From Rome: Bagnoregio & Orvieto Day Trip with Wines & Lunch

If you’re craving a taste of Italy’s countryside, history, and delicious food—all in one day—this tour from Rome might just be your perfect escape. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, reviews and detailed itineraries suggest it offers a well-balanced mix of stunning scenery, cultural highlights, and tasty indulgence.

What makes this tour stand out? First, you’ll visit Civita di Bagnoregio, often called the “dying town,” which offers some of the most Instagram-worthy views in Italy. Second, a Tuscan wine tasting at a traditional farmhouse promises excellent local wines, especially the celebrated Brunello di Montalcino. Lastly, a stroll through Orvieto with its breathtaking cathedral and underground tunnels delivers a fascinating slice of Umbrian charm.

One potential drawback is the long day’s pace—covering three regions in 12 hours means you’ll be on the move quite a bit. If you’re seeking a relaxing, slow-paced experience, this might feel a bit rushed. However, if you’re eager to pack a lot into one day and love exploring diverse towns, this trip is likely to satisfy.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy historical towns, scenic drives, tasty local food, and wine. It’s ideal for those who want to get a good sense of central Italy’s diverse landscapes and cultural gems without the hassle of DIY planning.

Good To Know

Variety of Destinations: From the striking hilltop Civita di Bagnoregio to the artistic charm of Orvieto and the rolling hills of Tuscany, this trip offers broad regional exposure.

Authentic Experiences: Enjoy a traditional farmhouse lunch with authentic dishes and a five-wine tasting, including Brunello di Montalcino.

Expert Guides: Reviews mention knowledgeable guides who share insightful stories, making each stop more engaging.

Comfortable Transport: The round-trip journey is in an air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi, making the long drives more comfortable and productive.

Limited Free Time: While the itinerary is well-planned, some stops—especially in Bagnoregio—offer only about 2 hours to explore, which may not be enough for deep dives but is sufficient for a good overview.

Value for Money: At about $129 per person, considering transport, guided tours, lunch, and tastings, many find this a cost-effective way to see multiple regions without the hassle of separate bookings.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Starting at Piazza del Popolo

Your adventure begins at Piazza del Popolo in Rome, a lively central spot easily accessible from metro Line A at Flaminio. Meet your guide, who will be your friendly face and information source for the day. The guide works to keep the group engaged and informed without overwhelming, making the early part of the trip enjoyable.

Scenic Drive to Civita di Bagnoregio (2 hours)

After boarding your comfortable coach, you’ll settle in for a roughly two-hour drive through Italy’s lush countryside. Expect sweeping views of rolling hills, vineyards, and quaint villages. You’ll notice the bus has unlimited Wi-Fi—handy for sharing photos or checking messages.

Exploring Civita di Bagnoregio (2 hours)

The highlight for many is Civita di Bagnoregio, perched atop eroding cliffs and connected to the mainland by a footbridge. As one reviewer shared, “Bagnoregio is real castle of the sky,” and it’s easy to see why. The guide explains its fascinating history and geological features, revealing the town’s nickname, “the dying town,” due to erosion threatening its existence.

Walking on the narrow stone streets, you’ll find yourself enchanted by the medieval architecture and breathtaking views. The town is small, but its enchanting atmosphere makes every step worth it. You’ll have about two hours here, giving enough time for photos, a quick browse for souvenirs, or a relaxed coffee break. Some travelers, like one reviewer mentioning the “great walk up and around,” found the town’s steep stairs tiring but worth the effort for the views.

Transition to Montepulciano (1.5 hours)

Back on the bus, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive south into Tuscany’s famous wine country. The highlight here is a visit to a traditional farmhouse in Montepulciano, where you’ll indulge in a gourmet lunch paired with a five-wine tasting, including the renowned Brunello di Montalcino.

Many reviews note the lunch as a memorable highlight—home-cooked, authentic, and generous. One guest said, “The food was the best I had in Italy,” praising the simple yet flavorful dishes like panzanella salad, salami, and wild boar sausage. The wine tasting is especially praised, with five different wines poured in a friendly, relaxed setting. Reviewers like Maureen confirmed, “The wine tasting and lunch at Mona… were so fun.”

