Southern Lakes – Escorted
From Trevignano, we follow paths crossing the low volcanic hills of Monti Sabatini to historic Sutri. Following visits to the splendid Villa Farnese at Caprarola, we follow paths through volcanic landscapes to the walled city of Viterbo. We then visit the 16th century Villa Lante Gardens, and continue on tracks crossing a small plain, with thermal springs (literally en route!), which brings us to sections of the ancient Via Cassia. This leads gently upwards to the rim of an extinct volcano and Montefiascone, with magnificent views over the wide waters of Lake Bolsena, southern Tuscany and Lazio, towards Rome. Still following the ancient Via Cassia, we descend towards Bolsena, with its walled medieval town, castle and Roman temples, and small resort area beside the lake. Then climbing the ridge eastwards, we cross a fertile plateau following an ancient pilgrim route towards Orvieto, perched high on a tufa crag.
Duration: 8 days
Trip dates:
06 - 13 Jun 2026
12 - 19 Sep 2026
Itinerary
After arrival at Rome Fiumicino airport we transfer to our lakeside hotel. We visit the splendid Villa Farnese at Caprarola, an extensively frescoed palace, then explore its delightful 16th century gardens – that have influenced garden design worldwide.
The Villa Farnese (also known as Caprarola) is situated directly above the town of Caprarola and dominates its surroundings. It is a massive Renaissance and Mannerist construction, designed on a pentagonal plan by the military architect and engineer, Antonio da Sangallo the Younger. After Sangallo’s death, Vignola began to work at Caprarola around the mid 16C; keeping the pentagonal shape of the fortress walls, he designed an elegant palazzo with a beautiful Italian garden.
Boutique Hotel overlooking Lake Bracciano
We walk from Trevignano Romano through woods and across farmland to historic Sutri, with its famous frescoed pilgrim church of the Madonna del Parto and impressive amphitheatre hewn from solid rock, before returning to our hotel (9 miles, 5 hours).
This ancient town is situated on a narrow tufa hill. It dates back to the Bronze Age and has both Etruscan and Roman heritage. The tufa rock here can be easily cut enabling the inhabitants to create caves, tombs, cellars and stables within the rock. The remarkable Roman amphitheatre here was cut entirely from the hillside while the Etruscan tombs nearby were also cut from the tufa rock, used for both burials and cremations.
Boutique Hotel overlooking Lake Bracciano
We follow a track up through oak forest to the rim of the ancient crater (2,935ft) and the Monti Cimini. From here, we walk down through chestnut groves and forest to the walled city of Viterbo (1,300 ft) and our centrally located hotel. Opportunity to visit the medieval quarter, the cathedral and infamous Papal Palace (8.5 miles, 4 hours).
Something of a rival to Rome during the 13th century, this medieval town is the region's most historic centre. It houses several grand palaces and churches.
Boutique palazzo in the historic centre
Leaving Viterbo we follow small lanes across a plateau, and sections of superbly preserved, paved Roman road, to Montefiascone, with its castle and panoramic views across Lake Bolsena, and our hotel in the medieval centre (9 miles, 4.5 hours). Optional excursion to visit the elegant formal 16th century gardens of the Villa Lante, its perpetual fountains supplied by a system - still functioning after over 430 years - using the natural flow of water.
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!!!
Centrally located in the medieval quarter
We walk along paths with panoramic views across the wide waters of Lake Bolsena, following the route, with some original paved stretches, of the ancient Roman road; before descending across meadows and through woods to the lakeside, which we follow beside beaches of volcanic sand (opportunities for swimming) to the ancient town of Bolsena (11 miles, 5.5 hours). After arrival there are opportunities to explore ancient Bolsena, the ’Church of the Miracle’ (of 1263AD) etc.
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 houses a well-preserved 14th century castle, with a museum and some interesting churches. The church of Santa Cristina boasts some fascinating catacombs. Despite its many attractions, Bolsena remains refreshingly untouristy.
Modern, boutique hotel adjacent to lake, with pool in summer
We 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 great crag-top city of Orvieto, where we stay in the medieval city (11.3 miles, 5.5 hours).
Set high on a rocky plateau, Orvieto is famous for its 15th century duomo with mosaic façade. It was an important Etruscan city (there is a well-preserved Etruscan necropolis on the outskirts of the town) and regained its importance in the Middle Ages as a religious centre.
16th century hotel overlooking medieval piazza
Free day to explore Orvieto, with its magnificent cathedral with its iconic medieval fresco of the ‘Last Judgement’ by Fra Angelico and Signorelli; the well of San Patrizio – a double helix, 365ft deep, down which a flock of sheep could be driven to drink; Etruscan necropolis, museums, elegant cafés and bars, and good shopping.
