THE B&B IL TERRAZZO GUIDE
Three days to discover Orvieto, the city on the cliff, cross the bridge to Civita di Bagnoregio and stroll along the shores of Lake Bolsena.
Two days in the historic centre and a day trip into the surrounding countryside, with Orvieto as your base.
ONE BASE, THREE EXPERIENCES
If you stay in Orvieto for three days, you can spend the first two exploring the city's best-known sights and set aside the third for an enjoyable trip to Civita di Bagnoregio and Bolsena.
This itinerary is designed for unhurried travel: the first two days are mainly on foot, while a car is recommended for the trip outside Orvieto. The stops are flexible and can be rearranged depending on the weather.
It is an ideal plan for anyone who chooses Orvieto as a base for exploring Umbria and Upper Lazio: explore the historic centre at a relaxed pace over the first two days, then visit two different but easily combined destinations on the third.
YOUR JOURNEY, DAY BY DAY
The first two days follow our Orvieto guide; on the third day, explore the landscapes of Upper Lazio.
DAY 01ORVIETO / LANES & HISTORY
From the Campo della Fiera car park, head up to Piazza Ranieri. Discover Via della Cava, Pozzo della Cava and San Giovenale, then walk through the central squares to your first view of Orvieto Cathedral.
DAY 02ORVIETO / ART & UNDERGROUND
Visit the Cathedral and San Brizio Chapel, discover Orvieto Underground and follow Corso Cavour to St Patrick's Well. Finish with the views from Albornoz Fortress.
DAY 03UPPER LAZIO / VILLAGES & NATURE
Spend the morning in Civita di Bagnoregio, exploring its bridge, narrow streets and dramatic badlands. In the afternoon, visit the town of Bolsena and enjoy a walk along the lakeside.
DAY 03 / BEYOND ORVIETO
Two very different places to explore at your own pace: Civita in the morning, Bolsena in the afternoon.
01 — CIVITA DI BAGNOREGIOIN THE MORNING
After breakfast, drive from Orvieto towards Bagnoregio. Leave the car in an authorised parking area and reach the viewpoint, where you can admire the village and the Valle dei Calanchi (badlands valley). Allow extra time to reach the bridge on foot or using the transport services available.
Cross the pedestrian bridge and enter through Porta Santa Maria. Walk towards Piazza San Donato and the Church of San Donato, taking time to admire the tuff-stone lanes and scenic views.
Before you set off: an entrance ticket is required for the village. The bridge is uphill and must be crossed on foot: check the current visiting arrangements and wear comfortable shoes. For updated tickets and visitor information, see the official Casa Civita website.
Our guide to CivitaLunch break. You can stop for lunch in Bagnoregio or continue to Bolsena and choose a trattoria in the old town or near the lake.
02 — BOLSENA & THE LAKEIN THE AFTERNOON
Head into the historic centre of Bolsena and, if it is open, visit the Basilica of Santa Cristina, associated with the tradition of the Eucharistic miracle. Continue uphill through the old town to Rocca Monaldeschi, home to the Lake Bolsena Territorial Museum.
Finally, make your way down to the lakeside promenade for a stroll, a break in the fresh air or a coffee overlooking the water. It is a lovely way to end the day before returning to Orvieto.
A tip: don't squeeze too many visits into one afternoon. Make time for the views and choose the places that interest you most.
Our guide to Lake BolsenaRETURN TO ORVIETO
After your walk by the lake, return to B&B Il Terrazzo. This is a suggested route: check up-to-date directions before travelling.
BEFORE YOU GO
This itinerary is a suggestion, not a strict timetable: adapt it to the season, opening times and how much walking you feel like doing.
Orvieto and Civita have steep streets, steps and uneven paving.
Opening times and access to monuments and escalators may change during the year.
Driving is the most practical way to visit Civita and Bolsena in one day.
A scenic stop or a leisurely lunch is part of the experience.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes. Spend the morning in Civita and the afternoon in Bolsena. Choose just a few sights and allow time for breaks.
No. Orvieto's historic centre is easy to explore on foot, using the escalators from Campo della Fiera when available. A car is recommended for the third-day excursion.
For a relaxed visit, allow the morning for Civita di Bagnoregio and the afternoon for Bolsena's old town and lakefront. Include time for parking, walking and lunch.
Yes, an admission ticket is required to enter the village. Ticketing arrangements may change: check the official Casa Civita information before your visit.
Our city itinerary starts at Campo della Fiera, from where you can climb towards Piazza Ranieri and the medieval quarter. Read our complete two-day Orvieto guide.
YOUR HOME BASE
At B&B Il Terrazzo you'll enjoy family hospitality, free parking and breakfast included. After a day exploring, relax on the panoramic terrace overlooking the Orvieto cliff.
