Etruscan Hilltop Towns of Italy Tour

Italy
Walking
Self-Guided
Etruscan Hilltop Towns of Italy Tour

Etruscan Hilltop Towns of Italy Tour

Prices

From $795USD

Difficulty

Self-guided

Hotels

Start Your Booking

Highlights

Explore three regions of Italy on one gorgeous, relaxed walking tour

Experience the unique beauty of Tuscany, Lazio, and Umbria on one adventure tour.

Walk through lush rolling hills, valleys, quaint villages, past lakes, and more in this stunning part of Italy.

In each town along the way, stop to sample the cuisine, explore the buildings, and meet the locals.

Snap photos of churches, fortresses, villas, and endless vineyards that dot the landscape.

The Etruscan Hilltop Towns of Italy tour is a perfect experience for those who want to get in touch with some of Italy’s quiet, idyllic regions: Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio. There is something about hilltop towns that makes them look straight out of a fairytale. Perched on top of hills and cliffs, they dominate the surrounding countryside with their castles, fortresses and houses.

This walking tour takes you on a thrilling adventure through three different regions and along steep valleys, dense forests, rivers and lakes, and the legendary eroded clay slopes of the badlands. Each day you’ll visit a different hilltop town. Walk alongside farmhouses nestled amidst olive groves, vineyards and fig trees, thermal baths, ancient Roman roads, and prestigious wineries. Escape into Italy on this divine tour!

Etruscan Hilltop Towns of Italy Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Orvieto

Your trip starts in Orvieto, one of the oldest towns in Italy, sitting atop a tuffaceous cliff on the border between Umbria and Lazio. If you arrive early, enjoy a stroll through this former centre of the Etruscan civilization and visit its impressive cathedral and the St.Patrick Well, a masterpiece of engineering. It is 62 meters deep, it has a diameter of 13.5 meters and two 248 step spiral staircases that never meet, lit by 72 windows that create a surreal atmosphere.

To celebrate the beginning of your trip, enjoy a local dinner and a glass of local great wine in one of the restaurants in town.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Orvieto
Distance
None
Meals
None

Day 2 Transfer to Civita and Walk to Orvieto

On your first day of walking you will cross the border between two regions, leaving the soft hills of Umbria to approach Lazio. First thing in the morning, a transfer takes you to Civita di Bagnoregio. Civita is also called “the dying city” as the hill where it is located is being eroded at the base by the continuous action of the two streams in the valleys below, as well as by the effect of rain and wind.

Here you can decide to take a shuttle bus to avoid all or part of the asphalted road to Lubriano. In Lubriano you can visit the nice Naturalistic Museum. From the viewpoint of the Madonna del Poggio church you can finally enjoy the impressive, lunar-like landscape of Calanchi (the Italian badlands) with Civita di Bagnoregio overhanging the valley.

From Lubriano you continue along tarmac and gravel roads to Orvieto, crossing again the border to enter Umbria.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Orvieto
Distance
5/6.5 hours, 15/20km, 406/526m of ascent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 3 Walk to Bolsena

Today you walk from Orvieto to Bolsena, enjoying another change of scenery and region. The further you go, the richer the nature. Catch the first glimpse of Lake Bolsena, a crater lake originating from the eruption of the now dormant Vulsini Volcano. Continue along dirt tracks, alternating thick woods with meadows scattered with olive trees.

You’ll reach Bolsena. If you are curious to see proof of the miracle of the Corpus Domini, for which Bolsena is famous, marble slabs stained by the blood pouring from a host in the 13th century are kept in the Cappella del Miracolo. If, instead, you are more interested in the cuisine, you can taste Sbroscia, a local soup made from lake fish and tomatoes.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Bolsena
Distance
5 hours, 16km, 535m of ascent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 4 Transfer to Sovana and Walk to Pitigliano

A private transfer takes you to Tuscany and to the Etruscan Necropolis of Sovana this morning. The site houses several kinds of tombs from simple cave-like excavations to the tomb of Hildebrand, a monumental temple named after an 11th century pope who was born in Sovana. You then start your walk through vineyards, olive groves and pastures, which takes you to Pitigliano, rising dramatically from a ridge and surrounded on all sides by a deep ravine.

Just before arriving at Pitigliano, you walk across an Etruscan Via Cava, a deep and narrow cut in the cliffs that was used as an efficient defensive system against invaders.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Pitigliano
Distance
3 hours, 8km, 274m of ascent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 5 Walk in Pitigliano Loop or Agriturismo Back to Town

Today you have two choices: you can take an easy walk along the most renowned Vie Cave of Pitigliano, visiting an archaeological park on the way. As a second option, you can take an optional transfer (not included) to reach an Agriturismo just out of town, walking back to Pitigliano through the beautiful Maremma countryside, passing Etruscan tombs and “tagliate” on your way.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Pitigliano
Distance
3/5 hours, 7/14.5km, 160/436m of ascent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 6 Walk to Sorano

Today’s destination is Sorano. This enchanting hilltop hamlet is also known as the “Matera of Tuscany” for its conformation, with groups of stone houses perched on the top of an imposing rocks. The Orsini fortress overlooks the whole town, an impregnable castle that used to belong to the ancient and noble Orsini family, and where you will spend your night.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Sorano
Distance
5 hours, 13.5km, 319m of ascent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 7 Explore Sorano

On your last day, explore the surroundings of Sorano with an easy walk. Albeit being your last walk, the itinerary does not disappoint as you walk through the archaeological area of Vitozza, with the possibility to take a short optional detour to visit the ruins of a Medieval castle and church.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Sorano
Distance
5 hours, 12km, 224m of ascent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 8 Arrivederci Sorano!

