Italy is known for it’s beauty.  Rolling hills full of cypress trees, quaint old towns with cobblestone streets, historical monuments and ruins that mark the passage of centuries.  But there’s also beauty beneath the surface.  Hidden around a corner you may find a garden.  Stuck into a wall you may find a niche with a painting or small sculpture.  So many concealed beauties to be discovered!

the iconic Italian view

cobblestone path

In Orvieto, the home base for Adventures in Italy, even after nine years of visits I am still discovering new marvels.  But here are some of my favorites, ones I come back to over and over, and sometimes I’ll share the secret spots with guests! Starting with right in the garden of our accommodation, Istituto San Lodovico, a peaceful walk through yields rewards.

hidden treasures in the garden

don’t forget to look on the ground for more gems

My first morning in Orvieto usually starts with a visit to the roof, and this spectacular view.

amazing rooftop views

Nearby, outside the Corte Dei Miracoli, you’ll spot this window.  Not exactly hidden, but easy to miss.  Alberto creates beautiful sculptures of people and the architecture of Orvieto.

There is no shortage of peaceful spots around Orvieto, but this out of the way place is worth the trip…the library.  At the back of the building you’ll find benches and tiles of all kinds of things. The perfect secluded spot to hide out!

library benches

a closer look at one of the benches

one of the tiles

All over town you can see the wood work of Michelangeli.  Aside from the dedicated store and the street, if you keep your eyes open you’ll see his work peeking out in the most unlikely of places.

baby cow behind this wooden door

random Michelangeli arm

One last gem, the Angel.  If you follow Adventures in Italy on social media, you’ve seen her.  She’s hard to spot from the ground, there’s only one good place right below.  But if you get on her level, either from the Istituto San Lodovico or from Hotel Palazzo Piccolomini, you are rewarded with this view.

the Angel from the ground

Angel at sunset from the Hotel Palazzo Piccolomini

I invite you to join us for one of tours and discover your own favorite hidden gems!

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Experience Orvieto with Adventures in Italy

Spoleto

Wood Work

Michelle Logue leads cultural and creative adventures in Orvieto, Italy. With a mandate to provide "travel that transforms", Adventures in Italy gives guests an immersive experience. After more than 15 years of return trips, Orvieto has become a welcoming home base surpassing the typical Italian vacation. Adventures in Italy operates trips in May and September, with two options: Artistic Enrichment nurtures creative expression, while Discover Orvieto invites visitors to focus on the history and culture of Orvieto and live as locals. Find out more about tours and special offers by following Adventures in Italy on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and visit www.adventuresinitaly.ca Slow Travel Tours is an affiliation of small-group tour operators who offer personalized trips in Italy, France and other European countries.