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.
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.
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!
Francesca
Bologna, Ravenna +6
Hi! I'm Francesca and I live in a small town in the province of Ravenna. I've taken Cultural Heritage and Visual Arts faculties at University in Bologna. Then after more than one year living in Canada I came back to take a Travel Designer course then a month ago I just got the certification to become a Tour Leader.
Polina
Rome, Tivoli
I’m a student currently living in Rome, where I’m pursuing a Master’s degree in Tourism and Italian Cultural Heritage. Here, I’m gaining valuable insight into the connection between tourism and cultural life. I’ve always been a passionate traveler, and I continue exploring even while living in Rome — every walk brings a new experience and reveals another layer of Roman life. I like to experience places not just as a tourist, but in a more personal and meaningful way, which is one of the reasons I chose to study and live in Rome. I’m happy to share my experience of both university life and everyday Roman life — not an idealized version, but one that is real, emotional, and still beautifully romantic.