I visited Orvieto by car in July 2013. It is only 1.5hrs away from Florence although it is part of the Umbria region (not Tuscany). Even though it is supposed to be peak season in July, there were only a handful of tourists. Most probably the crowds head primarily to Assisi. Orvieto is situated on a huge tuff rock visible from the A1 motorway already miles away. The main highlight is the Duomo, which is much more than just another church in a medieval town. It is similar to the cathedral of Siena but lacks a dome and a bell tower. Instead it is intricately adorned with colourful mosaics on the facade depicting scenes from the Bible and a magnificent rose window with Christ's image in the middle. Inside it is quite austere but a walk towards the altar will lead you to 2 chapels full of paintings, murals and frescoes - the Chapel of the Corporal and the Chapel of St. Brisio. Other sights to be seen in Orvieto or St. Patrick's Well, Orvieto underground and the small narrow roads and alleys full of wine bars and small restaurants. The culinary speciality here is the black truffle which is present in most dishes while a unique dessert wine is the Muffa Nobile. I ended my visit by driving uphill towards a small Capuchin convent just opposite Orvieto to enjoy a spectacular panoramic view.