Roman Roads to Orvieto

Day 1 (1)* • Arrive in Viterbo

Walled city with historic papal palace, cathedral, fine Romanesque churches and medieval quarter.

HHH Hotel Tuscia (std) HHHH Palazzo Ubertini (sup)

Day 2 • Free day in Viterbo

Opportunities for city walk, exploring Viterbo (2 miles, 1 hr) Walk (or bus) to Bagnaia to visit the Villa Lante gardens, Vignola’s Renaissance masterpiece, using the natural flow of water (closed Mondays) (5.3 miles, 2.5 hrs).

HHH Hotel Tuscia (std) HHHH Palazzo Ubertini (sup)

Day 3 (2) • Viterbo to Montefiascone

Gravel lanes lead across a plain, via ancient ther mal pools, to a fine section of paved Roman Via Cassia, and on to panoramically situated Montefiascone (2,070ft), with its castle, and church of San Flaviano with a famously inscribed tomb of Bishop Fugger (11.6 miles, 6 hrs).

HHH Urbano V

Day 4 (3)

• Montefiascone to Bolsena

Follow the route of the ancient Via Cassia until it disappears into woods Then paths and far m tracks with fine views lead down along sand beaches beside the lake (swim!)…to Bolsena (1,080ft) (11.1 miles, 5.5 hrs).

HHHH Hotel Columbus (std)

HHHHH Ludwig Boutique Hotel (sup)

Day 5 • Free day in Bolsena

Explore Bolsena, its ancient streets, castle, Etruscan temples, and ‘triple’ church of Santa Cristina, site of the miracle of Corpus Christi (1263) Opportunity for lake excursions and swimming Optional walk from Acquapendente through the low Monti Volsinii (12.2 miles, 6 hrs).

HHHH Hotel Columbus (std)

HHHHH Ludwig Boutique Hotel (sup)

Day 6 (4) • Bolsena to Orvieto

Follow the old pilgrim route across a high plateau (2,000ft) with extensive views, towards Orvieto The first view of the crag-top city is unforgettable (10 7 miles, 5 5 hrs)

HHH Hotel Corso (std)

HHHH Palazzo Piccolomini (sup)

Day 7 • Free day in Orvieto

Optional city walk (2 hrs), 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 –‘ one of the second seven wonders of the world’

HHH Hotel Corso (std)

HHHH Palazzo Piccolomini (sup)

Day 8 (5) • Departure day

*Days in brackets refer to 5-day itinerary

Route open: April-Oct

Airports to first hotel: u Rome Fiumicino (65 miles)

Train/bus: 3 hrs - €22

Taxi: 1 5 hrs - ~€180 u Rome Ciampino (60 miles)

Train/bus: 3 hrs - €22

Taxi: 1 5 hrs - ~€180

Route Manager: ATG-trained, lives locally and speaks fluent English, Italian and Polish.

Route Book: 101 pages – detailed walking directions, maps, comprehensive local and background information.

Walking: Easy (Grade 2) See p 8

Terrain: Roman/Etruscan roads Volcanic ash paths; far m tracks; occasional mule and forest paths; stretches of asphalt near towns