Unknown Tuscany & Orvieto – Independent
Starting in the Maremma, Tuscany’s agricultural coastal plain, cross the striking volcanic landscapes of northern Lazio. You will be walking through the former stronghold of the Etruscans, evident everywhere in caves, carved tombs and ancient settlements on dramatic tufa outcrops, before taking an included boat trip across Lake Bolsena, Italy’s largest crater lake and a final walk to Orvieto, sitting on its rocky outcrop above the rolling green hills of Umbria.
Spring is prime time for flowers and birds and swimming is best from the summer through to the autumn when the waters of Lake Bolsena are at their warmest. This is a sorely overlooked region of Italy with remarkable scenery, an astounding array of ‘unadvertised’ sights to see and very tasty cuisine!
Duration: 8 days
Itinerary
Dramatic approach to Pitigliano on foot (1 mile) via 2,500-year-old Etruscan lanes is strongly recommended. Alternatively, this walk can be done as an excursion after arrival (2 miles).
Set on an impressive outcrop of tufa, this unspoilt town has Etruscan origins, and its Etruscan caves are still used by inhabitants for storing the local wine. Medieval buildings include the palace of the Counts of Orsini, whilst the aqueduct and cathedral date from the 16th century. The Jewish community at Pitigliano gave rise to its nickname, ‘Little Jerusalem’.
Stylish rooms in historic centre. NOTE: Breakfast not included – but many bars in the immediate vicinity
Upgraded rooms are larger
Free morning to explore crag-top Pitigliano, its Etruscan houses, medieval fortress and synagogue. Then follow an Etruscan lane to a small plateau, with pastures and vines, to the charming village of Sovana (4.9 miles, 2.5 – 3 hours).
Sovana is a small, picturesque village of brown stone houses built on ancient (possibly Neolithic) foundations. It has a fine cathedral and pretty parish church. Its former medieval town hall now contains a small museum. In 1843, an Etruscan necropolis was discovered just outside Sovana. You can easily walk to this valley, lined with underground tombs and temple-like monuments, including the Tomba della Sirena, restored by the ATG Trust.
Palazzo in town centre
Upgrade option is a superior room
Visit Sovana’s fine Romanesque churches. Walk to see the outstanding Etruscan necropolis, including the Tomba della Sirena, restored by the ATG Trust (2.5 miles).
Palazzo in town centre
Upgrade option is a superior room
Paths across farmland lead to an isolated church and fine Etruscan lane that descends into a gorge, from which rises crag-top Sorano. After exploring Sorano, paths along the gorge lead to the troglodyte habitations at Vitozza and the village of San Quirico (10.3 miles, 5.5 hours).
A plain, working village, remarkable only for its nearby deserted troglodyte settlement of Vitozza, where dwellings carved from the tufa can still be seen. See the remains of two forts at either end of the settlement with a central church and houses skilfully carved out of the rock face.
Simple hotel in town centre
Cart tracks across farmland lead to an escarpment, where paths descend towards the small town of Latera. A climb through chestnut woods to the rim of a volcanic crater offers superb views. Tracks lead down to Lake Bolsena (10.4 miles, 5.5 hours), from where a private boat takes you across the lake to Bolsena (town). Optional exploration (by boat) of the lake's unique features (weather permitting).
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. There are swimming opportunities in the lake or relax lakeside in one of the many bars.
Modern hotel close to lake
Modern, boutique hotel adjacent to lake, with pool in summer
Explore Bolsena, its ancient streets, castle, Etruscan temples and church, and catacombs of Santa Cristina, site of the miracle of Corpus Christi. Swimming in the lake. Optional walk from Acquapendente to Bolsena through the low Monti Volsinii (12.5 miles, 6 hours) or via the marked Via Francigena pilgrim trail (14.8 miles, 6-6.5 hours). Third shorter option from San Lorenzo Nuova via the Via Francigena back to Bolsena (approx. 7-8 miles, 3-4 hours).
