Location: Orvieto, Umbria, Italy, Europe (Porano, hilltop village 5 miles from Orvieto) View Map
Accommodations: Apartment, 1 Bedroom + Convertible bed(s), 1 Bath (Sleeps 2-4)
The apartment is defined by romantic panoramic vistas from the expansive terrace and balcony. Its a spacious apartment with local ambiance and the tranquility of Italian village life. It feels more a village house or casa than an apartment, with a private drive, large terrace, balcony, garden with its own fig tree. The tranquil lovely Porano centro storico is 5 miles and a lovely 10 min drive to Orvieto. The views one passes are completely awe inspiring. 15 minute and beautiful country drive to Lake Bolsena and Civita Bagnoreggio, the famous Vanishing City. Festivals, local sagras, Slow Food Citta abound.
The apartment is part of centro storico or the charming historic center of the village of Porano. The terrace and front door, windows and balcony have views of the Duomo d'Orvieto, the valley, the village of warm honey colored tufo stone.
LIVING AREA: The apartment provides a spacious living area with high-beamed chestnut ceilings and terracotta floors and fireplace. Enter via the garden terrace, where you can dine with the moon, tile rooftops, ancient tufo walls, and rolling hills as background. The combine kitchen-living area creates a comfortable spacious area for preparing meals, and is graced with travertine marble counter tops and a view of the Duomo! The bedroom leads to a large balcony overlooking village rooftops and the countryside. The apartment is 55 sq meters (600 sq feet).
NEIGHBORHOOD: Within a 5-10 minute walk through Porano you find everything you need: pastry bakery, café bar with free wi-fi, macelleria featuring local specialties like housemade prosciutto, Graziella’s friendly alimentarie with all your daily necessities, and the renowned Slow Food restaurant Il Boccone Pret. You can also walk to Villa Paolina where local festivals and feasts are held.
Parking is easy in nearby Piazza Garibaldi, a three minute walk away.
DAY TRIPS: Porano is located midway between Rome and Florence, and the Orvieto train station is a 10 minute drive or 15 minute bus ride from the apartment. From there you may travel to Rome in an hour, or to Florence in about 75 minutes. Other destinations include Civita di Bagnoregio (5 miles away), Lake Bolsena (8 miles), Assisi, Siena, Spoleto, Montepulciano, San Gimignano, Perugia, and the Tuscan countryside.
Local bus service runs from Piazza Garibaldi to the train station and to Orvieto. If you are renting a car, you may do so in Orvieto by the train station or in Rome. Italy's major north-south freeway (A-1) is easily accessible.
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NEIGHBORING ORVIETO is famed in all of Europe for its enchanting setting and can be reached in 10 minutes by car. Built atop the dramatic walls of a volcanic plateau, the large town retains a medieval atmosphere, with beautifully preserved ancient pozzos or caves, churches and towers, crowned by the gorgeous Gothic Romanesque Duomo d’Orvieto, a site not to be missed!
Among the meandering alleyways you will find trattorias, ristorantes, coffee bars, enotecas, markets, and shops, and Orvieto’s famous ceramic artisans. Throughout the year there are music, dance and medieval folklore festivals in the city. Theatre events and classical concerts are held regularly at Teatro Comunale Mancinelli and the ancient churches of Orvieto.
Orvieto is famous for its wine and for the ‘slow' lifestyle that defines the surrounding villages and countryside. Orvieto belongs to the network of Italian slow towns. A Slow Food Festival is popular in the autumn, while traditional festivals are held throughout the seasons. Winter's Umbria Jazz festival is a treat, with a New Year's concert in the Duomo.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Linens Provided
- Off Street Parking
- Wood Fireplace
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Convertible Bed
- Entertainment
- TV (No Cable/Satellite)
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Outdoor Features
- Deck/Patio
- Balcony
- View/Location
- Mountain View : beautiful views of the valley with olive tree and vinyards and lovely views of the Apennine range from the bedroom terrace, windows, and balcony
- Monument View : You can see the famous Duomo d'Orvieto lit like a crown from the terrace and kitchen window.
