Etruscan Umbria – Orvieto: Castel Viscardo and Porano

Discovering the Etruscans. The seventh stage on our itinerary in search of temples, tombs and necropolises

The last leg of the Umbria Etruscan tour is dedicated entirely to an exploration of the naturalistic treasures and the Etruscan sites found on the hills surrounding the splendid city of Orvieto, in particular in Castel Viscardo and Porano. The route is the longest in the entire itinerary and is quite challenging due to some long climbs in the first part, so it requires a good level of training and is not suitable for those who are less physically fit. We will set off from Orvieto’s funicular car park and head towards the city centre, turning to follow the signs for Castel Viscardo and, after entering a secondary road that’s less busy than the previous ones, we will begin the long climb that will take us up to the village. Here we can visit the Etruscan necropolis before leaving and crossing a suggestive plateau until we reach Castel San Giorgio, the southwestern tip of Umbria. From here we will turn in the direction of Orvieto along a nice up and down stretch of well-cultivated fields. The road will start to rise again near Porano, although we’ll be rewarded on the climb by a magnificent view over Orvieto with its unmistakable Duomo etched on the horizon and have the opportunity to visit the Etruscan tombs, which are on our way. Once we have reached the centre of Porano we will begin the steep and technically-tricky descent towards Orvieto that we will reach shortly after the steep downhill plunge.

Plan

1
briefing

h. 09:30
2
first part of the trail

h. 09:40
3
lunch break

h. 13:00
4
second part of the trail

h. 14:00

Recommended clothing

For this activity we recommend comfortable clothing that does not restrict your freedom of movement.
Bring a windcheater/anorak with you, even if the activity takes place in the summer months.
We recommend wearing the right footwear for the type of bike you are going to use.
We strongly recommend the use of a crash helmet suitable for biking.

We also recommend you bring:

A comfortable backpack suitable for cycling/walking
A warm sweater, such as a technical sports shir, for sudden drops in temperature
A change of clothes (especially socks) in case of sudden rain
Hat with a sun visor
Warm hat
Gloves
Sunscreen

Included

Expert guide
Mechanical assistance for repairs in case of punctures, problems with brakes or other malfunctions that can be dealt with on the spot.
In most cases a car will be on hand to provide any complex assistance or to keep drinks and food chilled.

Not included

Bicycles and related accessories are not included in this itinerary.

If you wish, you can choose bike hire from amongst our additional options. We will provide you with the bike that’s best suited to the type of route, taking your preferences into consideration, including helmets, pedaling accessories and spare parts for ordinary repairs. We have various types of bikes available, including e-bikes.

Time

The activity will last about 6 hours, including small stops. However, the duration may vary depending on the pace of the group and the need to take fewer or more breaks.

Languages

Italian
English

When

You can enjoy this experience throughout the year.

Children

This activity is also open to children provided they are accompanied by their parents.

Pet policy

We are sorry but no pets will be allowed to accompany you in this activity.

Requirements

To do this activity it is essential to have a good level of physical fitness and to be in good health.

Additional information

This activity includes a lunch break, so we advise you to bring a packed lunch or to select the option ‘packed lunch’ so that we can provide it for you. Don’t forget to tell us about any allergies, intolerances or other special dietary needs: we will be happy to adapt your lunch to your needs.

Important

This activity can only be undertaken in favourable weather conditions, which will be evaluated by our partner and confirmed 48 hours in advance. In case of poor weather conditions we will immediately contact you and propose an alternative activity or a refund of the price paid.
This activity is subject to our operators’ availability. We have a large selection of collaborators capable of leading this activity, but if on the day you selected we do not have operators availabile, we will immediately, or in any case within 48 hours of booking, suggest an alternative activity you might wish to do or the choice of receiving a full refund of the price paid.
The times shown in the program are indicative and may vary according to your requests or those of the other participants in the group. These are always and in any case previously agreed with our staff or with the guide.

Data sheet

Recommended clothing

We recommend comfortable clothing

Warm hat

Hat with a sun visor

A change of clothes (especially socks)

Crash helmet suitable for biking

Windcheater/anorak

Gloves

Right footwear for the type of bike you are going to use

Backpack suitable for cycling

A heavy sweater, a technical sports-style sweater is ideal

Sunscreen

Included

Expert guide

Car on hand to provide any complex assistance or to keep drinks and food chilled

Mechanical assistance for repairs in case of punctures, problems with brakes or other malfunctions that can be dealt with on the spot.

Not included

Bicycles and related accessories

Everything that’s not listed under the heading ‘what is included’.

Time

The activity will last about 6 hours, including small stops. However, the duration may vary depending on the pace of the group and the need to take fewer or more breaks.

Languages

Italian

English

When

You can enjoy this experience throughout the year.

Requirements

To do this activity it is essential to have a good level of physical fitness and to be in good health.

Suitable for children

Provided they are accompanied by their parents

Pets are not allowed

We are sorry but no pets will be allowed to accompany you in this activity.

Additional information

Important

This activity can only be undertaken in favourable weather conditions, which will be evaluated by our partner and confirmed 48 hours in advance. In case of poor weather conditions we will immediately contact you and propose an alternative activity or a refund of the price paid.

This activity is subject to our operators’ availability. We have a large selection of collaborators capable of leading this activity, but if on the day you selected we do not have operators availabile, we will immediately, or in any case within 48 hours of booking, suggest an alternative activity you might wish to do or the choice of receiving a full refund of the price paid.

The times shown in the program are indicative and may vary according to your requests or those of the other participants in the group. These are always and in any case previously agreed with our staff or with the guide.

Always communicate through Exploring Umbria to ensure you receive the best bespoke service to suits your requirements. In order to protect your payments, never transfer money via channels outside the Exploring Umbria website.

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