Discover Another Side of Italy
Experience the understated elegance of Italy on an exclusive private journey through Tuscia and southern Tuscany, two remarkable regions celebrated for their timeless beauty, rich heritage, and exceptional food and wine. Beyond Italy’s more familiar destinations, discover a landscape of volcanic lakes, natural thermal springs, historic hilltop towns, and picturesque countryside. Explore the medieval charm of Viterbo, stroll through the extraordinary gardens of Bomarzo, and admire the breathtaking setting of Civita di Bagnoregio. Discover the fascinating legacy of the Etruscans, savour the renowned white wines of Montefiascone, and enjoy the distinctive culinary traditions of Pitigliano.
With private arrangements, personalised experiences, and the freedom to explore at a relaxed pace, this journey invites you to discover Italy at its most authentic and refined. Every destination offers something special, from beautiful landscapes and architectural treasures to memorable encounters with the region’s culture and traditions.
Included / Excluded
To make your journey as seamless as possible, we have outlined what is included in your arrangements, along with anything you may wish to organise separately.
- 5 nights’ accommodation in a 4 or 5-star hotel with daily breakfast
- Personal meet and greet upon arrival in Viterbo
- Welcome dinner accompanied by wine
- Guided walking tour of Viterbo with a knowledgeable local cultural expert
- Entrance to Civita di Bagnoregio
- Wine tasting experience in Montefiascone
- Admission to the Saturnia thermal complex
- Guided excursion through the historic town of Sorano
- 24-hour local assistance throughout your journey
- English-speaking guides for all guided tours
- Meals, beverages, and services not specifically listed in the inclusions
- Airfares
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Any services not listed under “Included”
Itinerary
Every journey is designed with time to experience each destination properly. Explore remarkable places, discover local flavours and enjoy experiences that bring you closer to the history, culture and character of the places you visit.
Your journey begins upon arrival at Viterbo train station, where you will be personally welcomed before a private transfer to your hotel. Set in the beautiful countryside of northern Lazio, Viterbo provides an elegant introduction to the history, culture, and landscapes of Tuscia.
After settling into your accommodation, enjoy some time to relax before an evening dedicated to the region’s culinary traditions.
A welcome dinner at a traditional local restaurant introduces you to the distinctive flavours of Tuscia. Enjoy a selection of regional specialities, from freshly prepared antipasti and seasonal dishes to traditional desserts, complemented by local wines.
During dinner, your host, Joseph Walker, will introduce the region’s fascinating Etruscan heritage, medieval history, and lesser-known cultural treasures, offering a wonderful introduction to the experiences awaiting you over the coming days.
Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening.
Overnight: Viterbo
Optional private transfer from Rome can be arranged at an additional cost.
Following breakfast, meet your local cultural expert for a private exploration of Viterbo, one of Italy’s most beautifully preserved medieval cities.
Begin in the atmospheric San Pellegrino quarter, where narrow cobblestone streets, ancient stone archways, and distinctive external staircases known as profferli reveal the city’s remarkable architectural heritage.
Continue to the impressive Papal Palace, once home to the world’s first papal conclave, and discover the fascinating history that established Viterbo as an important centre of the Catholic Church.
Visit the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, admired for its Romanesque and Gothic architecture, before continuing through Piazza del Plebiscito to admire the elegant Palazzo dei Priori.
Your exploration also reveals Viterbo’s historic fountains, including the celebrated Fontana Grande, and the distinctive dark peperino stone that gives the city much of its character.
Step inside the Church of Santa Maria Nuova, where remarkable 14th-century frescoes offer a glimpse into the city’s artistic past. A leisurely walk along sections of the ancient city walls provides lovely views across the surrounding countryside.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Perhaps explore Viterbo’s charming boutiques, relax at a local café, or simply appreciate the atmosphere of this historic Italian city.
Overnight: Viterbo
After breakfast, depart with your local expert for a private excursion through some of Tuscia’s most extraordinary cultural and natural landmarks.
