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Educational Tour for Travel Professional Rome & Lazio Saturnia Natural Hot-Springs Italy Villa Lante, Lazio Region, Italy San Martino al Cimino - medieval town in Viterbo province, Italy Beautiful Villa D'Este at Tivoli Gardens, Rome Civita di Bagnoregio - Lazio Region, Italy The Incredible Natural Hot-Springs of Saturnia, Italy

Private · Rome Airport (FCO)

Treasures of the Etruscans: Undiscovered Central Ital: November 15 - 21, 2023

7 Days Lazio

The Overview

Overview

During this educational experience we offer for travel professionals, you will travel from the very heart of the Roman Empire, center of the Catholic faith into the volcanic, wine-producing regions that were once the homelands of the ancient Etruscans.  Our journey through this territory will touch the mountains of central Italy, take us past the lakes and hill-towns of northern Lazio and over the boarders into neighboring Umbria and Tuscany - all easy day trips from Rome and perfect antidotes to the city.

The tour starts and ends in Rome with private transfers to and from the Rome airport, an orientation tour of Rome by night and an incredible journey into the regions of Lazio, Umbria and Tuscany.  

Our journey will take us the land around the volcanic lakes of Bolsena and Albano, to hilltop towns such as 'the dying town' of Bagnoregio, an underground world in Orvieto and to learn about the Jewish hisotry of Pitigliano and Sorano.  We will try the thermal waters of Viterbo and Saturnia, taste food and wine from Lazio, Tuscany and Umbria and stay in a magnificent spa-hotel and a traditional agriturismo. 

For a full detailed description of this incredible tour and educational experience see below! 

Duration

7 days

6 nights

Starting From

EUR 1,530

Per person, based on a minimum of 2 travelers

Tailored to your departure and group.

During this educational experience we offer for travel professionals, you will travel from the very heart of the Roman Empire, center of the Catholic faith into the volcanic, wine-producing regions that were once the homelands of the ancient Etruscans. Our journey through this territory will touch the mountains of central Italy, take us past the lakes and hill-towns of northern Lazio and over the boarders into neighboring Umbria and Tuscany - all easy day trips from Rome and perfect antidotes to the city.

Regions
Lazio
Tour Style
Private
Departs From
Rome Airport (FCO)
Meeting Point
Rome Fiumicino
Included Meals
Daily breakfast · 3 lunches · 2 dinners · 1 wine tasting
Day by day

Itinerary

Follow the route as you read. The map traces each day of the journey, moving with you from place to place.

Lazio

Chapter 1 · Days 1–7

Welcome to Lazio

Millions of travelers each year (prior to the pandemic) were traveling to Lazio, in many instances without even knowing it, since Rome is the capital city of Lazio and one of the most visited cities in the world.   Yet, many visitors never stop to visit this incredible region of Italy or learn why the Romans were very strategic in positioning Rome where…

Explore Lazio
Day 2

Lazio, Rome Lazio, Tarquinia Lazio, Viterbo and Villa Lante Gardens

Rome - Tarquinia - Viterbo

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Rome - Tarquinia - Viterbo — photo 1 Rome - Tarquinia - Viterbo — photo 2 Rome - Tarquinia - Viterbo — photo 3 Rome - Tarquinia - Viterbo — photo 4

This morning we will leave Rome and head to the Etruscan town of Tarquinia where we will learn more about this mysterious, wealthy population, who were wiped out by the expansion of the Roman Empire.  Here we will visit the town and the famous necropolis, another UNESCO World Heritage site, containing over 6000 tombs and some of the most beautiful surviving examples of Etruscan frescoes, full of a wealth of scenes that bring to life this long-lost culture.

We will stop at the beautiful Lake Bolsena for lunch at La Pineta restaurant.

A settlement has existed in Viterbo since Etruscan times, when people first recognized the healing properties of the area’s natural springs.  For the next 2 nights, relax as the Ancients once did enjoying the hot and cold waters of Viterbo, in the luxury of our 4-star hotel’s spa complex.  You will have the rest of the afternoon free to enjoy some peaceful relaxation enjoying the hotel's spa faciliaties.  The afternoon's entrance includes the: thermal calidarium in the Etruscan Cave, Bagnotherapy in thermal and salt water, Kneipp circuit (Finnish Sauna) and a spa kit (bathrobe, towel and slippers).

Keeping the mood relaxed after a hard day, we will enjoy the evening and have dinner on your own at the hotel restaurant and save your energies for tomorrow.

Day 3

Lazio, Viterbo and Villa Lante Gardens Lazio, Bolsena

Villa Lante - Viterbo - Lake Bolsena

  • Breakfast
  • Wine Tasting

Our day will start with a guided visit to the Mannerist gardens at Villa Lante, famed for their waterfalls, fountains and dripping grottoes.  The gardens were badly damaged by Allied bombs during WWII, but the later half of the 20th century saw them lovingly restored so that today they are listed as one of the Grandi Giardini Italiani - Great Italian Gardens.

