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Looking for a quiet idyllic getaway from Rome? Then the overlooked area of Tuscia, situated only 90-km from the city in the province of Viterbo in northern Lazio, is one that might pique your interest.
The area of Tuscia and the town of Tuscania can easily be confused with the region Tuscany (or Toscana in Italian). However, that’s understandable as the names of these three places Tuscia, Tuscania and Toscana originate from the word Tusci (or Etrusci), a civilization that preceded the Romans and covered the entire region of Tuscany, a large part of Umbria, and northern Lazio.
Lavender Festival in Tuscania
Our weekend started in the town of Tuscania for the Lavender Festival held on the first weekend in July every year. During these two days, the town is immersed in lilac colors and the streets and alleys are filled with the delightful scent of lavender. Stalls offer a wide-range of products made with lavender essential oils such as cosmetic products to honey and even gelato.
While it’s lovely to just stroll around the charming walled historic center of Tuscania, the main attractions include the Etruscan Museum, the Park of Torre di Lavello, which offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding, the church of St. Peter’s originally built in the 8th century, and the Romanesque church of Santa Maria Maggiore. For more, the town hall’s website offers a virtual tour of Tuscania and details of all the attractions.
After exploring the town, and with the sun blazing overhead, our group happily took refuge in Trattoria da Alfreda. Our hearty lunch included handmade pasta with a variety of sauces and for our second dish, some grilled meat with roasted potatoes and vegetables.
Tempted as all were to head back to Balletti Park Hotel to cool off in their pool, we couldn’t resist stopping by a lavender field first, where we were as eager as the bees to get up close with the lavender flowers. In the Tuscia area, there are over 20 companies involved in the cultivation of lavender and there are some that even offer unique accommodations, such as in a tree house, immersed in the fields.
Around Tuscia
From there, we made our way to Capodimonte on Lake Bolsena to enjoy some coffee and sweet treats at PepeNero restaurant. Situated right by the lake, the peaceful setting and the lovely view make PepeNero a perfect place for romantic dinner or a lazy Sunday lunch getaway with family and friends.
[ Sweet Dreams are Made Of This ] Photo taken during #incredibletuscia
A photo posted by Mauro Rotelli (@igermaurophone) on
Our aperitivo spot was one of the most unique and spectacular places I’ve ever seen. While making our way there, I, for whatever reason, had the idea that it would be by Lake Vico. We had parked the car by the side of the road and as we made our way through an area with sparse trees, I saw a glimmer of in the distance that looked like a body of water yet I couldn’t quite make out where we were.
In my slightly disoriented state, I slowly walked towards what I thought was a clearing by the edge and when vision came to focus, I was blown away. I was no way by Lake Vico but in front of me I had sweeping views overlooking the lake from way above. As I slowly took it all in and came to my senses, I realized that our aperitivo, provided by Azienda Agricola Pacchiarotti Antonella, and Al Vecchio Orologio, was on small rectangular platform, which I later learnt was the launch pad for gliders to take off. It was amazingly breathtaking and definitely an unforgettable aperitivo experience.
I eventually realized how I was confused that we were by the lake as our dinner venue, Parco Airone, is by the lake. This is another hidden gem as it’s in a park where you could rent a spot to BBQ and have a picnic. However, that evening would be pizza night for us at the restaurant, where we devoured meters and meters of pizza with various toppings, and ended with a sweet note of pizza filled with nutella!
A day at the spa
We love lazy Sundays and when Mauro Rotelli, one of the organizers, mentioned that we would be spending the day at Vita Spa and the thermal pools in Hotel Salus Terme, I couldn’t have been more thrilled. This is the place where you check in you worries and leave completely rejuvenated. Vita Spa offers various treatments, saline pools, hammam, and relaxation rooms to soothe you into a state of bliss.
At the spa, you are given a kit that includes a bathrobe, slippers and if you’ve forgotten you swimsuit, they have a small selection for you to use too. They offer a summer circuit, and the different cervical –lumbar waterfalls and hydrotherapy for the lower limbs in the saline Nethuns bath will melt away any tensions or aches.
However, our pampering didn’t stop there. Our “light” lunch at Le Colonne restaurant was a feast, albeit, a healthy one with a beautiful selection of salads perfect for summer, and as we love to end on a sweet note, Azienda Agricola Pacchiarotti Antonella, generously offered “Turan”, a passito from the Lazio region.
While we covered a lot of ground and had a fabulous time with the wonderful group of Instagramers, we also had ample time to enjoy the beauty and laid-back pace of #IncredibleTuscia. Check out the hashtag on Instagram to see the spectacular photos of #IncredibleTuscia by the other amazing Instagramers who joined us in this experience.
Our thanks and appreciation go out to Visit Tuscania, PepeNero, Balletti Hotels and Resorts, Vini Pacchiarotti and Al Vecchio Orologio, Parco Airone, and Hotel Salus Terme. We’d also like to thank IgersViterbo and IgersLazio for organizing this fantastic weekend and for the kind invitation.
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