Perched on a plateau above towering tufa cliffs, looking down on endless swathes of vineyards, olive groves and cypress trees, the charming Umbrian town of Orvieto is one of the most unforgettable hill towns of central Italy. The town is divided into a medieval hilltop area and a modern town below. Your visit is likely to begin at the latter, where trains disembark and passengers typically catch an elevator or escalator up to the historic centre’s cobblestone alleyways, medieval piazzas and ornately-decorated churches. The highlight is the town’s astonishing Gothic cathedral, behind which lies the Palazzi Papali, an intriguing complex of medieval palaces. Don’t miss the renowned Saint Patrick's Well, the guided tours of the town’s underground passages, and the wonderful handicrafts and wine for which Orvieto is famous.