Day Itinerary
12 Activities
Day 1
7 mi1 mi
Visit the Town of Bolsena and Its Iconic Lake
Day 1 of this itinerary is fully dedicated to the lovely medieval town of Bolsena, in Northern Lazio, and its famous Lake. Discover the hidden gems of the city and the many activities and trips you can do by the Lake.
11:001 min
Bolsena is a beautiful medieval town built along the lake it shares its name with (the Lake of Bolsena) located strategically between the regions of Lazio, Umbria and Tuscany.
The origins of Bolsena date back to the third century. B.C. when the area, formerly the site of important settlements, was populated by the inhabitants who fled the destruction of Velzna, one of the most important Etruscan cities; the fugitives re-founded the city giving it the same name (in the form that in Latin will become Volsinii). Starting from the 4th century the city experienced a gradual contraction and the Volsinian community settled on the cliff that houses the medieval quarter of the Castle and which will constitute the first inhabited nucleus of today's Bolsena.
Just a couple of hours drive North of Rome, today it is the perfect starting point to visit the Tuscia area (a historical region which now coincides with the province of Viterbo) and to plan trips to Tuscany and Umbria. In less than an hour by car you can get to the Argentario and Siena (in Tuscany), to Perugia (in Umbria) and, with only a-few-minute drive, you can get to the towns of Civita di Bagnoregio or Viterbo.
I recommend leaving the car here (in a parking lot) and starting walking around the city on foot. Here you can have an overview of all the parking lots in Bolsena.
The origins of Bolsena date back to the third century. B.C. when the area, formerly the site of important settlements, was populated by the inhabitants who fled the destruction of Velzna, one of the most important Etruscan cities; the fugitives re-founded the city giving it the same name (in the form that in Latin will become Volsinii). Starting from the 4th century the city experienced a gradual contraction and the Volsinian community settled on the cliff that houses the medieval quarter of the Castle and which will constitute the first inhabited nucleus of today's Bolsena.
Just a couple of hours drive North of Rome, today it is the perfect starting point to visit the Tuscia area (a historical region which now coincides with the province of Viterbo) and to plan trips to Tuscany and Umbria. In less than an hour by car you can get to the Argentario and Siena (in Tuscany), to Perugia (in Umbria) and, with only a-few-minute drive, you can get to the towns of Civita di Bagnoregio or Viterbo.
I recommend leaving the car here (in a parking lot) and starting walking around the city on foot. Here you can have an overview of all the parking lots in Bolsena.
0.4 mi
10 min
11:1515 min
If you are lucky enough to find a parking in the closest parking lot, the "Parcheggio Acquario", it is just a 5-minute walk to the Castle. Alternatively, if we consider the Via Francigena as the center of Bolsena (and the starting point to reach from wherever we parked the car), we just need to go up the ancient streets to get to the medieval quarter where the Castle stands out.
The ticket you gives you access to the Castle of Bolsena, also known as "Rocca Monadleschi della Cervara", where you can enjoy a lovely view from its walls
Tip: try to spot both the Etruscan and the Roman museums and the beautiful Lake Aquarium.
Check the opening hours on the Castle's official website.
The ticket you gives you access to the Castle of Bolsena, also known as "Rocca Monadleschi della Cervara", where you can enjoy a lovely view from its walls
Tip: try to spot both the Etruscan and the Roman museums and the beautiful Lake Aquarium.
Check the opening hours on the Castle's official website.
Single Guide
$ 4.99/guide
- Northern Lazio Road Trip: Lake Bolsena and Civita di Bagnoregio
Subscription
$ 4.17 /month
(Annual charge of $ 49.99)
- Northern Lazio Road Trip: Lake Bolsena and Civita di Bagnoregio
- Full access to all travel guides in the Road.Travel collection
- Start your journey with a two-week FREE trial
Promo code can be applied on the next step