Night 1-2
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHotel Corso in Orvieto
This cute hotel is perched on a cobblestone street in the medieval center of town. You’re only a couple of kilometers from main attractions and the rooms are kept very clean.
Explore three regions of Italy on one gorgeous, relaxed walking tour
The Etruscan Hilltop Towns of Italy tour is a perfect experience for those who want to get in touch with some of Italy’s quiet, idyllic regions: Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio. There is something about hilltop towns that makes them look straight out of a fairytale. Perched on top of hills and cliffs, they dominate the surrounding countryside with their castles, fortresses and houses.
This walking tour takes you on a thrilling adventure through three different regions and along steep valleys, dense forests, rivers and lakes, and the legendary eroded clay slopes of the badlands. Each day you’ll visit a different hilltop town. Walk alongside farmhouses nestled amidst olive groves, vineyards and fig trees, thermal baths, ancient Roman roads, and prestigious wineries. Escape into Italy on this divine tour!
Your trip starts in Orvieto, one of the oldest towns in Italy, sitting atop a tuffaceous cliff on the border between Umbria and Lazio. If you arrive early, enjoy a stroll through this former centre of the Etruscan civilization and visit its impressive cathedral and the St.Patrick Well, a masterpiece of engineering. It is 62 meters deep, it has a diameter of 13.5 meters and two 248 step spiral staircases that never meet, lit by 72 windows that create a surreal atmosphere.
To celebrate the beginning of your trip, enjoy a local dinner and a glass of local great wine in one of the restaurants in town.
On your first day of walking you will cross the border between two regions, leaving the soft hills of Umbria to approach Lazio. First thing in the morning, a transfer takes you to Civita di Bagnoregio. Civita is also called “the dying city” as the hill where it is located is being eroded at the base by the continuous action of the two streams in the valleys below, as well as by the effect of rain and wind.
Here you can decide to take a shuttle bus to avoid all or part of the asphalted road to Lubriano. In Lubriano you can visit the nice Naturalistic Museum. From the viewpoint of the Madonna del Poggio church you can finally enjoy the impressive, lunar-like landscape of Calanchi (the Italian badlands) with Civita di Bagnoregio overhanging the valley.
From Lubriano you continue along tarmac and gravel roads to Orvieto, crossing again the border to enter Umbria.
Today you walk from Orvieto to Bolsena, enjoying another change of scenery and region. The further you go, the richer the nature. Catch the first glimpse of Lake Bolsena, a crater lake originating from the eruption of the now dormant Vulsini Volcano. Continue along dirt tracks, alternating thick woods with meadows scattered with olive trees.
You’ll reach Bolsena. If you are curious to see proof of the miracle of the Corpus Domini, for which Bolsena is famous, marble slabs stained by the blood pouring from a host in the 13th century are kept in the Cappella del Miracolo. If, instead, you are more interested in the cuisine, you can taste Sbroscia, a local soup made from lake fish and tomatoes.
A private transfer takes you to Tuscany and to the Etruscan Necropolis of Sovana this morning. The site houses several kinds of tombs from simple cave-like excavations to the tomb of Hildebrand, a monumental temple named after an 11th century pope who was born in Sovana. You then start your walk through vineyards, olive groves and pastures, which takes you to Pitigliano, rising dramatically from a ridge and surrounded on all sides by a deep ravine.
Just before arriving at Pitigliano, you walk across an Etruscan Via Cava, a deep and narrow cut in the cliffs that was used as an efficient defensive system against invaders.
Today you have two choices: you can take an easy walk along the most renowned Vie Cave of Pitigliano, visiting an archaeological park on the way. As a second option, you can take an optional transfer (not included) to reach an Agriturismo just out of town, walking back to Pitigliano through the beautiful Maremma countryside, passing Etruscan tombs and “tagliate” on your way.
Today’s destination is Sorano. This enchanting hilltop hamlet is also known as the “Matera of Tuscany” for its conformation, with groups of stone houses perched on the top of an imposing rocks. The Orsini fortress overlooks the whole town, an impregnable castle that used to belong to the ancient and noble Orsini family, and where you will spend your night.
On your last day, explore the surroundings of Sorano with an easy walk. Albeit being your last walk, the itinerary does not disappoint as you walk through the archaeological area of Vitozza, with the possibility to take a short optional detour to visit the ruins of a Medieval castle and church.
The trip ends after breakfast. Depart for the airport via public transport unless you have pre-booked a private transfer.
