to leave Rome at all). (Carrying this further, one notes it is only 90 minutes from Rome to Florence, but the majority of the board says this is crazy. Sure five days in Florence beats one day, but does one day not beat no days. And one can sleep on the train both ways!) Thanks Neal
Orvieto is by far the easier day trip, and if you've never been there, you should go. The town is charming, the people delightful, the duomo world-class, and the food and wine excellent. Viterbo is everything MJ says, but I'd still save it for a second trip or for when you can take a car and see some of the area. Orvieto is a breeze as a day trip.
Leaving for Rome tomorrow. I realize this has been talked to death, and tons of traffic on day trips from Rome. But people seem much higher on going to Viterbo than Orvieto
Are you back yet? Tell us what you did and what you thought about Orvieto and Viterbo.
I've been to both - Orvieto wins by a landslide for a lot of reasons.
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