Lazio
Rome is just the beginning—Etruscan tombs, volcanic lakes, and hill towns await beyond the Eternal City.
About Lazio
Everyone comes to Lazio for Rome, but the region surrounding the capital is a revelation. Ancient Etruscan necropolises at Cerveteri and Tarquinia predate Roman civilisation. The volcanic lakes of Bracciano and Bolsena offer peaceful retreats just an hour from the Colosseum. The hill towns of the Castelli Romani have been the Roman escape since antiquity, with their own wines and porchetta traditions. And then there's Tivoli, where Hadrian built his dream villa and the Renaissance cardinals created paradise gardens.
Best Time to Visit
April to June or September to November. Rome is scorching in July and August. The Castelli Romani are perfect for autumn wine festivals, and spring brings wildflowers to the Etruscan sites.
Local Tips
- Escape Rome to the lakes.
Lake Bracciano is 45 minutes from Rome with a stunning Orsini-Odescalchi castle. A local will help you combine a lake swim, castle visit, and a lunch of lake fish in a single perfect day trip.
- Visit the Etruscan underworld.
Cerveteri's Banditaccia necropolis has thousands of carved tombs older than Rome itself. A local knows the less-visited painted tombs at Tarquinia that bring the ancient world to vivid life.
- Do the Castelli Romani properly.
The hill towns south of Rome (Frascati, Castel Gandolfo, Nemi) are where Romans go for porchetta, local wine, and strawberries. A local will plan the perfect circuit with the best family-run fraschette.
Highlights
(the local lens)
Meet the Local Experts
Your on-the-ground insiders. The ones who know the enduring favourites, the quiet corners and what’s worth your time.
Valentina
Rieti, Viterbo +1
Experience Designer & Luxury Travel Consultant Born in Rome to an Italian father and a Polish mother, I grew up speaking six languages and moving between worlds, a foundation that shaped my understanding of culture, nuance, and the art of truly belonging somewhere. My career began in human rights, taking me from Portugal to Strasbourg and six formative years in England. But eventually, I was drawn back to Italy, not to the city, but to something quieter and more rare: Sabina, a breathtaking stretch of the Roman countryside just an hour from Rome, where medieval villages rise above olive groves and life moves at the rhythm of the seasons. I settled in Toffia, and it became the lens through which I design travel.
Eleonora
Palermo, Syracuse +10
Hello, I’m Eleonora. I was born in Tuscany, just outside Florence, where growing up surrounded by history, shaped my curiosity and love for art. I studied Art History at the University of Florence, specializing in the Renaissance. I began guiding students early on, and it was there that I developed a passion for storytelling — because there is nothing more challenging than engaging teenagers and young adults. I later expanded my focus to the broader history of Italy, leading groups throughout the country, from Venice to Sicily. Eventually, I moved to Rome, where I now work as an expert tour guide, leading visits to the city’s most iconic sites, including the Vatican and the Colosseum, as well as off the beaten path, to some of its hidden gems. In my free time I love to drive around Italy to its myriad hilltop medieval towns, where each one is a new discovery, both architectural and natural and also, of course, culinary! Over the years, many travelers have asked me for advice and suggestions to help plan the rest of their itineraries. That is why I’m happy to connect with you even before your trip begins, sharing my insights and helping you make the most of your time in Italy.
Edoardo
Amalfi, Sorrento +11
Born and raised in Italy's Marche region, I have explored the country from north to south during travels and study periods away from home. I have lived part of my life in amazing cities such as Venice and Bologna, and have visited Rome a lot since I have family and friends there. I am an experienced trip planner for destinations all over Italy, from the breezy Cinqueterre in Liguria down to the sun kissed Amalfi coast. If you want someone to help you with all-encompassing guidance and make the best out of your trip to Italy, I will be most happy to help you!
Massimo
Rome
5.0(2)Hi, I'm Massimo, and for ten years I've been hosting tourists from around the world to discover Rome, its treasures, colors, and flavors. After studying Architecture and Art History, and after many years as an Art Director in Advertising, I decided to dedicate myself to tourism, driven by the desire to share my city with the countless tourists who visit it every day. My specialty is uncovering and highlighting Rome's hidden corners and taking you on off-the-beaten-path itineraries.