Etruscan Hilltop Towns of Italy Tour
Etruscan Hilltop Towns of Italy Tour

Etruscan Hilltop Towns of Italy Tour

8 days

Pastures in Orivieto, ItalyOrivieto (Italy) as seen from afarBeautiful architecture in Umbria, seen while on self-guided walking tour in ItalyEtruscan Hilltop Towns of Italy Tour-0Etruscan Hilltop Towns of Italy Tour-1Etruscan Hilltop Towns of Italy Tour-2

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

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!

Highlights of the Etruscan Hilltop Towns of Italy 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.

Prices

From $875USD
8 days
Difficulty
Self-Guided
Hotels
  • No Booking or Credit Card Fees
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Etruscan Hilltop Towns of Italy 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

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The departure is available on any day of the week. Prices below are per person:

Departures on October 1st - 31st, 2023:

  • Solo traveller: $1,595 USD
  • Single room (group of 2+): $1,275 USD
  • Sharing a double/twin room: $975 USD
  • Sharing a triple room: $775 USD

Departures on April 1st - 20th, 2024:

  • Solo traveller: $1,775 USD
  • Single room (group of 2+): $1,450 USD
  • Sharing a double/twin room: $1,075 USD
  • Sharing a triple room: $875 USD

Departures on April 21st - May 1st, 2024:

  • Solo traveller: $1,850 USD
  • Single room (group of 2+): $1,525 USD
  • Sharing a double/twin room: $1,125 USD
  • Sharing a triple room: $925 USD

Departures on May 2nd - June 25th, 2024:

  • Solo traveller: $1,775 USD
  • Single room (group of 2+): $1,450 USD
  • Sharing a double/twin room: $1,075 USD
  • Sharing a triple room: $875 USD

Departures on June 26th - September 7th, 2024:

  • Solo traveller: $1,850 USD
  • Single room (group of 2+): $1,525 USD
  • Sharing a double/twin room: $1,125 USD
  • Sharing a triple room: $925 USD

Departures on September 8th - October 31st, 2024:

  • Solo traveller: $1,775 USD
  • Single room (group of 2+): $1,450 USD
  • Sharing a double/twin room: $1,075 USD
  • Sharing a triple room: $875 USD
Book Now

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.

Hotels on Standard Tour

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 ★★★

Hotel Royal in Bolsena offers lakefront accommodations with spacious rooms and access to the scenic Lake Bolsena.

B&B Il Tufo Rosa

Enjoy staying in elegant rooms with beautiful décor. This cozy Bed and Breakfast is centrally located.

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.

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Etruscan Hilltop Towns of Italy Tour

S-Cape Travel is a boutique tour operator focused on sharing the best walking, cycling, cultural and food & wine tours in Europe. Book one of their self-guided tours to live La Dolce Vita for a week or two, as you walk or cycle around Europe, enjoying incredible views and amazing food and wine.

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Map of Etruscan Hilltop Towns of Italy Tour

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Is this tour for me?

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.

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