Southern Lakes – Independent
Walk across ancient volcanic landscapes following tracks that have been travelled for millennia. The result is a fascinating array of sights to see: Etruscan tombs, a Roman amphitheatre and thermal baths, ornate palaces and gardens, and the crater lakes of Bracciano, Vico and Bolsena. En route, take the opportunity to bathe in hot springs and swim in the lakes as well as indulge in the fine food and wine that the regions of Lazio and Umbria have to offer.
Spring is prime time for flowers and birds. Swimming is best from the summer through to the autumn when the waters of Lake Bolsena are at their warmest, whilst the open-air hot springs near Viterbo are a lovely temperature all year round.
Duration: 8 days
Itinerary
Arrive in Trevignano Romano to stay at a fine villa with views across Lake Bracciano.
This attractive village lies on the northern shore of Lake Bracciano. It has a wonderful medieval quarter, a museum displaying Etruscan artefacts and a number of good restaurants to enjoy.
Friendly, boutique hotel with wonderful views over Lake Bracciano
Walk through hazel groves and beech woods, and along pleasant tracks and lanes, with impressive views of Lake Bracciano. (8.9 miles, 5 hours). Visit Sutri with its famous frescoed pilgrim church of the Madonna del Parto and impressive amphitheatre hewn from solid rock. Onward walk to Ronciglione is along easy paths (5.2 miles, 2.5 hours).
Sutri: This ancient town dates back to the Bronze Age and has both Etruscan and Roman heritage. Inhabitants created caves, tombs, cellars and stables within the tufa rock here and the remarkable Roman amphitheatre was cut from the hillside.
Ronciglione: Magnificently located over a small ravine, this picturesque town has a pretty hilltop medieval quarter protected on three sides by the gorge.
Family-run ‘retreat’ in historic centre
Walk to Lake Vico (1,600ft), then follow a track up through oak forest to the rim of the ancient crater (2,935ft) and the Monti Cimini. From here, walk down through chestnut groves and forest to the walled city of Viterbo (1,300ft), (12.5 miles, 5.5-6 hours). Or: Optional visit to the splendid Villa Farnese at Caprarola with a transfer afterwards to Lake Vico for the walk (7.5 or 8.8 miles, 3-4 hours) to Viterbo.
Something of a rival to Rome during the 13th century, this medieval town houses several grand palaces and churches. Our optional city walk gives you a flavour for most parts of the city and places of interest, finishing at the archaeological museum, exhibiting fine Roman pottery and Etruscan artefacts. There are a number of good restaurants here offering from modern fare to traditional specialities.
Boutique hotel in central location
Upgrade rooms are junior suites
Optional visit to the elegant 16th century garden of Villa Lante, then walk across a plateau with long views, past thermal Roman baths and along superbly preserved, paved Roman road (7.7 miles, 4 hours). Or walk all the way from Viterbo to Montefiascone (9.9 miles, 5 hours). Stay in the medieval centre of Montefiascone.
Clinging to the rim of an old volcanic crater, Montefiascone dates back to the Etruscans. Notable for its 17th century cathedral which dominates the skyline and the anecdotally renowned white wine called Est! Est!! Est!!!
In historic centre, terrace with panoramic views
Walk along paths with panoramic views across the wide waters of Lake Bolsena, following some original paved stretches of the ancient Roman road. Then descend across meadows and through woods to the lakeside, and on to the ancient town of Bolsena (9.9 miles, 5 hours).
Friendly and welcoming, this is an attractive lakeside town of medieval alleyways and narrow cobbled streets that has been popular as a resort since Roman times. It has a well-preserved 14th century castle, with a museum and some interesting churches. The church of Santa Cristina boasts some fascinating catacombs. From spring through to autumn you can take boat trips around the lake and its various islands, or simply take a swim and relax lakeside in one of the many bars.
Modern hotel close to lake
Modern, boutique hotel adjacent to lake, with pool in summer
Walk up to the castle through Etruscan, Roman and medieval levels of Bolsena, then follow Roman, Etruscan and medieval ways across a plateau to the crag-top city of Orvieto, where you will stay in the medieval city (10.7 miles, 5.5 hours).
