General Information Walk from the papal city of Viterbo to magnificently situated Orvieto. Fascinating volcanic landscape of blue hills, fertile plateaux and thermal springs (where you can bathe). Ancient Etruscan and Roman roads and lanes, with 2000-year-old paving, wide blue waters of lake Bolsena, Italy’s third largest lake. Orvieto, with its frescoed cathedral and legacy from ancient civilizations. This is an8-day trip 5 days walking, 3 days of which are optional. Shortest / Longest days walk: 2.5 / 6 hrs.
Travel Information Travel: Recommended Destination Airport: Rome
Arrival: There is a shuttle from Rome Fiumicino to the Central Stations (Termini, Tiburtina and Ostiense) from where the last train to Viterbo leaves at 21.10. On the return, Orvieto is on the main Milan–Florence– Rome line, so there are frequent express trains (Rome Termini station, 1 hour). Public transport on route: start and end of each stage is accessible by public transport daily.
Taxis: From Rome Airport to First Hotel - approximately 143 Euros. From Last Hotel to Rome Airport - approximately 165 Euros.
Season: Start any day from 01 Apr to 24 Oct
Level of Difficulty Terrain: Volcanic ash paths, farm tracks, Roman and Etruscan roads, occasional mule and forest paths and (near towns) stretches of asphalt.
Accommodation On this trip there is both Standard and Superior accommodation packages.
Nights 1 & 2: Viterbo *** Tuscia, Modern hotel within the medieval city. B&B
Night 3: Montefiascone: Standard *** Italia, Modern hotel on central piazza. B&B Superior: *** Urbano V Beautifully redecorated old building in the historic centre of town, with a panoramic terrace. B&B
Nights 4 & 5: Bolsena: Standard *** Columbus Modern hotel close to lake. B&B Superior: **** Royal Comfortable, modern hotel near lake, with pool in summer. B&B
Night 6 & 7: Orvieto: Standard *** Grand Hotel Italia Converted palazzo in centre of the old city. B&B Superior: **** Palazzo Piccolomini Recently restored 16C hotel overlooking the medieval Piazza Ranieri. B&B (Nights 6&7)
Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Viterbo
Day 2: Free day in Viterbo, excursion to Villa Lante: a ‘city walk’ round Viterbo, (2 miles, 1 hour). Walk (or bus) to Bagnaia to see the Villa Lante Gardens. (5.2 miles, 2 hrs 30). Cycling options total 15.4 miles.
Day 3: Viterbo to Montefiascone Walking: cross a plain with thermal springs, and then follow a fine section of the Roman Via Cassia to Montefiascone (2,070 ft). (9.7 miles, 5 hrs).
Day 4: Montefiascone to Bolsena Walking: follow the route of the ancient Cassia, until it disappears in woods. Then paths and farm tracks with fine views of the lake lead down to Bolsena (1,080 ft). (10.4 miles, 5 hrs 30).
Day 5: Free day in Bolsena, excursion to Acquapendente: explore Bolsena, or the island of Bizentina. Optional walk/cycle from Acquapendente. (12.2 miles, 6 hrs). Cycling route round trip 27.3 miles.
Day 6: Bolsena to Orvieto Walking: follow the old pilgrim route, across a high plateau (2,000 ft) with extensive views, towards Orvieto. (10.2 miles, 5 hrs 30). Cycling: after a steep climb cross a plateau to the town of Bagnoregio, before descending through superb scenery to Orvieto. (20 miles)
Day 7: Free day in Orvieto Optional ‘city walk’ (approx. 2 hrs)
Day 8: Return to the airport.
Notes: No. Of luggage moves included: 3 No. Of nights with half board (dinner included): 0 Cycle hire: £60 / $95 No. Of luggage moves included: 3 No. Of nights with half board (dinner included): 0 Cycle hire: £60 / $95
