Bolsena is not just a destination, but a door wide open to the wonders of three regions. From here, every road is a promise of discovery, leading you in just a few kilometres from the villages around the lake to gentle Tuscany or the mystical hill towns of Umbria. Build your own itinerary, choosing between a half day or a full day.
Civita and Orvieto
Suspended Between Heaven and Earth
Discover Civita di Bagnoregio, "The Dying Town" suspended in the void, and the majesty of Orvieto Cathedral. Two world icons less than half an hour from here.
Civita di Bagnoregio
Leave Bolsena and reach “The Dying Town” in just 20 minutes. Cross the bridge suspended over the Calanchi valley and lose yourself in a timeless village. Stroll through the picturesque stone alleys and visit the Grotto of San Bonaventura, site of the “Miracle of St. Francis”
14 kilometres
Arrive early in the morning for spectacular photos without the crowds
Orvieto
After Civita, continue for another 20 minutes and enter Umbria.
Don’t miss the majestic Duomo, which houses the Corporal of the Eucharistic Miracle and the frescoes in the Chapel of San Brizio. Descend into the city’s depths by visiting the famous St. Patrick’s Well or the Cava Well, or be amazed by Orvieto Underground
Perfect in Orvieto with Umbrian cured meats and local wine
Descend via the scenic route towards Bolsena at sunset
Lake Circuit
Panoramas and Fishermen
The classic lake tour that concludes in Etruscan history.
Montefiascone, Marta, Capodimonte
A tour entirely along the lakefront following Via Cassia and Verentana.
Montefiascone: Climb to the Rocca dei Papi for the highest view over the entire lake.
Marta: Stroll through the picturesque fishing harbour and admire the Clock Tower.
Capodimonte: Relax on the beach or visit the Rocca Farnese on the promontory.
Circuit of approximately 30 kilometres
Tuscania
From Capodimonte, in just 15 minutes along a straight road through the countryside, you reach splendid Tuscania.
The Romanesque basilicas of San Pietro and Santa Maria Maggiore (just outside the walls) and the perfectly preserved historic centre. Don’t miss the Colle del Rivellino and discover the numerous Etruscan necropolises
If it’s summer, look for the lavender fields in the surroundings for a purple shot
Maremma
Authentic Villages and Green Gold
Leave the lake behind and descend towards Maremma for
an afternoon among history and wild nature.
San Lorenzo Nuovo, Grotte di Castro, Gradoli
Explore the villages on the northern shore of the lake.
San Lorenzo Nuovo: Admire the perfect octagonal square.
Grotte di Castro: Discover the perched medieval village and the Etruscan necropolises of Pianezze, Le Sane or Centocamere.
Gradoli: Visit the imposing Palazzo Farnese and the Farnese Costume Museum.
Scenic road with views over the lake from above
Canino and Vulci Park
Add Canino and Vulci Park.
Canino: The homeland of PDO Extra Virgin Olive Oil. An essential stop to visit an oil mill, purchase green gold and discover the traces of Luciano Bonaparte.
Vulci (Archaeological Nature Park): A few minutes from Canino, a magical place.
The majestic Castello dell’Abbadia (home of the National Museum) and the famous Devil’s Bridge
Don’t miss Laghetto del Pellicone, a natural oasis with waterfall, the set of numerous films (including Non ci resta che piangere and Tre uomini e una Gamba)
For enthusiasts, visit the excavations of the Etruscan-Roman city and the François Tomb
Pitigliano, Sovana and Sorano
The Magic of Tuff
A spectacular journey among canyons, Etruscan necropolises
and villages carved into the rock.
Pitigliano
Just 30 minutes from Bolsena, just past the border with Tuscany, Pitigliano will appear before you. The view of the village that seems to emerge from the tuff ridge is one of the most photographed in Italy.
The Jewish Ghetto (“Little Jerusalem”), the Medici aqueduct and the alleyways carved into the rock
Stop at the viewpoint on the road (Madonna delle Grazie) before entering the town for the perfect photo
Sovana and Sorano
Add Sovana and Sorano and complete the “Tuff Triangle”.
Sovana: A tiny, intact jewel of a village. Visit the Cathedral and the archaeological area with the imposing Etruscan tombs.
Sorano: The “Matera of Tuscany”. Visit the Orsini Fortress and walk along the Vie Cave (ancient Etruscan routes carved open-air into the tuff walls).
If you prefer relaxation to history, replace Sovana/Sorano with an afternoon at the Saturnia Hot Springs (45 min from Pitigliano)
Viterbo and Bomarzo
Middle Ages and Wonder
The historical heart of Tuscia and an enchanted forest unique in the world.
Viterbo (City of the Popes)
The capital of Tuscia is only 30 km away. It’s famous for having the largest and best-preserved medieval historic centre in Europe.
The San Pellegrino district (a dive into the 13th century), the Palace of the Popes (where the term “Conclave” was born) and the Sanctuary of Santa Rosa, where the incorrupt body of Santa Rosa of Viterbo is kept, patron saint of the city for which the Transport of the Macchina di Santa Rosa is celebrated every 3rd of September
Bomarzo or Villa Lante
Add Bomarzo (Park of Monsters) or Villa Lante. Choose between the fantastic or the Renaissance.
Option A (Families/Curiosity): The Park of Monsters in Bomarzo. A 16th-century sacred wood populated by gigantic stone sculptures of monsters, dragons and leaning houses. Unique in the world.
Option B (Elegance/Relaxation): Villa Lante in Bagnaia. Voted “Most Beautiful Garden in Italy”, famous for its fountains and Renaissance water features.
On the way back, stop at Terme dei Papi for a warm bath in the monumental outdoor pool