Your first destination is Bomarzo, home to the remarkable Sacro Bosco, also known as the Park of Monsters. Created in the 16th century, this extraordinary garden features monumental stone sculptures, mythological figures, and unusual architectural creations set within a beautiful woodland landscape.
Continue to Civita di Bagnoregio, one of Italy’s most captivating hilltop villages. Often called the Dying City, this remarkable settlement rises above a dramatic valley of eroded volcanic cliffs.
Cross the pedestrian bridge leading to the village and discover its peaceful stone streets, historic buildings, flower-filled balconies, and panoramic countryside views.
Enjoy time at leisure to explore the village and have lunch at one of its charming local restaurants.
In the afternoon, travel to Montefiascone, renowned for its historic vineyards and beautiful setting overlooking Lake Bolsena.
Visit Antica Cantina Leonardo for a wine tasting experience featuring the celebrated Est! Est!! Est!!! wine and other regional varieties produced from the area’s mineral-rich volcanic soils.
Learn about the history and traditions of local winemaking while appreciating the distinctive character of the region’s wines.
Return to Viterbo in the late afternoon.
Overnight: Viterbo
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and enjoy a scenic journey through the countryside to Lake Bolsena, Italy’s largest volcanic crater lake.
Surrounded by rolling hills, historic villages, and picturesque landscapes, the lake is celebrated for its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty.
Upon arrival, check into your lakeside hotel and enjoy some time to settle into your new surroundings.
Later, join your local cultural expert for a private walking tour of Bolsena’s historic centre. Explore its medieval streets, charming squares, and traditional architecture while discovering the history of this beautiful lakeside town.
A highlight of your visit is the Basilica of Santa Cristina, an important religious landmark associated with the Eucharistic Miracle of Bolsena. Visit the Chapel of the Miracle and learn about the extraordinary events that shaped the town’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.
In the evening, you may wish to dine at a lakeside restaurant, where regional cuisine, freshly caught lake fish, and local wines provide a delightful setting for a relaxed evening overlooking the water.
Overnight: Bolsena
After breakfast, depart with your local expert for a private journey through the remarkable landscapes and historic towns of southern Tuscany.
Begin at the renowned Terme di Saturnia, celebrated for its naturally warm, mineral-rich thermal waters. Surrounded by the beautiful Tuscan countryside, these ancient springs have attracted visitors since Roman times.
Enjoy time to relax in the thermal waters and appreciate the peaceful natural surroundings.
Continue to Pitigliano, an extraordinary medieval town dramatically positioned above volcanic tuff cliffs. Known as Little Jerusalem for its rich Jewish heritage, Pitigliano is distinguished by its historic architecture, winding streets, and remarkable panoramic views.
Explore the town’s atmospheric lanes and discover its fascinating cultural history, with time to enjoy a local café or simply admire the surrounding landscape.
Your journey continues to Sorano, another remarkable hilltop settlement with ancient Etruscan origins and a rich medieval past.
Discover its imposing 14th-century fortress, historic streets, and the extraordinary Vie Cave, ancient pathways carved deep into the volcanic stone.
Your exploration includes beautiful viewpoints overlooking the village and surrounding countryside, revealing the distinctive landscape that makes this part of Tuscany so memorable.
Conclude the day’s experiences with a visit to Cantina della Luce, where you can discover local products and enjoy a tasting of regional specialities.
Return to Bolsena for your final evening in the region.
Overnight: Bolsena
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before preparing for your onward journey.
Your time in Tuscia and southern Tuscany has introduced you to a remarkable side of Italy, from ancient Etruscan settlements and beautifully preserved medieval villages to exceptional wines, traditional cuisine, and the natural beauty of its volcanic landscapes.
Following check-out, your transfer will take you to Viterbo train station for your onward travel arrangements.
Depart with wonderful memories of a region where history, culture, and the pleasures of Italian life remain beautifully connected.
End of Journey