The village suspended above the valley

Why Go
One of Italy's most extraordinary villages, Civita di Bagnoregio sits dramatically on a fragile volcanic plateau surrounded by the eroded landscape of the Valley of the Calanchi. You reach it on foot across a long pedestrian bridge, making the arrival part of the experience.

Best For
Photographers • Couples • History lovers • Storybook villages • Travelers looking for a true WOW moment

Getting There
Best by car or private driver | About 1½–2 hours from Rome
The final approach to Civita is on foot across the pedestrian bridge. The route is sloped, so comfortable shoes are important.

When to Go
Year-round. Spring and fall offer especially pleasant conditions for walking and exploring.

Admission
Yes. There is an admission fee to enter Civita via the bridge.

Why I Recommend It
This is a WOW destination. The first glimpse of Civita perched above the valley—and the walk across the bridge toward the ancient village—is the kind of experience that stays with you long after your trip.

Go Confidently Tip
Don't rush this one. Allow time to enjoy the village itself, but also stop and appreciate the views looking back toward Civita from the bridge. That's one of the most spectacular perspectives.

A medieval hill town above the Pontine Plain

Why Go
Sermoneta is a remarkably preserved medieval town surrounded by massive walls and crowned by the imposing Caetani Castle, which dominates the Pontine Plain below. Narrow stone streets, ancient churches and dramatic views make it feel like a place where time has slowed down.

Best For
History lovers • Photographers • Couples • Medieval villages • Travelers seeking authentic Italy

Getting There
Best by car or private driver | About 1¼–1½ hours from Rome
A car makes the most sense for Sermoneta, particularly if you want to combine it with the nearby Garden of Ninfa.

When to Go
Year-round. Spring and fall are especially pleasant for walking the hill town.

Admission
The town itself is free to explore. Admission applies to attractions such as Caetani Castle.

Why I Recommend It
Sermoneta is exactly the kind of destination I want my travelers to discover. It's beautiful without feeling overly polished or touristy, and the combination of medieval architecture, castle, countryside and panoramic views delivers a wonderfully authentic Italian experience.

Go Confidently Tip
Pair Sermoneta with the Garden of Ninfa for an exceptional full-day experience. The two are close enough to make a natural combination.

A romantic garden growing among medieval ruins

Why Go
Imagine walking through an English-style garden filled with flowering plants, streams, stone bridges and medieval ruins. Ninfa was created among the remains of an abandoned medieval town and has become famous for its extraordinary natural beauty. Italy's tourism authority describes it as one of the world's most beautiful gardens.

Best For
Garden lovers • Couples • Photographers • Nature lovers • Romantic getaways

Getting There
Best by car or private driver | About 1¼–1½ hours from Rome
Ninfa is in the countryside near Sermoneta, making a car or private driver the easiest option.

When to Go
Spring is spectacular, particularly when the gardens are in bloom. Opening is seasonal and scheduled, so check the current calendar before planning your visit.

Admission
Yes. Visits require advance reservation, and access is limited to scheduled opening dates/times.

Why I Recommend It
Ninfa is unlike almost anywhere else you'll visit in Italy. Medieval ruins surrounded by lush gardens, clear streams and flowers create an almost dreamlike setting—and it feels more like discovering a secret garden than visiting a conventional attraction.

Go Confidently Tip
Plan Ninfa first, then build your day around it. Because visits are scheduled and reservations are required, don't simply show up and expect to get in.

The whitewashed village above the sea

Why Go
Sperlonga is one of Lazio's most beautiful coastal towns, with brilliant white buildings climbing a rocky promontory above crystal-clear water. Wander its narrow lanes, discover unexpected sea views, relax on the beaches below and explore the remains of Emperor Tiberius's seaside villa.

Best For
Couples • Beach lovers • Photographers • Food lovers • Travelers who love beautiful coastal towns

Getting There
Best by car or private driver | About 1½–2 hours from Rome
Driving gives you the greatest flexibility along this spectacular stretch of coastline.

When to Go
Late spring through early fall is ideal for enjoying the beaches and seaside atmosphere. Spring and fall are especially appealing if you want fewer crowds.

Admission
The town and beaches are free to explore. Admission applies to attractions such as the Villa of Tiberius archaeological site and museum.

Why I Recommend It
Sperlonga gives you a completely different Italy. Instead of another ancient city or hill town, you get whitewashed buildings, turquoise water, beaches, seafood and Roman history—all in one extraordinarily beautiful setting.

Go Confidently Tip
Don't just visit the beach. Climb into the old town and wander. Some of the best moments come from turning down a little alley and suddenly finding a spectacular view of the sea.

Step into the world of the Etruscans

Why Go
Long before Rome dominated Italy, the Etruscans flourished here. Tarquinia's UNESCO-listed Monterozzi Necropolis contains thousands of ancient tombs, including remarkably preserved painted chambers that offer an extraordinary glimpse into a civilization that predates Rome. The medieval town above adds another layer of history.

Best For
History lovers • Archaeology enthusiasts • Travelers fascinated by ancient civilizations • Photographers

Getting There
Best by car or private driver | About 1¼–1½ hours from Rome
Tarquinia is also reachable by train, but a car makes it much easier to combine the historic town with the necropolis and surrounding countryside.

When to Go
Year-round. Spring and fall are especially comfortable for exploring the archaeological site.

Admission
Yes. Admission applies to the Necropolis and other major attractions such as the National Archaeological Museum.

Why I Recommend It
Tarquinia is for the traveler who wants to go beyond the familiar Roman story. Walking into an ancient painted Etruscan tomb and seeing artwork created more than two thousand years ago is an experience you simply can't replicate in Rome.

Go Confidently Tip
Give yourself enough time for both the necropolis and the medieval town. They're very different experiences and together make Tarquinia much more rewarding.

A beautifully preserved medieval city

Why Go
Viterbo is one of Lazio's most atmospheric medieval cities, with stone streets, towers, courtyards and the wonderfully preserved San Pellegrino quarter. Its history as a papal city, medieval architecture and surrounding thermal waters make it an intriguing alternative to Italy's more famous destinations.

Best For
History lovers • Architecture enthusiasts • Slow travelers • Couples • Travelers seeking authentic Italy

Getting There
Best by car or private driver | About 1½–2 hours from Rome
Viterbo can also be reached by regional train, but a car gives you much greater flexibility to explore the surrounding Tuscia countryside.

When to Go
Year-round. Spring and fall are particularly enjoyable for exploring the historic center on foot.

Admission
Mostly free to explore. Individual museums, churches and attractions may require admission.

Why I Recommend It
Viterbo feels wonderfully real. It isn't a stage set created for tourists; it's a living medieval city where people still live among centuries-old stone buildings. The San Pellegrino quarter, in particular, is one of those places where simply wandering is the experience.

Go Confidently Tip
Take your time in the San Pellegrino quarter rather than trying to cover the entire city. This is a destination for wandering, lingering over lunch and enjoying the atmosphere.