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Italy
LAZIO GRAND TOUR: ETRUSCAN CITIES, LAKES AND TYRRHENIAN COAST
Imperial villas cascading with water, Etruscan cities whispering their age, volcanic lakes shimmering. The grand tour of Lazio.
≈ 22
Days
1017
Km
20
Stops
Admire Tivoli and Villa d'Este's cascading gardens, then return to Bracciano and its dark waters. Cross Viterbo, approach Civita di Bagnoregio and its silences, explore Tarquinia and its Etruscan treasures before following the coast toward Gaeta. Lazio reveals rare contrasting depth.
- Tivoli: imperial villa gardens
- Viterbo: etruscan power walls
- Tarquinia: etruscan tomb treasures
- Gaeta: southern fortress coast
- Civita: island village mythology
Your day-by-day itinerary
1
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Villa d'Este - Renaissance masterpiece inscribed on UNESCO with monumental fountains including the famous Fontana dell'Organo
2
Villa Adriana - vast imperial complex built by Emperor Hadrian, UNESCO site
3
Villa Gregoriana - natural park where waterfalls, caves and ancient ruins blend in a spectacular setting
Activities
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Temples of Vesta and the Sibyl - Roman remains on the ancient acropolis with view over the waterfall valley
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Terme Acque Albule - thermal baths fed by sulfurous springs with therapeutic properties
Next stop
Distance:
32 km
Travel time:
39min
2
Day
10 photos
Discover
1
Monastero di Santa Scolastica - monastic complex housing more than 10,000 ancient manuscripts, source of inspiration for The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco
2
Monastero di San Benedetto - troglodyte sanctuary where Saint Benedict lived as a hermit for three years, birthplace of the Benedictine rule
Activities
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Walk through the medieval village classified among the most beautiful villages in Italy
Next stop
Distance:
74 km
Travel time:
1h28
3
Day
10 photos
Discover
1
Riserva Naturale dei Laghi Lungo e Ripasottile - 3000-hectare reserve, remnants of the ancient Lacus Velinus drained by the Romans in the 3rd century BC.
2
Castello di Rocca Sinibalda - medieval fortress transformed into a Renaissance palace in the Turano valley, with decorations inspired by Ovid's Metamorphoses
Activities
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Birdwatching on lakes Lungo and Ripasottile, preserved natural habitat
Next stop
Distance:
85 km
Travel time:
1h42
4
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Lago di Bracciano - circular volcanic lake north of Rome with beaches, walking and cycling paths
2
Trevignano Romano - medieval town on the lake shores with 18th-century Clock Gate and ruins of the panoramic Rocca Orsini
3
Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta - 16th-century church with frescoes attributed to Raphael's school
Activities
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Tasting of lake fish and porcini mushrooms from the Monti Sabatini in waterfront restaurants
Next stop
Distance:
32 km
Travel time:
38min
5
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Parco Regionale del Veio - natural reserve with Etruscan and Roman remains a few kilometers from Rome
2
Cascata dell'Inferno - waterfall on the Crèmera stream accessible by hiking trails
3
Calcata - medieval village perched on a rocky spur, former film set for Monicelli and Pasolini, headquarters of Parco Valle del Treja
Activities
→
Hiking or horseback riding in the different environments of Veio Park: pastures, forests and natural areas
Next stop
Distance:
45 km
Travel time:
54min
6
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Palazzo Farnese - 16th century architectural masterpiece with pentagonal plan and central circular courtyard, commissioned by the Farnese family
2
Via Dritta - Renaissance artery leading to the palace, lined with ancient residences and medieval tuff alleyways
Activities
→
Discovery of the medieval village with Renaissance architecture and traces of the original settlement
Next stop
Distance:
53 km
Travel time:
1h04
7
Day
10 photos
Discover
1
Parco dei Mostri di Bomarzo - 16th century garden created by Prince Orsini with monumental basalt sculptures representing monsters, deities and mythological animals
2
Vitorchiano - village perched on a volcanic rock spur with peperino houses, profferli (external stone staircases) and views over the Vezza valley
Activities
→
Walk in the Sacro Bosco among sculptures inspired by the Divine Comedy and Orlando Furioso
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Chiesa di Santa Maria and civic tower with panorama over the surrounding territory
Next stop
Distance:
24 km
Travel time:
29min
8
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Medieval center of Viterbo - one of the best preserved in Italy, former papal residence from 1257 to 1281
2
Palazzo dei Papi - Gothic palace where the longest conclave in history was held (more than 1000 days between 1268 and 1271)
3
Duomo di San Lorenzo - Romanesque cathedral adjacent to the Palace of the Popes
Activities
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Terme libere Carletti - free natural pools of sulfurous waters at 58°C at the source, rich in sulfur, fluorine and calcium, open day and night
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Parco Naturale Marturanum - Etruscan park with gorges carved into tufa, canyons and forests of alders and poplars
Next stop
Distance:
18 km
Travel time:
22min
9
Day
9 photos
Discover
1
Civita di Bagnoregio - village perched on a tufa spur overlooking the Valley of the Calanques, nicknamed the dying city due to constant erosion
2
Pedestrian bridge - only access to the heart of the isolated medieval village
Activities
→
Walk through the characteristic alleys with artisan shops and panoramic viewpoints over the calanques
Next stop
Distance:
40 km
Travel time:
48min
10
Day
10 photos
Discover
1
Lago di Bolsena - largest volcanic lake in Europe with characteristic oval shape in the province of Viterbo
2
Bolsena - main city on the shores of the lake with historic center and basilica
3
Montefiascone - perched village offering a spectacular view of the lake and surrounding countryside
Activities
→
Tasting of the local wine Est! Est! Est! in the taverns of Montefiascone