- Communications
- WiFi (Wireless Internet) : free WiFi available in cafe bar a four minute walk from the apartment
- Other Amenities
- Expansive terrace with panoramic vistas, flower and herb garden, local village ambiance, 10 minute drive to beautiful and historic Orvieto, 10 mins to train station, very picturesque 15 minutes drive to Lake Bolsena and Civita Bagnoreggio- the famous Vanishing City!
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed : please inquire for long term rental
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters : 18
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Shopping
- Sailing
- Boating
- Swimming
- Biking
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Horseback Riding
- Hiking
- Restaurants
- Museums
- Other Activities
- Festivals, local sagras (community feasts), Slow Food Citta, biking, wildlife viewing, archeological sites and ancient caves, lovely pedestrian village ambiance
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
High Season: Jun-Oct ... ($600 / Week)
Mid Season: Mar-May ... ($495 / Week)
Low Season: Nov-Feb ... ($450 / Week)
SPECIAL RATES AVAILABLE BOOKING PRIOR TO MARCH 1,2012
*** 3 Night Minimum ***** 1 time Euro 50 Cleaning Fee ***
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Property Photos
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- Apartment in Porano centro storico - Orvieto, Italy Vacation Apartment with Expansive Terrace & Panoramic Views
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- Panoramic vista from the terrace - Orvieto, Italy Vacation Apartment with Expansive Terrace & Panoramic Views
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- Master bedroom - Orvieto, Italy Vacation Apartment with Expansive Terrace & Panoramic Views
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- Apartment entrance
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- Kitchen area
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- View from kitchen window
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- Newly remodeled bath
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- Parking in piazza Geribaldi
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- Duomo d'Orvieto
Traveler Reviews (8)
Andre & Suzanne 23 Sep 11 - 07 Oct 11
Guest: Andre & Suzanne
(Ontario,Canada)
Date of Stay: 09/23/11
Review Submitted: 12/28/11
We had an absolutely georgeous trip. Tuscany and Umbria are very beautiful regions. We rented a car and travelled all over the country side from Lago di Bolsena to Sienna and even found Andrea Bocelli's hometown of Lajatico in Tuscany. Took a day trip into Rome on the Italian regional train which we found very efficient. Even visited a war cemetary just outside of Orvieto looking towards the Duomo. Porano was very well situated in this small community and a nice drive to Orvieto and easy access to the A1 motostrada.It was a very peaceful and relaxing vacation. Thank you Susan and to your friend Geoff the professional tourist who gave us good suggestions on day trips from the Estruscan roadways to Civita di Bagno Reggio. The apartment was very comfortable and quiet. The view from the balcony was beautiful where we sat and enjoyed antipasto and a bottle of local wine and also of course a good glass of Amaretto. The local bar had friendly staff and patrons. the only draw back was the fact that the washer and drier were not in the apartment upon our arrival. But this was somewhat compensated by Susan's maid assistant who provided fresh towels and linens as well as doing our wash once. Thank You Susan for providing us a great place to spend our 25th anniversary!
Recommended for:Sightseeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.
We had a wonderful time
Guest: Lynda
(Canada)
Date of Stay: 09/07/11
Review Submitted: 11/20/11
We had a wonderful time. We rented a car after a couple of days and drove the country roads. It was too hot to do much hiking, so we went swimming at Bolsena Lake, a lot. Your apartment was a great place to come home to and we had some beautiful meals on your terrace. I wished I had learned some Italian, I would have liked to chat to the neighbours. Derek did lots of sketches of Porano and Castel Rubello and I came up with an idea for my next novel. For us it was time out of our busy lives. We loved the restaurant you suggested and went many times. Lovely wine, good food, an unusual place. I gained a few pounds. And yes, we ate many figs from your tree by the stairs, lovely with cheese and wine from the alimentari in the square. Derek had a good haircut in Porano, too. You have found a delightful little corner of the world. All in all, I think we'll visit Umbria again someday.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, romantic getaway.
Relaxing, the Vanishing City, and Lake Bolsena
Guest: S
(Portland)
Date of Stay: 10/22/11
Review Submitted: 11/10/11
We had a wonderful time in Porano-I think it was our favorite place. The apartment made us relax a bit more and slow down on our sight-seeing. Really my favorite day was going to the Vanishing City and the lake. We also enjoyed cooking for ourselves and visiting the local winery-so friendly!