The trip ends after breakfast. Depart for the airport via public transport unless you have pre-booked a private transfer.

Overnight Location
None
Distance
None
Meals
Breakfast

Etruscan Hilltop Towns of Italy Price and Dates

This self-guided tour in Italy is always run as a private tour for your group only and the pricing depends on the season, as well as the room types that you require.

The prices below are per person.

Departures on April 1st - June 25th:

  • Price per solo traveller: $1,650USD
  • Price per person in single room (group of 2+): $1,325USD
  • Price per person sharing a double room: $995USD
  • Price per person sharing a triple room: $795USD

Departures on June 26th - September 4th:

  • Price per solo traveller: $1,695USD
  • Price per person in single room (group of 2+): $1,350USD
  • Price per person sharing a double room: $1,025USD
  • Price per person sharing a triple room: $795USD

Departures on September 5th - 30th:

  • Price per solo traveller: $1,675USD
  • Price per person in single room (group of 2+): $1,350USD
  • Price per person sharing a double room: $1,025USD
  • Price per person sharing a triple room: $795USD

Departures on October 1st - 31st:

  • Price per solo traveller: $1,650USD
  • Price per person in single room (group of 2+): $1,325USD
  • Price per person sharing a double room: $995USD
  • Price per person sharing a triple room: $795USD
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Accommodation on the Etruscan Hilltop Towns of Italy Tour

This tour is based in hotels. Hotels on this trip are 2-3-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Rooms may have fireplaces or access to amenities such as hot tubs, steam rooms, or private decks to lounge on.

In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement of to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.

Hotel Corso in Orvieto

This cute hotel is perched on a cobblestone street in the medieval center of town. You’re only a couple of kilometers from main attractions and the rooms are kept very clean.

Hotel Royal in Bolsena

You’ll want to laze away next to the gorgeous outdoor pool at this hotel, although the nearby lake is also a plus. Enjoy romantic vibes and pretty rooms here.

B&B La Casa dei Carrai

This B&B has tons of character with tile floors, stone walls, and cute furnishings. The rooms are homey and the hosts are very kind.

Hotel della Fortezza

Ever stayed the night in a stone fortress? You will tonight! This hotel is one of a kind, made out of an old fortress with unique rooms and modern amenities.

Hotels on Standard Tour

What’s Included in the Etruscan Hilltop Towns of Italy Tour?

Meals

7 breakfasts are included.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 7 nights are included.

Transportation during the Tour

Luggage transfer is included in this trip (1 piece, up to 20kg). Also, private transfers for you to Civita di Bagnoregio on Day 2 and to Sovana on Day 4 are included. When you travel with public transport you will take your luggage with you. Travel from and to the airport is not included but can be added.

Also Included

  • Information Kit
  • Route notes
  • 24/7 phone support

Not included

  • City taxes
  • Guide services
  • Visas if required
  • Flights
  • Meals not mentioned as included
  • Anything not mentioned as included

Optional Extras

  • Airport transfers
  • Additional night before or after the tour
  • Single occupancy upgrades

Frequenty Asked Questions about Etruscan Hilltop Towns of Italy Tour

How hard is the Etruscan Hilltop Towns of Italy Tour?

We rate this tour as a 2/5. The route is moderate, with ups and downs and occasional mildly steep ascents. It’s generally a suitable tour for fit beginner and moderate walkers. Some walks can be shortened if requested in advance.

Do I need a visa to travel to Italy?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?

Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel, since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.

Are meals included on the Etruscan Hilltop Towns of Italy Tour?

7 breakfasts are included.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.

How do I get to Orvieto to start this tour?

There are three airports you can fly into: Pisa Airport (PSA), Rome Airport (FCO), and Florence Airport (FLR). From any of these airports, you can take a bus or train to Orvieto.

Where does the Etruscan Hilltop Towns of Italy Tour end?

The tour ends in Sorano. You can take a bus or train to your departure airport.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to Italy?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for Italy?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

Reviews

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Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.

Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.

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Prices

From $795USD

Difficulty

Self-guided

Hotels

Start Your Booking

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Rated 4.9 on Google Reviews

Tour Difficulty

We rate this tour as a 2/5. The route is moderate, with ups and downs and occasional mildly steep ascents. It’s generally a suitable tour for fit beginner and moderate walkers. Some walks can be shortened if requested in advance.


Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.

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