TRAVEL GUIDE LAZIO, ABRUZZO AND MOLISE

Lazio, the cradle of Western civilization and Christian culture, offers varied landscapes. The region is known for the Lake of Bolsena, Etruscan sites and Roman archaeological sites, the Castelli Romani villages, the villas d'Este and Adriana of Tivoli. The coast of Lazio bordered by the Tyrrhenian Sea offers beautiful sandy beaches. In southern Lazio and accessible by boat, the Pontine islands with clear waters and picturesque fishing villages offer breathtaking natural beauty. Kept well away from the pulse of mass tourism, the regions of Abruzzo and Molise whom historic and cultural heritage, biodiversity and unspoiled nature, handcrafts, enogastronomic traditions, contrasting landscapes will appeal to travelers looking for peace and authenticity.

Rome

Moving, nostalgic, unique, welcoming, coloured, nonchalant, animated are some of the many words that characterise the eternal city. Rome, an open-air museum, must be appreciated strolling along the yellow, pink and ochre facades of the historic centre, penetrating into the labyrinth of alleys to discover fountains, baroque churches, palaces from the Renaissance and the ruins of the ancient town. At lunchtime, the scent of pancetta and garlic slightly fried in olive oil will remind you that it is time for a gastronomic halt, because in this city one must take the time to live...

Around Rome

The Castelli Romani can offer both natural and cultural treasures such as medieval boroughs, villas, volcanic lakes and stunning landscapes. The gastronomy of the area is of a high quality and the wine choice is exhaustive. The renowned vineyards of Frascati produce an excellent AOC white wine. Following the country paths that wind through the vineyards you will reach the charming towns of Frascati, Castel Gandolfo, Nemi and Grottaferrata.

Cerveteri

The ancient Etruscan town of Cerveteri, is situated 40 km north of Rome. The Necropolis, today's only remnant of this wonderful evidence of the Etruscan world and civilisation, is well worth a visit.

Ostia Antica

Ostia Antica, the ancient harbour of Rome was founded in the IV century by Anchus Marcius. The city disappeared eight centuries later, swallowed by the sand and floods. The actual archaeological site stands at about twenty km south of Rome and besides being a rich historic spot is also an opportunity for a pleasant walk or a great day out.

Tivoli

The Villas and its charming historic centre make Tivoli a "compulsory" halting-place if you are around Rome. Villa Adriana, a masterpiece of roman architecture, and outcome of the imagination of the Emperor Hadrian, is the evidence of the right balance of harmony between a building and the nature itself. Villa Adriana is listed as Unesco world heritage. Villa d'Este instead, with the beautiful gardens and fountains, is a remarkable example of the Renaissance culture at its best. The Villa was one of the first examples of 'giardini delle meraviglie', the gardens of wonders, and was taken as a model for the construction and development of other gardens in Europe.

Gaeta

Gaeta is a charming fishing village located in the south of Lazio region. An old town centre with Roman relics, quiet coves bordered by crystal-clear waters, spectacular landscapes make Gaeta and its gulf an ideal holiday destination.

Viterbe and Tuscia

The Tuscia region, part of the "Francigena road", also known as the land of etruscans is located in the northern parts of Lazio close to the borders of Umbria and Tuscany. The countryside hilly landscapes, well preserved medieval villages, archeological sites and renamed thermal springs characterized this beautiful and less touristy region. Viterbo, also known as the "City of the Popes", is worth to be visited if you are in the region. The town has very well preserved the splendor and prestige of former times and it is still possible to feel, in the palaces and medieval churches.

Around Viterbo

In the area you can chase the story of the Etruscans visiting the Necropolis of Tarquinia, enjoy the clear waters of the volcanic lake of Bolsena and sip the excellent white wine Est Est Est... produced on the hills of Montefiascone, a splendid village overlooking the lake of Bolsena. Not to miss: Acquapendente, Tarquinia, lake of Bolsena, Caprarola, Vitorchiano, Civita di Bagnoreggio, Villa Lante of Bagnaia.

Abruzzo and Molise

Once attached to Molise, Abruzzo region is characterized by high mountains gradually sloping down towards the sandy Adriatic coast. The sublime nature of the National Park of Abruzzo, Gran Sasso and the Park of Majella, the cultural heritage, the local handicraft, the beautiful medieval boroughs like l'Aquila, Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Pescasseroli, Chieti and Guardiagrele, the sandy beaches in summertime, the snowy peaks in wintertime and the renown regional gastronomy make the Abruzzo region a perfect destination for every kind of tourists to visit all year.

Ideally located between Lazio, Abruzzo and Campania regions, Molise is a natural and unspoilt land with spectacular landscapes and numerous local traditions. Free of the hurly-burly tourism, Molise is the perfect place for travelers in search of peace, nature and authenticity.

DISCOVER OUR EXCLUSIVE SELECTION OF BOUTIQUE HOTELS, B&B AND FARMHOUSES IN ROME AND LAZIO

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Hote-Italia gives priority to owners who promote craftsman work, who prepare delicious home cooked food with local and organic products, who respect traditional architecture and who act for environment protection.

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USEFUL INFORMATION

VISIT If you purchase the Roma Pass 2 days or 3 days, you will be granted 1 or 2 free entries for the city's museums or archaeological sites and a ticket to use the public transport network. The 3 days pass also gives a reduced rate ticket for the third visit of a museum or archaeological site and several reductions for cultural events in Rome and surroundings. Roma pass can be purchased online, in museums and archaeological sites participating to this offer and at the tourist information points.

GETTING ABOUT Whilst renting a car is always a good way to visit the region, Rome itself is very well connected with the rest of Lazio by rail. For those wishing to visit central Rome, it's probably a good idea to park in the suburbs. The historic centre is best seen on foot, while sites of interest nearer the edge of the city can easily be reached by tram or metro.

GETTING THERE By plane: Rome Fiumicino International Airport, Rome Ciampino Airport
By train: Rome Termini Station