Most travelers decide to stop at Rome and assume they’ve “done Lazio.” But the region is far bigger than the Eternal City in so many ways and for so many reasons. I know Rome dominates guidebooks, bucket lists, and travel websites (ehm, hello Rome Actually!), but Lazio definitely deserves more love and attention.
Beyond the Colosseum and Vatican, Lazio hides medieval towns, Etruscan ruins, lush and bizarre gardens, and authentic food experiences that many visitors who hit exclusively Rome’s city center simply miss.
With a private small-group tour, you can see Lazio as locals live it – stress-free and crowd-free.
Once you decide to venture out of the comfortable tourist zone, the Lazio region unfolds into perched villages, volcanic lakes, and family-run trattorias where recipes have remained largely unchanged for centuries.
Whether you’ve been to Rome once or you’re visiting for the first time, in the rest of the Lazio region, you’ll see a deeper, more authentic Italy.
This is why Lazio deserves a spot on your Italy itinerary, and exploring it with an exclusive private tour where all the logistics are taken care of makes all the difference.
If you’re ready to go beyond Rome and discover authentic Italy, join my exclusive Discover Lazio tour: seven days of exploration that will bring Lazio to life.
Why Lazio deserves more than a day trip from Rome
Rome is the beating heart of Lazio and the former world capital; no one is denying that. But this is not the whole story. The region stretches from the Tyrrhenian Sea to the Apennine Mountains, packed with history and landscapes that shaped Italy long before Rome was founded and even played an important role in supporting Rome itself.
Let’s get into detail.
- History. Etruscan tombs, papal palaces, and medieval cathedrals are woven into the fabric of Lazio’s smaller towns.
- Nature. From volcanic lakes like Bolsena to rugged hills, the scenery changes dramatically within an hour of Rome. Along with the volcanic lake of Bolsena, I’m proud to include a walk (and lunch!) in the wonderful beechwood of the Cimini mountain range in my Discover Lazio Tour. With several centuries-old beech trees, this forest is precious and protected.
- Lifestyle. Unlike major tourist centers, Lazio’s towns still move at their own rhythm. Locals gather in piazzas, markets fill with regional (and seasonal!) produce, and festivals celebrate centuries-old traditions.
- Beautiful medieval towns. Step outside Rome and you’ll find Lazio’s medieval heritage alive and well. And utterly beguiling! These aren’t open-air museums prepared to host thousands of visitors daily; they’re towns where daily life still unfolds against centuries-old backdrops. From Anagni to Vitorchiano to Viterbo itself, a trip through the Lazio region will open a window on the region’s importance and authenticity.
If you’re ready to go beyond Rome and discover authentic Italy, join my exclusive Discover Lazio tour: seven days of exploration that will bring Lazio to life.
So what’s stopping travelers?
The problem is that most travelers never see this side of Lazio.
Truth be said, it’s not all the travelers’ fault.
- Trains don’t reach everywhere
- Buses are patchy and infrequent
- Not everyone is confident driving in Italy
- Parking is hard to find
- ZTLs are lurking behind every corner
- Many places are mainly known to locals
- The best food is where locals eat!
By stepping outside Rome with a private small-group tour, you’ll discover:
- Authentic towns untouched by mass tourism
- Centuries of history from the Etruscans to the papacy
- Landscapes that range from volcanic lakes to unspoilt forests
- Food and wine traditions that capture Lazio’s old character and charm
Why a private small-group tour makes exploring easier
Here’s the truth: Lazio is best experienced in relaxation and with curiosity. Big bus tours can’t navigate narrow medieval streets, and going solo means wrestling with timetables and maps. A private small-group tour gives you freedom without the hassle.
- Pace. You are freer to decide how long to linger—whether it’s at a palace, a vineyard, or a gelato shop.
- Insight. A local guide explains the layers of history you’d otherwise miss.
- Connection. Small groups foster conversations with locals and allow spontaneous stops.
- The logistic is taken care of. Everything will already be booked and
- Expert tour leader. An experienced (Italian!) tour leader will be with you for the whole duration of the trip.
- Knowledgeable private driver. A local private driver with a deep knowledge of the region will whisk you from one place to another.
- Local tour guides. You will discover each monument, archaeological site, and landmark with the best tour guides who will enrich your visit with historical facts and anecdotes.
If you’re ready to go beyond Rome and discover authentic Italy, join my exclusive Discover Lazio tour: seven days of exploration that will bring Lazio to life.
