Civita di Bagnoregio Itinerary 10 Days: The Jewel of the Calanchi Valley (2026)

Arrive in Bagnoregio, the sister town of Civita, and check into your accommodation. In the afternoon, take your first walk across the iconic pedestrian bridge to Civita di Bagnoregio. As you cross, marvel at the breathtaking views of the Calanchi Valley below. Spend the afternoon exploring the narrow, car-free streets of Civita, getting lost in its medieval charm. Visit the Church of San Donato in the main piazza, and admire the ancient architecture of the buildings. For dinner, enjoy a traditional meal at one of the few restaurants in Civita, such as Alma Civita, known for its authentic local cuisine and romantic atmosphere. As the sun sets, the village takes on a magical quality, with the stone buildings glowing in the warm light. Take a moment to simply sit in the piazza and soak up the peaceful atmosphere. This is a place to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life. Before heading back to your accommodation, be sure to take some photos of the village illuminated at night, a truly unforgettable sight.

Today is dedicated to a full exploration of Civita di Bagnoregio. Start your day with a visit to the Museo Geologico e delle Frane (Geological and Landslides Museum) to learn about the unique geology of the area and the ongoing erosion that threatens the village. Afterwards, wander through the village's hidden alleyways and discover its secret corners. Look for the 'Buca di San Francesco', a small cave where St. Francis is said to have performed a miracle. Don't miss the Grotta di San Bonaventura, an ancient Etruscan tomb where St. Bonaventure, the town's most famous son, used to pray. For lunch, try some of the local specialties at a trattoria like La Cantina di Arianna. In the afternoon, you can take a guided tour of the underground tunnels and cisterns that run beneath the village, a fascinating glimpse into its past. As the day draws to a close, find a spot with a view and watch the swallows swooping over the valley. For dinner, consider Trattoria Antico Forno, which offers delicious homemade pasta and a cozy atmosphere.

Take a day trip to the magnificent city of Orvieto, just a short drive from Bagnoregio. Perched on a volcanic plateau, Orvieto is famous for its stunning cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Spend the morning exploring the Duomo, admiring its intricate facade and the beautiful frescoes by Luca Signorelli inside the San Brizio Chapel. Afterwards, delve into the city's underground world with a tour of the Orvieto Underground, a labyrinth of tunnels, caves, and wells that have been in use for centuries. For lunch, enjoy the local cuisine at a restaurant in the heart of the city, such as Trattoria La Palomba. In the afternoon, visit St. Patrick's Well, a marvel of engineering with its double helix staircase. You can also explore the city's many artisan shops, where you can find beautiful ceramics and other local crafts. Before heading back to Bagnoregio, be sure to sample some of the famous Orvieto Classico wine at a local enoteca.

Escape to the tranquil shores of Lake Bolsena, the largest volcanic lake in Europe. Spend the day relaxing by the water, swimming, or trying some water sports. You can rent a boat and explore the lake's two islands, Bisentina and Martana. Bisentina Island is home to several churches and chapels, while Martana Island is famous for being the place where the Ostrogothic queen Amalasuntha was imprisoned and assassinated. For lunch, enjoy fresh fish from the lake at a restaurant in one of the charming lakeside towns, such as Bolsena or Capodimonte. In the afternoon, you can visit the Rocca Monaldeschi, a medieval castle in Bolsena that now houses a museum. You can also explore the charming streets of Capodimonte, with its picturesque harbor and beautiful views of the lake. As the sun sets, enjoy an aperitivo by the lake and watch the colors of the sky change.

Today is dedicated to exploring the stunning landscapes of the Calanchi Valley, the 'badlands' that surround Civita di Bagnoregio. You can go for a hike or a bike ride through the valley, following one of the many trails that wind through the surreal landscape of clay hills and ravines. The views of Civita from the valley are simply breathtaking. You can also visit the 'Valle dei Calanchi' visitor center to learn more about the geology and ecology of the area. For lunch, have a picnic in the valley, surrounded by nature. In the afternoon, you can visit the nearby town of Lubriano, which offers another spectacular viewpoint of Civita. You can also visit the Museo Naturalistico di Lubriano, a small museum dedicated to the natural history of the area. As the day ends, head back to Civita and enjoy a final evening in this magical village.

Take a day trip to the historic city of Viterbo, known as the 'City of the Popes'. In the 13th century, Viterbo was the seat of the papacy for over two decades, and the city still retains its medieval character. Start your visit at the Palazzo dei Papi, the former papal palace, and admire its beautiful loggia. You can also visit the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, the city's cathedral, which has a beautiful Romanesque facade. For lunch, try some of the local specialties at a trattoria in the historic center. In the afternoon, explore the charming San Pellegrino quarter, one of the best-preserved medieval neighborhoods in Europe. You can also relax in the thermal baths of the Terme dei Papi, which have been in use since Roman times. Before heading back to Bagnoregio, be sure to visit the Villa Lante in Bagnaia, a stunning Renaissance garden just outside Viterbo.

Spend the day exploring the magnificent gardens of Villa Lante in Bagnaia, a masterpiece of Italian Renaissance garden design. The gardens are a harmonious blend of nature and art, with beautiful fountains, grottoes, and sculptures. The gardens are divided into two parts, the Giardino all'italiana (Italian-style garden) and the Bosco (woodland). The Giardino all'italiana is a formal garden with geometric flowerbeds and a central fountain, while the Bosco is a more naturalistic woodland with winding paths and hidden grottoes. For lunch, have a picnic in the gardens or enjoy a meal at a restaurant in the charming town of Bagnaia. In the afternoon, you can visit the nearby town of Vitorchiano, a picturesque medieval village perched on a rocky outcrop. You can also visit the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Quercia, a beautiful Renaissance church just outside Viterbo. As the day ends, head back to Bagnoregio and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Embark on a journey to the surreal and mysterious Monster Park of Bomarzo, a 16th-century garden filled with bizarre and grotesque sculptures. The park was created by Prince Vicino Orsini, and it is said to have been inspired by his grief over the death of his wife. The sculptures are carved from the local bedrock and depict a variety of mythological creatures, monsters, and allegorical figures. The park is a truly unique and unforgettable place, a world of fantasy and imagination. For lunch, have a picnic in the park or enjoy a meal at a restaurant in the nearby town of Bomarzo. In the afternoon, you can visit the Palazzo Orsini, the former residence of Prince Orsini, which now houses a museum. You can also explore the charming streets of Bomarzo, with its medieval castle and beautiful views of the Tiber Valley. As the day ends, head back to Bagnoregio and reflect on the strange and wonderful things you have seen.

Spend your last full day in the area relaxing and reflecting on your journey. You can revisit your favorite spots in Civita, do some last-minute souvenir shopping, or simply sit in the piazza and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. You can also take a cooking class and learn how to prepare some of the local specialties, such as homemade pasta or bruschetta. In the afternoon, you can go for a final walk in the Calanchi Valley, taking in the stunning views one last time. For your farewell dinner, treat yourself to a special meal at a restaurant with a view, such as La Terrazza di Agnese in Civita. As you enjoy your meal, reminisce about your favorite moments from the trip and start planning your next adventure. This is a day to savor the beauty and tranquility of this unique corner of Italy.

Enjoy a final breakfast in Bagnoregio before heading to the airport for your departure. As you leave, take with you the memories of the stunning landscapes, the rich history, and the warm hospitality of this magical part of Italy. Arrivederci!