We want to spend a couple of nights in either Todi or Orvieto. We want a town with nice shops and plenty of places to walk after dinner. Also good restaurants. Which would you choose?
Todi. One of my favorites of all the "perched" towns. We have made some good friends there, and I've always felt that the Piazza Popolo there is one of the most incredible public spaces in all of Italy. And I just feel that Orvieto is WAY too touristy. Just my 2 cents.
I didn't get to Todi so I have no comparison but I loved Orvieto and am planning to go back and stay for a few days. Not much help I know, I loved the Etruscan musemum and had a wonderful lunch and it is so pretty. We had a lovely day. I found a lovely shop of a textile aritist that reminded me of a friend in australia and her beautiful work. I guess it comes down to what you you are most interested in. Either way I think you'll have a wonderful time and you may just have to go back to see the other.
Anne
Posts: 228 | Location: Rocklyn Australia | Registered: 18 June 2005
They're both great, but Todi is smaller and more provincial. You won't find as many tourists, but you won't find that much good shopping either. They certainly have different flavors. I have a friend who stayed in Todi for a month to learn Italian and she loved it there. If you want more to do, choose Orvieto. If you can be happy with less, Todi. Ciao, Cheryl
Orvieto gets my vote. Yes, it's more touristy than Todi, but the majority of tourists are day-trippers, so if you stay overnight, they'll mostly clear out by 7:00 pm when the church closes. You can wander the streets, poke into the shops and other churches, and when they close, just sit on the benches in front of the Duomo and drink it all in. Visit the tourist office (in the same piazza as the cathedral) to find out about tours, and maybe purchase an "Orvieto card," depending on what you're planning to do. For one price, that gives you entry to the San Brizio chapel in the Duomo (you can also book a guided tour for an additional fee), entry to various museums and the tower, and entrance to the "Orvieto Underground" tour (though you must still reserve places for a specific tour, as they limit the size of the groups). If you do go to Orvieto, I'd recommend staying in the city centre, instead of down the hill where you will have to take a bus or funicolare to reach the area where you'll want to do your after-dinner strolling.
Todi is nice, too, and also has good restaurants, though less shopping. I'm sure you'll enjoy whichever you choose.
Might depend on the time of the year. I love both towns - Orvieto has more shops and some very wonderful shops, more restuarants and perhaps more places to walk after dinner. My preference would be to stay in Todi but do a day trip to Orvieto - esp if shopping is a priority.
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