A short drive takes us to the beautiful Medieval town of Viterbo.  Our guide will lead us through the streets and back in time to the days when the city was home to the popes who had escaped the violence of Rome.  We will visit the Palazzo dei Papi, the 13th century papal residence and the city's cathedral, where houses the tombs of 2 of the popes, followed by some free time to explore the city and have lunch.

In the afternoon, we will visit Cantina Leonardi near Bolsena Lake to learn about wine production in Lazio and sample some of the local wines, including Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone for which the area is famous.

Evening at leisure in Viterbo and overnight here.

Day 4

Lazio, Civita di Bagnoregio Umbria, Orvieto

Civita di Bagnoregio - Orvieto

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Civita di Bagnoregio - Orvieto — photo 1 Civita di Bagnoregio - Orvieto — photo 2 Civita di Bagnoregio - Orvieto — photo 3 Civita di Bagnoregio - Orvieto — photo 4 Civita di Bagnoregio - Orvieto — photo 5

Today will begin in the slightly ethereal town of Civita di Bagnoregio.  Balanced precariously on a hilltop of ancient tufa and commonly known as the ‘dying town’, its unique nature and incredible beauty have led to it being considered for UNESCO World Heritage status.  We will step back in time as we explore the Medieval houses and churches of the half-abandoned town, progressively being eroded by nature.

Driving over the border into neighbouring Umbria, we will stop at Orvieto, another Etruscan town. For centuries the residents of Viterbo kept a secret about the tufa hill on which they lived: inside they had carved miles of tunnels to allow them to escape if ever the city were under siege.  Our visit will start at the Labirinto di Adriano (Hadrian's Labyrinth) where we can visit some of the tunnel network before stopping to taste some typical Umbrian dishes for lunch. 

In the afternoon our tour of the city will include Orvieto’s magnificent black and white striped Duomo and spectacular, if often disturbing, frescoes of the Last Judgment.

Our next stop of the day will be the Tuscan area of Maremma and the agriturismo La Parrina.  Here will we enjoy this property based on organic products from the farm before turning in for the night under the roof that once hosted President Kennedy!

Overnight here.

Day 5

Tuscany, Saturnia

Sorano, Pitigliano & Saturnia

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Sorano, Pitigliano & Saturnia — photo 1 Sorano, Pitigliano & Saturnia — photo 2 Sorano, Pitigliano & Saturnia — photo 3 Sorano, Pitigliano & Saturnia — photo 4 Sorano, Pitigliano & Saturnia — photo 5

After an organic breakfast, we will drive through the beautiful countryside of Southern Tuscany to our first stop of the day.  Sorano is one of Tuscany’s picturesque hilltop towns, that was once a stronghold of the powerful Orsini Family, whose castle continues to dominate the town today.

The next stop will be the town of Pitigliano.   Although Etruscan in origin, Pitigliano is known to the discerning few who venture here, as ‘Little Jerusalem’.  And why?  During the creation of the ghetto in the anti-Semitic papal states, a large Jewish population fled over the border to neighboring Tuscany.  Here they were welcomed by the ruling Orsini family, who believed the migrants could help in reviving the town’s failing economy.

Lunch today will be in a light lunch of local products and wines in a wonderful cellar under the houses of Pitigliano.

Our last stop, will be in the tiny spa-town of Saturnia; population 280!  According to legend, the spring was created during a fight between the gods Jupiter and Saturn.  When a thunderbolt Jupiter had aimed at his father missed its target and fell to Earth, it struck the ground with such force that it penetrated hell and from there the steamy, smelly waters flow!  The smell may take a little getting used to, but the waters are guaranteed to be warm and relaxing at any time of the year for those brave enough to jump in!

In the evening, we will head for the coast where you can take a walk near the sea Porto Santo Stefano area and have dinner on your own before getting back for the last night and flight home.

Overnight at La Parrina.

Day 6

Lazio, Tivoli Lazio, Castelli Romani

Tivoli - Castelli Romani

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Tivoli - Castelli Romani — photo 1 Tivoli - Castelli Romani — photo 2 Tivoli - Castelli Romani — photo 3

Today we move back towards Rome, stopping in two places that have long been the playgrounds of wealthy Romans, popes and emperors.

Our first stop will be the town of Tivoli which offers stunning views over the Roman countryside.  Here we will visit the famed water-gardens of the UNESCO world heritage site Villa d’Este, where fountains, waterfalls, jets and water spouts, entertain visitors simply by the power of gravity.

In the afternoon, we will tour the Castelli Romani, the hills which surround Rome and a popular escape from the heat of the city in the summer months.  Our tour will take us around another famous volcanic lake: Lake Albano, passing wealthy country homes, the Pope's summer residence and a Byzantine-Greek monastery before we reach Frascati where we will enjoy dinner and our final night at the Villa Tuscolana.

 

Day 7

Lazio, Rome, Rome Airport (FCO)

Castelli Romani - Roma FCO

  • Breakfast

After breakfast at Villa Tuscolana, private transfer will take you back to Rone train station as it is finally time to get to the south of Italy. Chatch the train to Naples and the Amalfi cost for another 3 wonderful nights. 

