Viterbo & Bagnaia. We leave Rome at about 8.30 am and we expect to be back by 6.00-6.30 pm

You’ll be picked up at the hotel if you’re in downtown Rome, and in about 1 and ½ hour drive we’ll reach our first stop, Viterbo. The region in which we’ll spend our day, once home to the Etruscans, is called Tuscia.

The landscape alternates agricultural areas, deep gorges of tufa rock topped by a lush vegetation, wild woods, volcanic lakes. Well-preserved Medieval villages, imposing churches and spectacular Renaissance villas testify the historical density of the territory, where popes and cardinals enjoyed spending leisure time away from frantic, dangerous and unhealthy Rome.

Viterbo had its highest moment of glory when, in the 13^th century, it became the seat of the papal court for a period of 24 years (1257-1281). The Palace of the Popes still maintains today all its medieval austerity and powerful appearance.

Our Viterbo & Bagnaia tour begins at Porta Romana, and, with the help of our local guide we visit all the historic center, entirely surrounded by its dark peperino stone walls, built between the 12^th and 13^th centuries and stlll perfectly preserved today.

Past the Church of San Sisto, we stop to admire the Romanesque-Gothic Fontana Grande, the largest and most famous fountain in Viterbo, built in 1212 and enlarged several times. This elegant construction is one of the town’s most famous and admired symbols.

We head now to the district of San Pellegrino, considered the best-preserved Medieval neighborhood in Italy, that will enchant you with its arches, towers, external staircases, small hanging gardens. Antique shops open along the alleys.