Beyond Orvieto: Exploring Umbria, Tuscia, and Tuscany
Orvieto enjoys a truly strategic location right at the crossroads of Umbria, Lazio, and Tuscany. This unique position provides conference attendees with the perfect opportunity to explore three distinct, culturally rich regions, which can be reached within a 90-minute drive from the venue. Hereafter just a few suggestions:
1. Tuscan Wonders & Val d'Orcia
Just north of Orvieto lies the breathtaking landscape of Southern Tuscany and the world-renowned Val d'Orcia, famous for its rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, and exceptional wines.
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Pienza: Known as the "touchstone of Renaissance urbanism," this charming town was redesigned in the 15th century by Pope Pius II to be the ideal city. It is also famous worldwide for its delicious Pecorino di Pienza cheese.
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Montepulciano & Montalcino: For wine connoisseurs, these two medieval hilltop towns are unmissable. They are the historic birthplaces of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Brunello di Montalcino, two of Italy's most prestigious red wines.
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San Casciano dei Bagni: A historic spa town famous for its natural thermal springs. It recently gained global archaeological fame due to the discovery of ancient Etruscan and Roman bronze statues.
2. Treasures of Umbria
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Todi: A flawless medieval hilltop town located 40 minutes from Orvieto. Its central square, Piazza del Popolo, is considered one of the most beautiful in Italy.
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Narni Underground: A fascinating historic town where visitors can explore a hidden underground network of ancient spaces, including cells used during the Roman Inquisition.
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Marmore Waterfalls (Cascata delle Marmore): One of the tallest man-made waterfalls in Europe, originally built by the ancient Romans—ideal for outdoor and hiking enthusiasts.
3. Tuscia (Northern Lazio)
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Civita di Bagnoregio ("The Dying Town"): Clinging dramatically to a crumbling tufa cliff in a vast canyon, this stunning, car-free medieval village is accessible only via a panoramic pedestrian bridge.
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The Monster Park of Bomarzo: A surreal 16th-century Renaissance garden populated by oversized, grotesque mythological figures carved directly into the bedrock.
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Lake Bolsena: Europe’s largest volcanic lake, perfect for a relaxing stroll along black-sand shores or dining on fresh lake fish in a waterfront restaurant.