It boasts a fascinating giant medieval well with a double spiral of pathways that allowed mules to pass up and down for water without congestion! Around the cathedral are narrow streets of medieval and Renaissance palazzi.
16th century hotel overlooking medieval piazza
Return to Rome Fiumicino by road (1.5 hours).
Trip Planner
Walking & Terrain
Easy to moderate walking. This is an 8-day trip with walks offered on 5 days. The length of each day varies from 4 hours to a maximum of 6 hours walking. ‘Hours of walking’ does not include stops for lunch, sightseeing or rests.
The terrain is a mixture of low, volcanic hills, established paths through woods and vineyards, farm tracks, strade bianche (white gravel roads), and some asphalt on approach to towns. We walk 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.
On certain days, our walk takes us into the hills where the paths cross a more rugged terrain — please make sure that your footwear provides sufficient ankle support. Some of our walks are very weather sensitive. If it is not possible to do a walk due to inclement weather, an alternative will be organised. Any such decision is at the discretion of the Tour Leader.
Our support vehicles allow you the flexibility to walk 'as much or as little as you like', with drop-offs and pick-ups appropriate to the given day's itinerary. The Tour Leader will tell you each evening about the following day's walking options.
Walking & Terrain
Easy to moderate walking. This is an 8-day trip with walks offered on 5 days. The length of each day varies from 4 hours to a maximum of 6 hours walking. ‘Hours of walking’ does not include stops for lunch, sightseeing or rests.
The terrain is a mixture of low, volcanic hills, established paths through woods and vineyards, farm tracks, strade bianche (white gravel roads), and some asphalt on approach to towns. We walk 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.
On certain days, our walk takes us into the hills where the paths cross a more rugged terrain — please make sure that your footwear provides sufficient ankle support. Some of our walks are very weather sensitive. If it is not possible to do a walk due to inclement weather, an alternative will be organised. Any such decision is at the discretion of the Tour Leader.
Our support vehicles allow you the flexibility to walk 'as much or as little as you like', with drop-offs and pick-ups appropriate to the given day's itinerary. The Tour Leader will tell you each evening about the following day's walking options.
Your Personal ATG Route Manager
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
The hotels we stay in are characteristic of the area and the towns we visit.
All evening meals are included and are taken either in the hotel or in local restaurants. At dinner, the Tour Manager will tell you about each evening’s menu and if there is anything else that you would prefer, you only have to ask.
Each day the Tour Manager will meet you with one of ATG’s celebrated picnic lunches. You will be greeted with mineral water and a starter followed by wine and an abundant lunch of local organic produce and specialities. Picnics are colourful, varied and nutritious. Buffet-style, there is a choice of meats, cheeses, substantial salads, bread and fruit…and pudding. If it is cold there will be a hot dish.
Food & Wine
An interesting range of cuisine, combining the stronger flavours in Latium and the south with the subtle influences of Umbria as the route heads north. Excellent fish from Lake Bolsena, including coregone, perch, trout and eels; and vegetables and fruits from the fertile volcanic soils surrounding it. Rich and varied pastas; sauces with tomato and peperoncino. Specialities include lamb with wild herbs, ricotta, sheep cheeses (pecorino), wild boar and truffles. When you reach the end of your walk, your reward will be the delicious Orvieto Classico, a delicious white wine based on the grechetto grape, which dates back to the Etruscans. En route you will be able to try the well-known white Est! Est!! Est!!! from Montefiascone, as well as a variety of other local wines.
Flora & Fauna
There are wonderful carpets of cyclamen in the spring and autumn in the woods, plus a wider range of wild flowers in Spring. There is good bird watching on this trip: the great red warbler in Bolsena around the lake, and hoopoes and bee-eaters are often spotted in the summer months. There are also many butterflies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Escorted trips are accompanied by two of ATG’s fully trained Tour Consultants, from the moment they welcome you at the airport, through to the end-of trip airport transfer. The Tour Manager looks after the practical side of the trip – luggage transport, hotels, food and drink. The Tour Leader will lead each day’s walk, and after dinner each evening will tell you about the following day’s itinerary. Both Tour Consultants will explain their role, and how the trip will run, on the first evening at dinner.
Please let us know about any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance so that our Tour Consultants can ensure that you are catered for during your holiday. Most dietary restrictions do not present a problem on our trips and the Tour 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.
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. We will advise you of the group meeting time at the destination airport and return transfer time to the airport at the end of your trip to enable you to book compatible flights.
Yes. All of our escorted trips can be booked privately, you can book a set departure or a date to suit you (subject to availability). In most instances if the group is 13-16 clients we will offer the trip at the published price. For 12 or fewer clients we would provide a bespoke costing.
On escorted trips everything is included (per the published itinerary) apart from items of a personal nature and snacks or drinks outside of the set meals.
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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