Family Adventure in Orvieto, Italy

A Day of Wonders in Orvieto

Today marked the beginning of our family adventure in Orvieto, and what a start it has been! From the awe-inspiring Duomo di Orvieto, to the mysterious depths of Orvieto Underground, every moment was filled with discovery and wonder. It's a joy to share these experiences with Eleanor and Kenji, creating memories that I know we'll cherish for years to come.

The journey from Bristol to Rome and then the train to Orvieto went smoothly. Kenji, ever the curious one, was especially excited about the train ride, pointing out every tunnel and bridge we passed. I must admit, I was a little preoccupied, mentally kicking myself for forgetting Kenji's favorite toy. Eleanor, ever the pragmatist, reminded me that we could find a new one here, which slightly eased my guilt. The weather in Orvieto is warm, with the temperature averaging between 65°F (18°C) and 90°F (32°C), with a gentle breeze – perfect for exploring. The clear skies made the colors of the city even more vibrant.

Our first stop was the magnificent Duomo di Orvieto. Even from a distance, its façade was breathtaking. The intricate mosaics sparkled under the Italian sun, and the sheer scale of the building was humbling. As we approached, I couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence. Inside, the Duomo was even more spectacular. The vibrant frescoes, especially those in the San Brizio Chapel, told stories of biblical events with such vivid detail that it felt as though we were witnessing them firsthand. Kenji, surprisingly, was captivated by the artwork, asking endless questions about the figures and scenes depicted. Eleanor and I took turns explaining the stories, feeling like tour guides ourselves.


Explore the Duomo di Orvieto, a stunning Gothic cathedral famed for its breathtaking architecture and rich artistic heritage in Italy's enchanting town of Orvieto.

After spending a couple of hours soaking in the Duomo's splendor, we were ready for breakfast. We headed to Antica Cantina, a charming little place known for its traditional Umbrian dishes. The restaurant had a welcoming atmosphere, and we were immediately greeted by friendly staff. I ordered a cappuccino and a pastry, while Eleanor opted for a gluten-free option, which they happily provided. Kenji, of course, wanted a croissant. The food was delicious, and the coffee was strong and flavorful – just what we needed to start our day. I made a mental note to try their homemade gluten-free pasta next time.

Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Antica Cantina in Orvieto—where every dish tells a story.

Next on our itinerary was Orvieto Underground. This was something I had been particularly looking forward to. Descending into the depths of the city, we entered a hidden world of caves, tunnels, and wells that had been carved out over centuries. Our guide explained how these spaces had been used by the Etruscans and later by medieval inhabitants for everything from storing wine to breeding pigeons. The temperature dropped noticeably as we went deeper, providing a welcome respite from the summer heat. Kenji was thrilled by the adventure, imagining himself as an explorer discovering secret passages. I appreciated the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the people who had created this underground network.

Explore the historic Orvieto Underground, a fascinating network of ancient tunnels and chambers revealing the rich history of Italy's Etruscan civilization.

Exploring Orvieto is like peeling back the layers of history, each revealing a new and fascinating story.

After emerging from the depths, we were ready for lunch. We chose Trattoria del Moro Aronne, a restaurant recommended for its authentic Orvieto cuisine. The trattoria had a cozy and inviting atmosphere, and the aroma of traditional dishes filled the air. We ordered a selection of local specialties, including handmade pasta with truffle sauce and wild boar ragu. The food was hearty and flavorful, and we savored every bite. Kenji, surprisingly, enjoyed the pasta with truffle sauce, a testament to the quality of the ingredients. Eleanor and I shared a bottle of local Orvieto Classico wine, which perfectly complemented the meal.

Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Trattoria del Moro Aronne in Orvieto - where tradition meets flavor in every dish.

With our bellies full, we decided to indulge in a little retail therapy. We strolled through the charming streets of Orvieto, eventually arriving at La Torretta Ceramiche Artistiche. This little shop was a treasure trove of colorful and unique ceramic pieces, all handcrafted by local artisans. Eleanor, who has a keen eye for art, was immediately drawn to the intricate designs and vibrant colors. We ended up buying a beautiful hand-painted bowl as a souvenir of our trip. Kenji, meanwhile, was fascinated by the process of watching the artisans at work.

Discover exquisite handcrafted ceramics at La Torretta Ceramiche Artistiche, a charming pottery store in the heart of Orvieto, Italy.

Our final stop of the day was Ristorante Grotte del Funaro Nuova Tourist for dinner. This restaurant is known for its unique setting in a cave, and we were excited to experience it. The atmosphere was magical, with soft lighting and the natural beauty of the cave walls creating a truly special ambiance. The food was excellent, with a focus on traditional Umbrian dishes. I tried the filet américain, while Eleanor enjoyed the panzanella. Kenji devoured his gelato. The service was prompt and attentive, making for a memorable dining experience.

Experience authentic Italian cuisine with stunning views at Ristorante Grotte del Funaro in beautiful Orvieto.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way back to Palazzo Piccolomini, our home for the next ten nights. The walk through the quiet streets of Orvieto under the starlit sky was the perfect end to a perfect day. Reflecting on our experiences, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to share these moments with my family. Orvieto had already captured our hearts, and I knew that the days to come would bring even more adventures.

Discover the charm of Orvieto at Palazzo Piccolomini, a 4-star hotel offering comfort, local cuisine, and central access to historic landmarks.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Pozzo di San Patrizio and the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Orvieto. I'm particularly interested in seeing the well, as I've heard it's an incredible feat of engineering. We also plan to enjoy an aperitif at Caffè Clandestino - Orvieto [Caffè Clandestino - Orvieto], a local bar known for its relaxed atmosphere.

Despite forgetting Kenji's favorite toy, today was a resounding success. I'm reminded that the true essence of travel lies not in perfect planning, but in embracing the unexpected and cherishing the moments we share with loved ones.

Until tomorrow,

Shota