The details

Inclusions & Exclusions

What's Included

  • Detailed explanation of sites
  • English speaking professional tour guide
  • Entrance Fees
  • Hot springs visit
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Tastings of local products
  • Wine Estate Visit
  • Wine Tastings
  • Return transfers to FCO

What's Not Included

  • Gratuities of any type
  • International fights
  • Local City Hotel Tax Paid Directly to Hotel
  • Meals not mentioned in the program
  • Personal Expenses or Extras at hotels
Your rooms

Where You'll Stay

Hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with a property of similar standard.

HOTEL LOCARNO

HOTEL LOCARNO

Lazio, Rome

The historic hotel built in 1925 was extended with the purchase of the adjacent building, built in 1905 by an ancient and noble Venetian family. The p...

Discover Property
La Parrina Italy Education Centre

La Parrina Italy Education Centre

Tuscany, Grosseto

The Italy Education Center is located on the Parrina farm estate in the Maremma region of Tuscany. Set among the beautiful Tuscan vineyards it is a wo...

Discover Property
Terme Salus Hotel

Terme Salus Hotel

Lazio, Viterbo (VT)

Featuring a wellness centre with various swimming pools, a hot tub, and a sauna, Hotel Salus Terme is just outside the centre of Viterbo. It has a gar...

Discover Property
In their words

Traveler Reviews

Emily and David Davison Travelled with us

My husband and I just took a two week trip to Italy that was planned for us by Eleanor Kinchin-Smith. It was a fantastic trip and we could not have been more thrilled. We worked together with Ele to let her know about our interests and our style of travel. She planned the perfect trip with excellent private guides at all of our sites, professional drivers and lovely hotels. We arrived in Italy with all of our train and ferry reservations made by Ele, with tickets in hand. She was in touch with us daily throughout our trip to make sure that things were going smoothly. She was able to make a few changes to our itinerary as needed. We look forward to working with Ele again on our next trip and have put her in touch with another family member to help plan their trip as well.

Ron and Deb Crosby Travelled with us

Dear Guiseppe and Jesse,

We just returned from our most wonderful vacation to Italy and wanted to first thank you for putting together such a wonderful trip, and second to provide some feedback for the future.

Hotels

1. Hotel Sovestro in San Gimignano was wonderful. The staff were very friendly and helpful and made the first portion of our journey very stress free. They made us feel like we were part of their family. I would recommend it to anyone and would specifically ask for it if we were to make a return visit.

2. Hotel La Baia in Monterosso was nice and it's location was very good especially for us older folks humping luggage from/to the train station.

3. Hotel Lucchesi in Florence- what can I say expect FANTASTIC. The rooftop view at sunset is well worth it. Again very friendly and helpful staff. Would recommend it to everyone.

Wine Tour

Money well spent. We had a great time overall. The driver Mario was OUTSTANDING. He had lots of local knowledge as well as about winemaking. USE HIM AGAIN!!!

The various wineries we visited on tour:

Altesino- fantastic and they were not cheap on their pouring. Great experience.

Azienda Agricola Patrizia Cencion Sloaria- Again a great tour by one of the owner's daughters. We felt like we were the only thing on their mind although there were other customers there. A great way to complete the day.

Again we had a fantastic time and are very appreciative of everything you booked for us. We wish you continued success and if our travels should bring us back to Italy, we know who to call.

Leon and Michele Travelled with us

The trip was great we appreciate all the hard work you and your team invested to make our experience a once in a lifetime trip. We appreciate all the attention to the details in particular Giuseppe spending the time and the focus with us on the road and as we were exploring your great country.

Bob & Sandy Travelled with us

Jesse & Giuseppe,

Sandy and I have been looking through my slides of our trip to Southern Italy. We had such a good time with you and Giuseppe that we wanted to let you know again. You were the best guides ever.

Where you are

Location

Italy Rome Airport (FCO)

Rome Airport (FCO) and beyond

7 days through Italy, with every stop chosen by the people who live here.

Where we meet

Rome Fiumicino

Where it starts

Rome Airport (FCO)

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Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a private tour, or will we join a group?

Private. You travel with your own guide and driver, and the only people on the itinerary are the ones you bring with you. Nothing is shared with strangers, and the pace of each day is yours to set.

Can the itinerary be changed to suit us?

Yes. What you see here is a starting point, not a fixed departure. Tell us how long you have, what you love and what you would rather skip, and we will reshape it around you. A slower morning, an extra night somewhere you fell for, a different region entirely.

How do we start planning?

Send us a note using the form on this page, or call us on 1-866-779-2565. A travel specialist replies within one business day, usually with a few questions of their own. There is no cost and no obligation in asking.

Are the hotels shown the ones we will stay in?

Usually, yes. Hotels are subject to availability, and if one is full on your dates we will replace it with a property of a similar standard and tell you before you book. Never a surprise on arrival.

When should we book?

The earlier the better, particularly for travel between May and September, when the best small hotels and the guides worth having are taken first. That said, we have put together beautiful trips at short notice, so ask and we will tell you honestly what is still possible for your dates.

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