Bagnoregio & Orvieto Day Trip from Rome with Wine Tasting & Lunch

Experience Italy’s diverse regions in one day with this guided tour from Rome. For approximately 12 hours, you’ll explore Civita di Bagnoregio, soak up the rolling hills of Tuscany at a farm in Montepulciano, and wander through the historic streets of Orvieto in Umbria. The trip costs around $132, which includes transportation, a gourmet lunch, and wine tastings – a good deal for anyone eager to see more than just Rome.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its ability to combine stunning scenery with local flavors. The highlight for many travelers is the gourmet Tuscan lunch paired with Brunello di Montalcino, served at a charming farmhouse that offers sweeping views of the countryside. Another plus is the visit to Civita di Bagnoregio, with its dramatic bridge and “dying city” atmosphere. The tour also provides plenty of free time to explore each town, meaning you can soak up the atmosphere at your own pace.

However, it’s worth noting that this is a long day, with about 4 hours on the bus. Some travelers have found certain stops, like the “dead city,” a bit underwhelming or too long, especially if you’re not keen on walking or don’t want to spend much time in touristy shops. This tour is best suited for active travelers who love history, food, and scenic drives, and don’t mind a packed schedule.

In summary, if you want a well-organized day out combining history, food, and scenery, this trip offers great value and authentic experiences. It’s particularly perfect for first-timers to Italy who want a taste of Tuscany, Lazio, and Umbria in one go, with the added bonus of wine tasting and a delicious lunch.

This experience made our article of Our 15 Favorite Rome Lunch Experiences.

Key Points

• Visit three regions in one day: Lazio, Tuscany, and Umbria for a well-rounded Italian experience.
• Beautiful scenery and historic towns: Civita di Bagnoregio’s iconic bridge, Montepulciano’s landscapes, and Orvieto’s Duomo.
• Gourmet lunch and wine tasting: Enjoy regional specialties and up to five local wines, including Brunello di Montalcino.
• Balanced itinerary: Mix of guided tours, free exploration, and scenic drives.
• Comfortable transport: Air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi, making the long day more pleasant.
• Moderate physical activity: Expect walking and some stairs; reviews suggest good footwear is essential.

In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting Point: Rome’s Piazza del Popolo

The adventure begins early at 7:20 am. The meeting point is conveniently located near public transportation, which makes it easy to access from most parts of Rome. The tour is limited to about 50 travelers, so you’ll enjoy a more intimate group experience, with headsets provided to hear your guide clearly even in crowded streets.

Civita di Bagnoregio: The “Dying City”

Your first stop is Civita di Bagnoregio, a town famous for its precarious position atop eroding cliffs and its poetic nickname as the “dying city.” The walk across the iconic bridge is a highlight; some reviewers mention that winds can be strong, making the crossing a bit challenging—rest as needed! The town itself is small but packed with charm, with narrow cobblestone streets and historic buildings. Many describe it as a “unique place” and worth the visit for its stunning views and atmosphere.

The tour allocates about two hours here, enough to enjoy the scenery and snap memorable photos. Some visitors, however, have wished for a bit more time—especially if they want to explore the underground caves or soak in the ambiance longer. The admission is free, which is a bonus, but the real value is in walking its ancient streets and appreciating the architecture and views.

Scenic Drive Through Tuscany

Next, you’ll hop on a comfortable coach for a scenic drive through the Tuscan countryside, a part many find absolutely breathtaking. The landscapes of rolling hills, vineyards, and medieval towns like Montepulciano set the scene for your gourmet lunch and wine tasting.

Gourmet Lunch and Brunello Wine Tasting in Montepulciano

In Montepulciano, you’ll enjoy a three-course meal highlighting regional flavors—think panzanella, salami, Tuscan pecorino, and other local specialties. Many reviews mention the quality of food and the warm hospitality of the hosts, describing it as a “fantastic” experience. The lunch comes with a professional wine tasting of Brunello di Montalcino, one of Italy’s most famous wines. You’ll taste up to five wines, providing a real education and appreciation for local vintages.

Some reviewers note that the wine tasting could be more educational, but most agree it’s a great way to enjoy the Tuscan landscape with a glass in hand. The setting—at a farmhouse with panoramic views—is considered picture-perfect and well worth the time.

Exploring Orvieto: An Umbrian Gem

The last major stop is Orvieto, a hilltop town famed for its stunning Duomo and underground tunnels. The Duomo, with its elaborate façade, is often described as breathtaking. You’ll have about two hours here, enough time to wander the streets, visit shops, and take in the views of the surrounding countryside.

Some reviews mention that walking in Orvieto involves stairs, and travelers with mobility concerns should prepare accordingly. The underground sites are a bonus for history buffs, but some visitors wished for more time or a guided underground tour.

Return to Rome

The day wraps up with the coach returning to the original meeting point. Expect to arrive back around early evening, having experienced a full and varied day.

Practical Considerations: What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour offers round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi, making those long drives more comfortable and productive. An English-speaking guide keeps the group informed and entertained, and headsets ensure everyone can hear clearly, even in crowded spots.

The gourmet lunch and wine tastings are included, making this a great value for a full day out. However, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to arrange your transportation to the meeting point.

The tour duration is about 12 hours, including travel time, so it’s a long day. It’s best suited for energetic travelers comfortable with walking and some stairs.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Perspectives

The reviews paint a generally positive picture. Many mention knowledgeable guides who make the experience engaging. For example, one reviewer highlighted Chiara D. as an “amazing guide” with exceptional knowledge. The scenery and towns are described as beautiful and charming, with some calling Civita di Bagnoregio and Orvieto “unbelievably beautiful”.

Food and wine receive high praise, with lunch in Tuscany often called “fantastic”. The wine tasting at the farmhouse is seen as a highlight, especially for wine lovers wanting to sample Brunello di Montalcino.

However, some reviews also mention disappointments, like overly long stops at places with little to see or do or less educational wine tastings. A few travelers found the long bus ride tiring, or noted that the physical demands—stairs and inclines—might be challenging for some.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of Italy’s diverse regions, from Civita di Bagnoregio’s dramatic vistas to Montepulciano’s rolling hills and Orvieto’s historic charm. It’s a great choice for those who want a full day of scenic drives, cultural sights, and delicious food without the hassle of planning multiple trips.

While it’s a long day, the combination of guided commentary, scenic landscapes, and authentic local flavors makes it a worthwhile experience. The wine tasting and gourmet lunch add a special touch, especially for food and wine enthusiasts.

This trip works best for active travelers eager to explore beyond Rome’s walls, and who appreciate guided insights and free time to explore. If you prefer a more relaxed pace or less time on the bus, this might feel a bit tiring, but for most, it’s an engaging and worthwhile adventure.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 12 hours, including transport and sightseeing time.

What’s included in the price?
Round-trip transport in an air-conditioned coach, English-speaking guide, a three-course lunch, wine tasting of up to five wines, and headsets when needed.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
There is walking involved, including stairs in some towns, so travelers should have a moderate fitness level.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially for walking on cobblestones and stairs. A camera for photos is also a good idea.

Can I customize the day?
This is a guided group tour with a set itinerary, so individual customization isn’t available.

Are the towns crowded?
The tour is popular, so expect some crowds, especially at major sights like the Duomo in Orvieto or the bridge in Bagnoregio.

What’s the best time of year to go?
Spring and early fall tend to have pleasant weather, but the tour runs year-round; check for seasonal opening hours for underground sites.

This tour strikes a nice balance between cultural exploration, scenic beauty, and culinary delights. It’s a perfect option if you want to see Italy’s heartland in one day, with all the comforts of guided travel and a taste of local life.