Recommended for:Sightseeing, romantic getaway.
Just perfect
Guest: Andre and Suzanne
(Canada)
Date of Stay: 09/23/11
Review Submitted: 11/03/11
A quick note to let you know we had a great time. Exactly what we needed for our 25th wedding anniversary. The view is spectacular, people of Porano very friendly. The apartment was just perfect! Your friend Geoff was a real bonus. Thanks again!
Recommended for:
September 2011
Guest: Pat
(Portland)
Date of Stay: 09/02/10
Review Submitted: 11/03/11
Susan, this apartment is everything you promised. We relaxed, enjoyed the views under the Umbrian sun. Our day trips included Orvieto, Siena, Assisi, Civita di Bagnoreggio, and Lake Bolsena. We would love to come back some time- thanks for making this place so inviting~ Pat and Brian
Recommended for:
Fabulous view in a charming town!
Guest: Kathy
(Katy, TX USA)
Date of Stay: 06/18/11
Review Submitted: 07/28/11
My husband & I enjoyed 5 days in this very unique setting. The people of Porano are so friendly and welcoming. The apartment was not dirty, but could have been a little cleaner. The bedroom does not look as pictured. The bed is not nearly as nice as the one pictured and there are large bags/plastic boxes of linens on top of the furniture. However, the apt is well equipped and the view is phenomenal. We had a problem with the hot water and it was addressed within a very reasonable amount of time. The nearby town of Civita di Bagnoregio cannot be missed. I would definitely stay here again!!!
Owner response:Katy, I am so glad you enjoyed your time in Porano- right now one could sit on the terrace under the clear midnight blue sky with the ancient walls as backdrop hearing the owls hoo in August and the musicians from the festa at Villa Paolina float gently over the town. Thanks so much for your feedback so I can make thing even better for your next stay.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, adventure seekers, romantic getaway.
Guest: Jennelle Winter
(-)
Date of Stay: 08/31/09
Review Submitted: 08/31/09
Our family spent two weeks at Susan's appartment in Porano. We had a wonderful time there. Susan's apartment is clean and neat with simple but graceful furnishings. The open kitchen and living area with traditionally built high ceilings created a wonderful community space to be together. The bedroom with a private balcony offered a quiet place to relax. This appartment, nestled in the side of a walled city, is truly a gem. We loved the incredible views from the bedroom balcony and front terrace. The valley and surrounding hill top towns dotted with olive and grape orchards created a visual feast. Our experience was truly magical. The town of Porano is quiet and friendly. During our stay, there was a wonderful evening celebration complete with food and live music. Even though we didn't speak Italian people made us feel welcome. Porano is a great location for day trips to many Italian hill towns, cultural centers and a wonderful lake for swimming. Our day trips included Assisi, Florence, Rome and Siena. Attending church at San Giovenale in Orvieto was a unique cultural experience. Civita Bagnoreggio was a fascinating town at the end of a footbridge only 10 minutes from Porano, and Torre San Savero had a local dance in the piazza with music that we enjoyed. We visited Torre Alfina home of a huge castle and wild art. We loved our time here in Porano and our two teenage daughters loved it too! Jennelle and Pete
Recommended for:
Guest: Diana24
(Duesseldorf, Germany)
Date of Stay: 08/25/09
Review Submitted: 08/25/09
Casa Bernardina is the perfect setting for a vacation in Umbria and Orvieto. Whether you consider having a short weekend trip or a longer stay, you feel like you are immersed in the heart of Italy. My days there started with at least 5 “Buon giornos” in a lovely neighborhood on the way to get a great cappuccino from the hot-spot café in the centro storico. Casa Bernardina is newly renovated and furnished. Thus, it provides a clean and modern living area within a charming old building. A fully equipped kitchen and a large patio are perfect for preparing and having dinner outside under the stars. Tip: if Susan is in town, she will be a fantastic guide who leads you though an “Italian day” and will always find the best gelato in Orvieto ;) Thank you, Susan, for the wonderful weekend. Diana
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #258199
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