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Walk around the lake and discovery of lakeside villages
Next stop
Distance:
14 km
Travel time:
17min
11
Day
10 photos
Discover
1
Tuscania - Etruscan city in the heart of the Viterbo Maremma nicknamed the city of sarcophagi, with numerous necropolises around the ancient acropolis
2
Museo Archeologico Nazionale - museum in the former convent of Santa Maria del Riposo with collection of sarcophagi and Etruscan objects, free admission
Activities
→
Discovery of stone and terracotta sarcophagi scattered throughout the churches, streets and squares of the historic center
Next stop
Distance:
27 km
Travel time:
33min
12
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Necropoli dei Monterozzi - UNESCO Etruscan necropolis with painted tombs unique in the Mediterranean, exceptional testimony of Etruscan art
2
Museo Archeologico Nazionale - Etruscan collections in the Vitelleschi palace
Activities
→
Visit to tombs decorated with frescoes depicting scenes of banquets, dances and Etruscan daily life
Next stop
Distance:
52 km
Travel time:
1h03
13
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Necropoli della Banditaccia - UNESCO Etruscan necropolis of more than 20 hectares organized like a real city of the dead with streets, squares and districts
Activities
→
Immersion in Etruscan funerary traditions through tumuli and tombs carved into the tufa
Next stop
Distance:
154 km
Travel time:
3h04
14
Day
9 photos
Discover
1
Giardino della Ninfa - romantic 8-hectare garden created on the ruins of the medieval city of Ninfa, with ponds, ruins and luxuriant vegetation
2
Norba Antica - archaeological site with polygonal opus walls up to 15 meters high over 2.5 km perimeter, four monumental gates including the Porta Maggiore
Activities
→
Guided garden tour (reservation required, open only at certain periods)
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Walk along the perfectly preserved ancient walls
Next stop
Distance:
66 km
Travel time:
1h19
15
Day
10 photos
Discover
1
Parco Nazionale del Circeo - national park founded in 1934, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve housing Italy's largest plain forest
2
Promontorio del Circeo - rocky promontory overlooking the coast with hiking trails and maritime panoramas
Activities
→
Hike through different ecosystems: coastal dunes, wetlands, Mediterranean forest
Next stop
Distance:
37 km
Travel time:
45min
16
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Cascata Grande - 27-meter waterfall in the city center, formed by the Liri river crossing the city
2
Castello Boncompagni Viscogliosi - medieval fortress built to protect the town from incursions
Activities
→
Walk in the Parco Fluviale along the waterway
Next stop
Distance:
39 km
Travel time:
47min
17
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Abbazia di Montecassino - cradle of Western monasticism founded by Saint Benedict in 529 on the ancient Roman acropolis of Casinum, rebuilt four times after destructions
2
Museum of the Abbey - museum with artworks including a Nativity attributed to Botticelli
3
Library - library housing ancient manuscripts and printed works testifying to the cultural influence of the monastery
Activities
→
Visit of the monastic complex rebuilt after World War II bombings
Next stop
Distance:
128 km
Travel time:
2h33
18
Day
9 photos
Discover
1
Montagna Spaccata - split rock formation overlooking the sea, according to legend opened at Christ's death
2
Sanctuary of the Most Holy Trinity - 11th century sanctuary that has welcomed popes, sovereigns and saints
3
Grotta del Turco - historic cave steeped in legends accessible from the sanctuary
Activities
→
Walk along the rocky coast with panoramas over the Gulf of Gaeta
Next stop
Distance:
80 km
Travel time:
1h35
19
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Sperlonga - maritime village perched on a rocky spur facing the sea with picturesque alleys and whitewashed houses
2
Grotta di Tiberio - archaeological cave with remains of Emperor Tiberius's villa and National Archaeological Museum
3
Chiesa di Santa Maria and Palazzo Sabella - historic buildings in the center, the palace having hosted antipope Clement VII in 1379
Activities
→
Medieval watchtowers - four coastal towers built for defense against maritime attacks
Next stop
Distance:
17 km
Travel time:
20min
20
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Pontine Islands - archipelago of 6 islands with only 2 inhabited, paradise preserved from mass tourism
2
Ponza Island - main island with colorful port, secluded coves and crystal-clear waters
3
Ventotene Island - island with protected marine reserve and Roman remains
Activities
→
Boat excursion to isolated beaches accessible only by sea
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Zannone Island - integral part of Circeo National Park, accessible on excursion
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Swimming in the clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea
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🛡️ Travel advice - Italy
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❓ Frequently asked questions
What weather should you expect?
Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming landscapes, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, excellent value, Easter celebrations, ideal touring conditions.
Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, vibrant atmosphere, beach season, festival time.
Fall (September-October): Excellent weather, harvest season, wine tourism, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, beautiful colors, culinary focus.
Winter (November-March): Mild southern weather, Christmas markets, lowest prices, minimal crowds, cultural focus, cozy atmosphere, indoor attractions.
How many days should I plan?
We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 18 and 26 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.
What to discover in Italy?
Cultural masterpiece with incredible art, cuisine, and historical heritage from Rome to Venice. Experience Renaissance treasures, regional diversity, and authentic Italian lifestyle. The country offers cultural immersion with culinary excellence and artistic heritage. Italy provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and natural beauty.