Lazio
Rome is just the beginning—Etruscan tombs, volcanic lakes, and hill towns await beyond the Eternal City.
About Lazio
Everyone comes to Lazio for Rome, but the region surrounding the capital is a revelation. Ancient Etruscan necropolises at Cerveteri and Tarquinia predate Roman civilisation. The volcanic lakes of Bracciano and Bolsena offer peaceful retreats just an hour from the Colosseum. The hill towns of the Castelli Romani have been the Roman escape since antiquity, with their own wines and porchetta traditions. And then there's Tivoli, where Hadrian built his dream villa and the Renaissance cardinals created paradise gardens.
Best Time to Visit
April to June or September to November. Rome is scorching in July and August. The Castelli Romani are perfect for autumn wine festivals, and spring brings wildflowers to the Etruscan sites.
Local Tips
- Escape Rome to the lakes.
Lake Bracciano is 45 minutes from Rome with a stunning Orsini-Odescalchi castle. A local will help you combine a lake swim, castle visit, and a lunch of lake fish in a single perfect day trip.
- Visit the Etruscan underworld.
Cerveteri's Banditaccia necropolis has thousands of carved tombs older than Rome itself. A local knows the less-visited painted tombs at Tarquinia that bring the ancient world to vivid life.
- Do the Castelli Romani properly.
The hill towns south of Rome (Frascati, Castel Gandolfo, Nemi) are where Romans go for porchetta, local wine, and strawberries. A local will plan the perfect circuit with the best family-run fraschette.
(the local lens)
Meet the Local Experts
Your on-the-ground insiders . The ones who know the enduring favourites, the quiet corners and what’s worth your time.
Massimo
Rome
5.0(2 reviews)Hi, I'm Massimo, and for ten years I've been hosting tourists from around the world to discover Rome, its treasures, colors, and flavors. After studying Architecture and Art History, and after many years as an Art Director in Advertising, I decided to dedicate myself to tourism, driven by the desire to share my city with the countless tourists who visit it every day. My specialty is uncovering and highlighting Rome's hidden corners and taking you on off-the-beaten-path itineraries.
Francesca
Rome, Naples
0.0(0 reviews)My name is Francesca, and I’m an Art Historian and photographer based in Rome, specializing in Roman archaeology, as well as Renaissance and Baroque art. With Rome as my home and main source of inspiration, I design experiences that reveal the country through its art, history, culture, and everyday life, shaping each itinerary around my clients’ interests, pace, and travel style. My approach is rooted in thoughtful exploration: I craft journeys that immerse travelers in local traditions and hidden places, connecting them with experiences shaped by the people who live there. As a passionate lover of nature-focused travel, I also curate recommendations for natural parks, secluded beaches, and immersive hiking trails, offering a deeper connection to Italy’s landscapes beyond its cities. Italy offers an extraordinary cultural and culinary heritage, and stepping off the beaten path opens the door to rare and meaningful encounters—moments untouched by mass tourism and rich in character. I’m here to help you experience Italy in a more genuine, memorable, and personal way.
Mike
Rome, Florence +7
0.0(0 reviews)I’m Mike from Rome with Mike, an American who’s called Italy home since 2003. I help travelers plan relaxed, unforgettable Roman holidays—at a local’s pace. Think hidden corners, underground sites, and experiences not everyone gets to see. No rushing, no tourist traps—just smart planning and insider insight. Whether you’re here for art, history, or food and wine, I’ve got you covered. Let’s slow it down and make Rome feel like home. The goal is simple: to help you experience Rome not as a tourist, but as a Roman.
Peter
Rome
0.0(0 reviews)I am a highly educated, well traveled dual Italian-American citizen whom has spent the lion’s share of my adulthood in Roma. There is no place like Rome: the beauty, the history, the food and the weather. There is something to experience around every corner and under your feet. I also know (and travel to) Tuscany, Florence, Pompeii, Sorrento, Positano, The Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, Bologna and Venice.