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Exploring Orvieto (2 hours)

The final stop is Orvieto, a hilltop town known for its stunning Duomo with its intricate façade and impressive interior. The guide shares stories about the town’s underground tunnels, which many find fascinating. As one reviewer put it, “The chapel in Orvieto was fabulous,” emphasizing the town’s artistic and architectural appeal.

You’ll have free time to walk through the charming streets, browse shops, or climb the clock tower for panoramic views. While some found the town a bit quiet early in the morning, most enjoyed wandering and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere before heading back to Rome.

Return Journey (1.5 hours)

The coach will return you to Piazza del Popolo, completing the roughly 12-hour adventure. Many reviews mention how smoothly the day runs, thanks to the organization and the professionalism of the guides and drivers.

Well-Organized Itinerary: The trip balances sightseeing, eating, and relaxing moments well, with enough free time to explore but not so much that it drags. The stops are thoughtfully spaced, giving you a real taste of each place.

Knowledgeable Guides: The reviews consistently praise guides like Laura, Chiara, and Semih for their energy, storytelling skills, and helpfulness. They elevate the experience, making historical facts come alive and sharing useful tips.

Authentic Food and Wine: The lunch at a Tuscan farmhouse isn’t just a meal; it’s a chance to taste genuine local flavors. The wine tasting, which includes an excellent Brunello, adds a special touch many travelers treasure.

Stunning Visuals: Whether it’s the sky-high Civita di Bagnoregio, the majestic Orvieto Cathedral, or the lush Tuscan countryside, each stop offers memorable vistas perfect for photos and quiet reflection.

Comfortable Transportation: The air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi makes the long drives fly by. It’s a stress-free way to cover a lot of ground in a day, especially if you’re not keen on self-driving or navigating regional transport.

Practical Notes & Considerations

While the tour provides excellent value, keep in mind the pace. Some reviewers mentioned that Bagnoregio’s steep stairs can be tiring, especially for those with mobility issues. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or travelers with mobility impairments.

Meals and tastings are included, but you might want to inform the provider in advance if you have dietary restrictions. The tour doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off, so plan to meet at Piazza del Popolo. The entire experience lasts about 12 hours, so prepare for a full day out.

This trip is perfect for history lovers, food and wine enthusiasts, and scenery seekers. If you want to see three distinct regions—Lazio, Tuscany, and Umbria—in one day, it’s a smart choice. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy guided tours with rich storytelling and tasting experiences.

If you’re pressed for time but want a comprehensive taste of Italy’s central regions, this tour maximizes your day without sacrificing depth. However, if slow-paced wandering or accessibility is your priority, you might prefer to explore some of these spots at your own pace.

Is hotel pickup included?
No, this tour begins at Piazza del Popolo in Rome. You’ll need to arrange your own transport to the meeting point.

How long is the drive between stops?
Expect about 2 hours from Rome to Civita di Bagnoregio, 1.5 hours to Montepulciano, and 75 minutes to Orvieto, with some variation depending on traffic.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially since Civita di Bagnoregio involves walking on cobblestone streets and stairs. Dress for the weather, as most stops are outdoors.

Are meals included?
Yes, a three-course lunch at a Tuscan farmhouse and a five-wine tasting are part of the package.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The itinerary is fixed, but you’ll have free time at each stop to explore independently.

Is this suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
It’s not suitable for wheelchair users or travelers with mobility impairments due to the steep stairs and walking involved.

This full-day tour offers a fantastic snapshot of Italy’s central regions, combining scenic drives, charming towns, delicious food, and wine. Guided by enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides, you’ll get a true taste of local culture and history without the hassle of planning. The combination of picturesque towns like Civita di Bagnoregio and Orvieto, paired with a memorable Tuscan lunch and wine tasting, makes this experience a worthwhile choice for those seeking a lively and flavorful day out of Rome.

Ideal for travelers who want to pack in a variety of sights and tastes, this tour delivers excellent value—especially given the inclusions of transportation, guided narration, meals, and tastings. If you enjoy exploring Italy’s countryside, historic towns, and savoring regional wines, this trip will likely leave you with plenty of wonderful memories—and maybe a few photos to show off too.

You can check if your dates are available here: