Vantage World Travel

Lazio for Connoisseurs

The crib of civilization and a chest of immense treasures, Rome is the city of emperors and popes. It was founded by Romolus upon seven hills in the 8th century BC in the region of Lazio. This eternal city inevitably receives well-deserved attention because of its wonderful architectural masterpieces: the Colosseum, Saint Peter’s Basilica, the Roman Forum, the baroque churches and basilicas, and the spectacular Saint Peter’s Square. This magnificent city has successfully blended its ancient past with its modern cosmopolitan present.

South of Rome are the Albani Hills, abundant with grapevines and olive trees. Further south, traveling through the countryside of the Agro Pontino, is the spectacular promontory of Circeo. This area, along the Tirreno seacoast, is famous for its national park and a favorite among vacationers.

North of Rome, through the picturesque volcanic lakes, is Viterbese. This surrounding area, with scattered villages built on a tuff rock layer, includes the fascinating Tuscia, overflowing with Etruscan archeological sites.

Lazio’s regional food reflects its ancient traditions through dishes such as bucatini all’amatriciana, hollow spaghetti-like pasta with bacon, tomatoes, and onion sprinkled with cheese, or abbacchio alla cacciatora, coda alla vaccinara (braised oxtail), carciofi alla giudìa (artichokes cooked in oil), fritto misto, a selection of local vegetables fried in batter, and saltimbocca alla Romana, a tasty dish of rolled veal cooked with ham and sage. These wonderful dishes can be easily paired with the great variety of regional wines.

Highlights

• Unique to the Lazio region is its Canino DOP Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Squeezed from the Caninese, Pendolino, Leccino, Frantoio and Maurino olives, this olive oil is a true delight to the palate. It is recognized by its unique qualities - its emerald green color, golden reflection, pleasant bouquet and bitter aftertaste.
• The most famous wine from the regional town of Montefiascone is Est! Est!! Est!! This unusual name (from the Latin “it is”), originates from the 12th century. According to legend, the squire of Bishop Defuk, was ordered to proceed his master on his trip to Rome in order to designate the establishments with the finest wines. The word “Est!” on the door of an inn signified a good wine, and “Est! Est!” signified an excellent wine. But in Montefiascone, he was compelled to add another “Est!” since the wine was so wonderful. However, the bishop drank so much that he died.
• The Colosseum is without a doubt the most well-known Roman monument. This imposing, elliptic amphitheater was inaugurated in AD 80 with a celebration that lasted one hundred days. During this time an inestimable number of wild animals and gladiators were killed. Due to earthquakes and the custom of using the monuments as a quarry to build homes, the original aspect of the Coliseum was altered. Nevertheless, it still remains the authentic symbol of Rome.
• Located in the area of Tuscia Romana, the town of Cìvita was built on a tuff spur and is connected to Bagnoregio by a suspended, pedestrian bridge.

Contact us for your Customized Program

Our suggested regional programs include the traditional, cultural and artistic sites but also much more as, we think, it is important to emphasize one of the distinguishing characteristics that makes Italy well-known through out the world: its food and wine. In every region we have carefully selected local companies and producers where the most distinguished Italian specialties are made, as well as restaurants where our guests will have the opportunity to experience and taste the very best of Italian cuisine specific to each region. These regional discoveries are presented mostly as customized individual discoveries available in a variety of service levels, from self drive itineraries to chauffer driven tours, but we have also prepared some escorted programs in selected areas. The following is only a short list of suggested programs. A lot more is possible, just ask us to prepare the program of your choice with the locations you desire.

Escorted Programs

Lazio & Campania (8 days) - Escorted Program

From Rome to the Amalfi Coast discovering art and sweet treasures, the taste of which will remain with us forever. Rome, the Eternal City, where history has left its marks on thousands of monuments, ruins, museums and churches so that the entire city is a gigantic open air museum in itself, has a special atmosphere, a timeless charm attracting tourists year after year. From this magic capital city through the enchanting beauties of the Amalfi coast, a stunning landscape full of Mediterranean colors and scents, we arrive in Pompei, a picture of life-style in the ancient empire.

Independent Programs

Grand Tour of Lazio (7 days)

Start your discovery from Bolsena, on the shores of the greatest European lake of volcanic origin, and Montefiascone of Est! Est!! Est!!! fame. Then focus your attention on Tuscania, closely associated with an ancient Etruscan past that has left behind a few necropolises scattered throughout the countryside, and Viterbo boasting an illustrious past that saw the city holding the papal seat during the second half of the 13th C. Cross the Sabina, an area rich in olive trees, and Tivoli with the ancient and sumptuous Villa Adriana, the largest villa ever built during ancient times, and Villa d’Este, known for its fountains. Close by is Frascati and the Alban hills famous for their white wines. Drive among archaeology and vineyards through the Agro Pontino and the Circeo coast, with its dunes and fascinating promontory facing the Mediterranean to Rome, the glorious city of great emperors and Popes. The itinerary is highly customizable and expandable both as a self-drive or chauffeur-driven program!

Contact us for your Customized Program

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