Bolsena
The largest volcanic lake in Europe, with two islands in it and hill towns all the way round.
12 days outthe nearest is a 1 h 54 drive from Rome
Bolsena is big enough to have weather of its own and clean enough to swim in from May. The two islands in the middle are the tops of later cones; boats run out to them from the town, and the shore road is the sort of drive people plan a day around.
The town is medieval and stacked up the slope behind the harbour. Sailing, paddling and diving all work here, and the water stays warmer later in the year than the sea does.
Best fit for this section first, then whatever you can book today. Closest to Rome breaks a tie. Never by who pays us.
On the waterA first scuba dive for people with no certification, run by a diving instructor.
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On the waterFull circuit of Lake Bolsena by rib boat from the Porto Turistico di Bolsena, calling at Bisentina and Martana islands with stops for swimming, snorkelling and lunch.
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On the waterGuided dives on Lake Bolsena for certified divers, run by the local dive centre.
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On the waterBoat trip to swimming and snorkelling spots around Bisentina and Martana islands, plus coastal points away from the summer crowds.
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On the waterScheduled boat tours from Bolsena around the lake's two islands, with a longer version that adds the Capodimonte promontory and a short one over the submerged Gran Carro site.
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On the waterTwo-hour evening sailing on Lake Bolsena with an aperitivo served on board, run by the same Bolsena-based boat operator.
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On the waterBoat rental on Lake Bolsena from a nautical business on the Via Cassia at Bolsena, open Monday to Saturday.
See the dayBest fit for this section first, then whatever you can book today. Closest to Rome breaks a tie. Never by who pays us.
On two wheelsBike shop in central Bolsena renting electric and muscle mountain bikes, gravel bikes and kids' e-bikes, seven days a week.
See the dayBest fit for this section first, then whatever you can book today. Closest to Rome breaks a tie. Never by who pays us.
On the trailAfternoon guided visit of Bisentina Island led by an authorised tourist and environmental guide, departing by boat from Bolsena.
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On the trailThe town museum inside the medieval Rocca Monaldeschi della Cervara, extended in 2011 into the adjacent Palazzo Monaldeschi.
See the dayBest fit for this section first, then whatever you can book today. Closest to Rome breaks a tie. Never by who pays us.
Under the groundAn underground early-Christian cemetery cut into the tuff beneath the basilica, with roughly 1,600 burials used between the third and fifth centuries.
See the dayBest fit for this section first, then whatever you can book today. Closest to Rome breaks a tie. Never by who pays us.
In the old stonesA Romanesque basilica at Bolsena, from the eleventh century.
Free — nothing to pay
Just turn up
See the dayGetting there
The day stays yours: you leave when you want, stop where you want, and come back when the light goes.
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