This self-guided tour in Italy is always run as a private tour for your group only and the pricing depends on the season, as well as the room types that you require.
The prices below are per person.
Departures on April 1st - June 25th:
Departures on June 26th - September 4th:
Departures on September 5th - 30th:
Departures on October 1st - 31st:
This tour is based in hotels. Hotels on this trip are 2-3-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Rooms may have fireplaces or access to amenities such as hot tubs, steam rooms, or private decks to lounge on.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement of to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
This cute hotel is perched on a cobblestone street in the medieval center of town. You’re only a couple of kilometers from main attractions and the rooms are kept very clean.
You’ll want to laze away next to the gorgeous outdoor pool at this hotel, although the nearby lake is also a plus. Enjoy romantic vibes and pretty rooms here.
This B&B has tons of character with tile floors, stone walls, and cute furnishings. The rooms are homey and the hosts are very kind.
Ever stayed the night in a stone fortress? You will tonight! This hotel is one of a kind, made out of an old fortress with unique rooms and modern amenities.
7 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations for 7 nights are included.
Luggage transfer is included in this trip (1 piece, up to 20kg). Also, private transfers for you to Civita di Bagnoregio on Day 2 and to Sovana on Day 4 are included. When you travel with public transport you will take your luggage with you. Travel from and to the airport is not included but can be added.
How hard is the Etruscan Hilltop Towns of Italy Tour?
We rate this tour as a 2/5. The route is moderate, with ups and downs and occasional mildly steep ascents. It’s generally a suitable tour for fit beginner and moderate walkers. Some walks can be shortened if requested in advance.
Do I need a visa to travel to Italy?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel, since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
Are meals included on the Etruscan Hilltop Towns of Italy Tour?
7 breakfasts are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Orvieto to start this tour?
There are three airports you can fly into: Pisa Airport (PSA), Rome Airport (FCO), and Florence Airport (FLR). From any of these airports, you can take a bus or train to Orvieto.
Where does the Etruscan Hilltop Towns of Italy Tour end?
The tour ends in Sorano. You can take a bus or train to your departure airport.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Italy?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Italy?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.
Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.
Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.
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Google ReviewStephen L.
I’ve been using 10Adventures route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10Adventures made that happen.
Melinda S.
I was going through a tough time and really needed a getaway so I decided to book a tour through 10Adventures. My trip to Peru changed my life in so many positive and eye-opening ways. I am so thankful for the kind, empathetic team at 10Adventures.
Lina K.
I’ve adventured around a lot of Canada and the US, but I’ve always wanted to explore other parts of the world. I felt a bit scared before booking my trip to Israel, but my conversations with the team at 10Adventures helped ease any worry. I can’t wait to explore more of the world!
Gabriela H.
Travel companies have had to go through a lot during the pandemic but 10Adventures were super flexible and accommodating nonetheless. I had to cancel my tour in France due to the pandemic. 10Adventures was great and let me reschedule for a later date!
Mikael V.
My wife Sarah and I had a great experience booking our 7-day cycling trip through Portugal via 10Adventures. The communication between us and Nadine leading up the trip was top-notch!
Alexandra D.
Communicating with 10Adventures feels like talking with a family-run business. I love to explore and travel, and exploring with the comfort of knowing I can talk to the team at 10Adventures with almost immediate feedback helps to ease any stress that comes with adventuring!
Eric S.
Whenever I’m looking for my next adventure 10Adventures never fails. Their routes all over England are my main go to for exploring and I have only had great experiences booking both guided and self-guided trips in Europe and South America with them. I am looking into Africa next.
Valeria R.
I tend to have a lot of questions before travelling and was so happy to find that the team at 10Adventures responded to every single one of my inquiries in a timely fashion. I was never left waiting and waiting for a response. This was much appreciated!
Isabella N.
I have horrible dietary issues making it super hard to book a pre-planned trip sometimes, but the communication through 10Adventures helped me navigate this situation! I am so grateful for all of their help. I cant wait to book with them again!
Erika S.
I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
Monica L.
Wow! I am so happy with the experience I had with booking through 10Adventures for my tour in Italy! I worked with Nadine and she was super easy-going and helpful when it came to tweaking the itinerary provided on the website. 10/10 would book through 10Adventures again.
We rate this tour as a 2/5. The route is moderate, with ups and downs and occasional mildly steep ascents. It’s generally a suitable tour for fit beginner and moderate walkers. Some walks can be shortened if requested in advance.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
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