The cathedral, or Duomo, is an extremely fine example of Romanesque Gothic with an intricate façade and austere, striped marble interior. Beneath Orvieto, discover a warren of ancient tunnels, wells, cellars and shelters. Also worth visiting is the giant, medieval well with a double spiral of pathways that allowed mules to pass up and down for water without congestion. After the sightseeing, make sure to visit the shops – Orvieto has one of the best selections of quality ceramic shops in Italy.
Historic building in city centre
16th century hotel overlooking medieval piazza
Free day to explore Orvieto, with its magnificent cathedral, double helix well of San Patrizio, Etruscan necropolis, museums, elegant cafés and bars, and good shopping. A city walk is included in the Route Book.
Historic building in city centre
16th century hotel overlooking medieval piazza
Trip Planner
Walking & Terrain
Walking: Moderate. The length of each day varies from 5.5 hours to a maximum of 7.5 hours walking. ‘Hours of walking’ does not include stops for lunch, sightseeing or rests. Two days involve transfers by the Route Manager if you wish to visit the gardens at Villa Caprarola and Villa Lante.
Terrain: A mixture of low, volcanic hills, tracks through woods and vineyards, farm tracks, strade bianche (white gravel roads), and some surfaced road on the approach to towns. The route lies through unspoilt agricultural land, wooded narrow valleys ,and through an ancient volcanic area with Italy’s largest volcanic lakes: Vico, Bracciano and Bolsena. There are no vertiginous walks.
All ATG trips include facilities and options so that you can arrange to walk as much or as little as you like – or not at all - and your Route Manager will be able to advise you on public transport or taxi options.
Walking & Terrain
Walking: Moderate. The length of each day varies from 5.5 hours to a maximum of 7.5 hours walking. ‘Hours of walking’ does not include stops for lunch, sightseeing or rests. Two days involve transfers by the Route Manager if you wish to visit the gardens at Villa Caprarola and Villa Lante.
Terrain: A mixture of low, volcanic hills, tracks through woods and vineyards, farm tracks, strade bianche (white gravel roads), and some surfaced road on the approach to towns. The route lies through unspoilt agricultural land, wooded narrow valleys ,and through an ancient volcanic area with Italy’s largest volcanic lakes: Vico, Bracciano and Bolsena. There are no vertiginous walks.
All ATG trips include facilities and options so that you can arrange to walk as much or as little as you like – or not at all - and your Route Manager will be able to advise you on public transport or taxi options.
Additional activities available locally
This is a wonderful area offering additional local experiences - some can be booked to fit in with the itinerary, whilst for others you may wish to customise your trip to have an extra leisurely day or two to enjoy.
Additional activities are paid for locally and can be booked via your Route Manager who will contact you 2 weeks prior to departure with the exception of the thermal baths in Viterbo which should be booked in advance via the ATG office.
Thermal baths in Viterbo, costs up to 25€/person with the option to book additional spa treatments
Chestnut harvest feast and typical lunch near Viterbo for 70€/person (minimum 2) including transfers from/to Viterbo (available on Sundays in October)
Italian lessons in Bolsena, Montefiascone and Viterbo, costing from 20€/person depending on the length of the lesson.
Wine Tasting in Montefiascone from 20-40€/person
Bike Hire in Bolsena (prices vary)
Boat trips in Bolsena, around the lake (prices vary)
Your Personal ATG Route Manager
I am originally from the Czech Republic, but for over 20 years I have called the hills and countryside near Viterbo my home. Come follow ancient Etruscan paths that wind through soft volcanic landscapes, past shimmering crater lakes and medieval villages perched on tufa cliffs. Visit mysterious necropolises carved into stone and pass through quiet forests and hidden corners away from crowds. I look forward to meeting you and sharing my love of this area with you!
"Lucka was exceptional. She booked restaurants for us every evening. She was helpful and kind and always responded to messages. I hope to go on more tours which she manages."
Route Book
The ATG Route Book is a detailed, day-to-day guide. The book anticipates your needs with easy-to-follow instructions, maps, plans and other information that will guide you to discover the best that the area has to offer and is the key to the success of an independent holiday with us.