Modern hotel close to lake
Modern, boutique hotel adjacent to lake, with pool in summer
An old Etruscan lane leads up through woods to a plateau and across farmland. The first view of Orvieto, situated high on its extinct volcano, is unforgettable! Don’t miss the magnificent cathedral with its elaborate façade and Signorelli frescoes. (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
Trip Planner
Walking & Terrain
Walking: Easy to Moderate. Expect the odd long, steep section but otherwise the route is relatively easy going. The walk lengths vary from 3 hours to a maximum of 6 hours walking. Hours of walking, which may vary from individual to individual, means hours of actual walking and does not include stops for lunch, sightseeing or rests.
Terrain: The terrain is a mixture of hills, plateaux and gorges crossing vineyards, wooded valleys and volcanic landscapes. The farm tracks, unmade roads and sunken Etruscan lanes can be steep and mossy, which can make them slippery when wet. Please make sure that your footwear provides sufficient ankle support.
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: Easy to Moderate. Expect the odd long, steep section but otherwise the route is relatively easy going. The walk lengths vary from 3 hours to a maximum of 6 hours walking. Hours of walking, which may vary from individual to individual, means hours of actual walking and does not include stops for lunch, sightseeing or rests.
Terrain: The terrain is a mixture of hills, plateaux and gorges crossing vineyards, wooded valleys and volcanic landscapes. The farm tracks, unmade roads and sunken Etruscan lanes can be steep and mossy, which can make them slippery when wet. Please make sure that your footwear provides sufficient ankle support.
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 fit in with the itinerary or 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.
In Bolsena
Boat trips around the lake (prices vary)
Bike Hire (prices vary)
Italian lessons, costing from 20€/person depending on the length of the lesson.
In Orvieto
ATG offers a 2 hour self-guided city walk taking in the highlights of Orvieto including Orvieto’s magnificent cathedral and Capella della Madonna di San Brizio, with outstanding frescoes by Fra Angelico and Signorelli, Etruscan tombs, museums and remarkable well (completed in 1537 by Antonio Sangallo) – ‘one of the second seven wonders of the world’. (Entrance fees will apply)
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!
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
Tuscan food is simple and earthy, complementing the excellent robust wines of the region. In Lazio there is freshwater fish from Lake Bolsena, including local corregone (whitefish) and eels, whilst Umbria is famous for its tasty salami and fresh trout, found in the fast-flowing mountain streams of the region. At the end of the walk, reward yourself with the delicious Orvieto Classico, a white wine that dates back to the Etruscans. The Route Book 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.
Flora & Fauna
Thickly forested hills and scrub, interspersed with open land given over to viticulture, arable farming and grazing characterise this route. There are 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. 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 Pitigliano: Take the shuttle service or a taxi from Rome Fiumicino / Ciampino airport to Roma Termini railway station, then a train to either Orvieto or Orbetello Monte Argentario. From here it’s a taxi or bus ride to Pitigliano.
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 starts from the Maremma in southern Tuscany and offers 4 days of unique scenic walking and 2 ‘free days’ with optional walks. Discover rich Etruscan Heritage, volcanic landscapes and ancient towns before reaching Orvieto with its magnificent cathedral.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Pitigliano*
Day 2: Pitigliano to Sovana*
Day 3: Sovana* - free day
Day 4: Sovana to San Quirico
Day 5: San Quirico to Bolsena*
Day 6: Bolsena* - free day
Day 7: Bolsena to Orvieto*
Day 8: Departure
*The upgrade price option includes upgrades at these locations
Prices (per person)
Our Independent Footloose itineraries have the flexibility to be customised if you would like to spend more time in any of the places en route; perhaps to incorporate some of the add-ons available locally or just to create a more relaxed pace to your holiday.
If you wish to build your own itinerary please complete our customise form and our Sales team will provide you with a bespoke quote.
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.
Your Route Manager will be able to tell you about the ATG Trust project on this route involving the restoration of La Tomba Della Sirena – The Tomb of the Mermaid – which is one of the fine array of Etruscan tombs to be found in Sovana.
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