SERIES: BOLSENA, MORE THAN A WEEK
Three nights in Bolsena and four days to discover a landscape that changes within just a few kilometres: from the lake to the Valle dei Calanchi, all the way to the tuff cliff of Orvieto.
Sometimes, adding just one more day to a weekend can completely change the way you travel.
With Bolsena as your base, you can take the time to enjoy the town and the lake while easily reaching some of the most fascinating places between Tuscia and Umbria, returning to the same place every evening.
This time, the journey takes you to Civita di Bagnoregio, Lubriano and Orvieto.
Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
Base: Bolsena
Places to visit nearby: Civita di Bagnoregio, Lubriano, Orvieto
Recommended: car
Day 1 – The journey begins in Bolsena
There is no need to fill the first day with too many plans.
After checking in, the best way to begin is to take some time to discover Bolsena: a walk through the historic centre, Piazza Matteotti, the Castle District and then down towards the lake.
The lakeside promenade sets the pace for the evening, with time for a walk, an aperitif and your first dinner.
Your first night is in Bolsena.
Day 2 – Civita, Lubriano and the Valle dei Calanchi
The second day takes you into one of the most distinctive landscapes in Tuscia.
Just a few kilometres from Bolsena lies Civita di Bagnoregio.
Just a few kilometres from Bolsena lies Civita di Bagnoregio, known throughout the world as “the Dying Town”, a name linked to the fragile tuff hill on which it stands and to the slow process of erosion that has been shaping the landscape for centuries.
A pedestrian bridge leads to the village, suspended above the Valle dei Calanchi, characterised by clay slopes sculpted by time and views that change with every step.
The historic centre of Civita di Bagnoregio has preserved all the charm of a small village gathered around Piazza San Donato. Its tuff houses, narrow streets, arches and picturesque corners tell the story of centuries past.
A truly remarkable place and one that should not be missed.
After visiting Civita, continue towards Lubriano.
From here, Civita can be seen from a completely different perspective. The village overlooks the Valle dei Calanchi and, among its narrow streets, small squares and panoramic viewpoints, offers another way to experience the same landscape
Two nearby villages, two different ways of looking at the same valley.
In the afternoon, return towards the lake.
Dinner and your second night in Bolsena.
Day 3 – Orvieto, just beyond the regional border
On the third day, you cross into another region, but the landscape remains familiar.
From Bolsena, head towards Orvieto, built on the great tuff cliff overlooking the surrounding valley.
The natural starting point is the Cathedral of Orvieto, with its remarkable façade and the Chapel of San Brizio. Inside, the cathedral also preserves the Corporal connected to the Eucharistic Miracle of Bolsena of 1263, a historic link that has united the two towns for centuries.
From here, you can continue to the Well of St Patrick, the Pozzo della Cava, Orvieto Underground, or simply enjoy a walk through the historic centre.
After lunch and a few more hours among the narrow streets and local shops, it is time to head back.
Because this day also ends where the stay began:
in Bolsena, for a third night by the lake.
Day 4 – The remaining time still belongs to Bolsena
The last morning does not have to be simply the morning you leave.
It can be the perfect time to return to the lakeside promenade, visit the Basilica of Santa Cristina, climb up to the Monaldeschi della Cervara Fortress or discover something you may have left for later.
Or simply stay a little longer.
A coffee, a few local purchases, one final walk and, if time allows, one last lunch in Bolsena before heading home.
One extra day can change the whole journey
Lake, badlands, villages and art cities are all within easy reach of one another.
And there is no need to change destination or accommodation every day.
Start from Bolsena. Discover the surrounding area. And return to Bolsena.
Plan your stay in Bolsena
Discover where to stay, what to do and how to experience the destination at
www.visitbolsena.it