Walking App
Your Route Manager can provide you with a link to download an app to your smartphone. This app provides the GPS track for your route on your phone. You can use this digital support to find your position and navigate the route, even without an internet connection or mobile phone reception.
Accommodation & Meals
You can expect each hotel to be one of the most characteristic, comfortable and best located for travellers on foot, with the character and sometimes the standard varying from place to place.
Star ratings indicate official classification, although many delightful places have no star rating. In more remote areas hotels may be of a generally lower standard in relation to their ‘star ratings’.
Single travellers are accommodated in double rooms for single occupancy for a supplemental charge.
On this route, upgraded accommodation is available at some overnight stops, as specified on the itinerary.
Breakfast is included and there are suggestions in the Route Book about where to buy provisions for a picnic lunch, as well as restaurant recommendations. Dining options often include a choice of restaurants that can be pre-booked for you by your Route Manager.
Food & Wine
Expect an everchanging feast, starting with the spicier flavours of the more southerly region of Lazio. As you walk past the volcanic lakes the menus teem with freshwater fish including corregone (whitefish), trout and eels. Round off with the subtle flavours of Umbria; wild boar, black truffles and golden olive oil are just some of the specialities. At the end of the walk, reward yourself with the delicious Orvieto Classico, a white wine that dates back to the Etruscans. En route you will also be able to try the anecdotally famous white Est! Est!! Est!!! from Montefiascone. Read the story behind this strangely named wine in the Route Book, which contains a section on the cuisine and wines of the region, and a list of recommended restaurants en route. The Route Manager will be pleased to help you with any queries, requests or advice.
History
There is evidence of prehistoric settlement in the area. Later this region was the centre of Etruscan civilisation, with Orvieto an important city of the Etruscan Federation (known as Volsinii) until it was invaded by the Romans. Its inhabitants then settled at Bolsena. All the towns on our route are of Etruscan origin. Roman invasions and colonisations from the 2nd century BC led subsequently to the diminished importance of these towns, until the Middle Ages, when they became strongholds in Guelph-Ghibelline wars and other disputes or came to be of religious importance. Orvieto and Bolsena were both great centres of pilgrimage in the Middle Ages following a miracle (1264) when a Czech priest was stained by real blood while serving Mass here. It is still commemorated today with special celebrations, usually in June, around Corpus Christi Day. The Route Book provides a detailed account of the history of the region.
Flora & Fauna
Thickly forested hills and scrub, interspersed with open land given over to viticulture, arable farming and grazing characterise this route. There are wonderful carpets of cyclamen in the spring and autumn in the woods and good bird watching, including the Great Red Warbler around Lake Bolsena. Hoopoes and bee-eaters are often spotted in the summer months. There are also many butterflies. Our Route Book provides further detail while apps such as ‘LeafSnap’, ‘Flora Incognita’, ‘ChirpOMatic’ and child-friendly ‘Seek by iNaturalist’ can identify the flora and fauna en route.
Travel arrangements
Travel arrangements, including flights, for ATG Independent Footloose trips should be made independently.
Outward travel to Trevignano Romano: There are regular trains from Rome’s central station, Ostiense, to Anguillara, from where you can catch a taxi or bus for the last leg to Trevignano Romano.
Return travel from Orvieto: There are regular trains from Orvieto station to Rome Termini station. From here, connect with the Leonardo Express shuttle to Fiumicino airport, or bus services to Ciampino airport.
Trip Options & Prices
Overview
This 8 day independent walking tour takes you on a journey across ancient volcanic landscapes of central Italy with 5 days of scenic walking from Lake Bracciano, via lakes Vico and Bolsena to crag-top Orvieto with its magnificent cathedral. Discover an area rich in Etruscan and Roman history, and enjoy stays in lakeside towns with opportunities for swimming.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Trevignano Romano
Day 2: Trevignano Romano to Ronciglione
Day 3: Ronciglione to Viterbo*
Day 4: Viterbo to Montefiascone
Day 5: Montefiascone to Bolsena*
Day 6: Bolsena to Orvieto*
Day 7: Orvieto* - free day
Day 8: Departure
*The upgrade price option includes upgrades at these locations
Prices (per person)
Frequently Asked Questions
On each route there is an ATG Route Manager, who is there to take care of all the practicalities and ensure the success of your trip. Route Managers have all been ATG-trained, speak English and the language of the country fluently, and live in the local area. Your Route Manager will make contact with you a couple of weeks prior to departure (usually by email) and will then meet you at the start of your trip and will be available during your trip to move your luggage from hotel to hotel, provide local information, make restaurant reservations and do everything possible to ensure that you derive maximum enjoyment from your holiday.
Please let us know about any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance so that our Route Manager can ensure that you are catered for during your holiday. Most dietary restrictions do not present a problem on our trips and the Route Manager can discuss your requirements in more detail with you at the start of your trip.
The walks are graded according to difficulty but you can walk as much or as little as you like.
Easy: walking along well-established paths and tracks with some short ascents/descents. These trips are suitable for most people who enjoy occasional exercise.
Easy to Moderate: walking along well-established paths and tracks. Occasional loose (gravel) surfaces. Ascents/descents up to 1 hour. These trips are suitable for most people who have a reasonable level of fitness.
Moderate: walking along a variety of paths and tracks. Occasional uneven areas. Ascents/descents 1-2 hours. These trips are suitable for those who have a reasonable to good level of fitness.
Moderate to Challenging: walking along varied paths and surfaces, occasionally challenging, with ascents/descents of 2-3 hours. These trips are suitable for more experienced walkers who have a good level of fitness.
If you are planning to take an Independent trip as a single traveller, we would ask you to consider the potential dangers of walking alone before making a booking and if necessary discuss this with our Sales team.
Single travellers will be booked into a double room which will carry a single occupancy supplement.
Flights are not included in the price of your ATG holiday and should be booked independently.
The trips in our Independent programme make ideal family holidays for those with children who are old enough (and keen enough!) to enjoy a walking holiday or young enough to be carried in a backpack.
You would need to consider costs for lunches (either a picnic style lunch or lunch in a café as you prefer) and evening meals. Where an evening meal is included at a hotel this is indicated on the trip page. For evening meals not included, the route book provides restaurant recommendations to suit a wide range of budgets. You would also need to factor in any entrance fees to museums, churches, galleries and other sightseeing costs, items of a personal nature, shopping expenditure and transport if you choose to not to walk on some days.
Tourist Tax
This tax is charged per guest per night and the rate is determined by the local council based on the star rating of the accommodation. The rate usually varies from €2 up to €5 per person per night, although the rate can be higher in major cities. This tax is not included in the price of your holiday but where applicable will be payable direct to your hotel in cash.
We are delighted to book extensions for you at either end of your trip. We only book hotels with which we have an established relationship and where we can ensure a high level of service and enjoyment. If you would like an extension hotel booking please indicate this during the booking process and we will contact you with pricing information.
ATG does not provide any form of insurance cover. However, it is a condition of booking that you have fully comprehensive insurance cover, including:
Cancellation/curtailment up to the cost of the holiday (preferably including flights)
Medical emergencies and repatriation
Travel delay / missed departure
Lost or stolen personal belongings
Personal liability
Legal expenses
Natural Disasters
Although most credit card companies offer travel insurance as something that is included when paying the balance with the card, it may be advisable to check that the cover offered is what you expect it to be. Very few companies include cancellation and curtailment or medical expenses. Whatever the insurance policy you have taken out, please read the documentation carefully. Please ensure also that you take it with you on your trip and refer to it in the case of any claim or emergency.
Yes, please click here for what to bring. A packing checklist is also included with your booking confirmation.
Sustainability
ATG was founded on principles of conservation and sustainable development. It was the first company to win the tourism industry’s two top awards: Tourism for Tomorrow (UK) and the World Legacy Award (National Geographic and Conservation International USA) and also the first to have an accredited Environmental Management System.
Everyone who walks with ATG contributes to the ATG Trust, which funds projects that benefit local communities in the regions visited. By supporting these initiatives, ATG promotes sustainable tourism. Past projects have included heritage restoration projects, environmental conservation and educational projects.
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