Discover the City of Popes at your own pace! Your smooth ride to Viterbo brings you to a medieval masterpiece. Explore the perfectly preserved San Pellegrino quarter, visit the dramatic Papal Palace, discover thermal baths, and experience the best-kept medieval city in central Italy.
Once at Viterbo, you'll have the freedom to explore the papal complex, medieval streets, ancient springs, and historic monuments at your leisure. Meanwhile, your driver will wait for you nearby, ensuring a stress-free return trip.
The medieval quarter of San Pellegrino is a UNESCO-candidate historic district of profferli (external stone staircases), Gothic arches spanning alleyways and medieval tower houses
Piazza San Lorenzo holds the Palazzo dei Papi — the Papal Palace where the longest conclave in history (1268–1271) was held, producing Gregory X only after the townspeople locked the cardinals in and reduced their food rations
The Cathedral of San Lorenzo with its 12th-century campanile and the tomb of Pope John XXI
The Bullicame hot spring (mentioned by Dante in the Inferno) and the Terme dei Papi thermal spa complex offer a natural sulphurous pool experience — the open-air pool is available to day visitors
What to eat
Lombrichelli al sugo di cinghiale (hand-rolled pasta with wild boar ragù) is Viterbo's signature dish; ceciaroli (crispy fried chickpea dough) are a popular street snack in the market
Take note
The thermal baths require advance booking for day access; bring a swimsuit, flip-flops and towel — or rent on-site. The water is naturally warm year-round at around 58°C in the source (cooled to 40°C in the pools).
Yes, the Terme dei Papi thermal spa just outside Viterbo welcomes day visitors to its open-air sulfurous pool. Advance booking is required, and visitors should bring a swimsuit, flip-flops, and a towel, although rentals are available on-site. The water flows naturally warm year-round, kept comfortably warm in the bathing pool, with strong therapeutic properties.
Viterbo lies about 65 miles (105 km) north of Rome Fiumicino Airport. The drive takes roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes each way under normal traffic conditions. The route passes through the volcanic hills of the Tuscia region, offering scenic views of lakes and forested countryside as you approach the medieval city.
Yes, San Pellegrino is one of the most atmospheric medieval districts in Italy, with stone alleys, Gothic arches spanning the streets, external profferli staircases, and tower houses, all in remarkably original condition. The quarter feels frozen in time and is best explored on foot, with several small artisan workshops, wine bars, and trattorias hidden along its winding lanes.
The Palazzo dei Papi with its iconic Loggia delle Benedizioni is the centerpiece, alongside the adjacent Cathedral of San Lorenzo. The medieval San Pellegrino quarter is a labyrinth of stone alleys, profferli staircases, and tower houses. The Bullicame hot spring mentioned by Dante in the Inferno and the Terme dei Papi thermal complex round out the visit with a relaxing soak.
Viterbo is famous as the "City of Popes" because it served as the papal residence during much of the 13th century. The Palazzo dei Papi hosted the longest conclave in history, lasting nearly three years. Viterbo also boasts one of the best-preserved medieval districts in central Italy, the San Pellegrino quarter, plus natural thermal springs that have been used since Roman times.
Viterbo's signature dish is lombrichelli al sugo di cinghiale, a hand-rolled fresh pasta served with wild boar ragu. Ceciaroli, crispy fried chickpea dough, are popular street snacks in the market. The Tuscia region produces excellent olive oil, hazelnuts, chestnuts, and local cheeses. The trattorias in the historic center serve traditional rustic cooking at moderate prices.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential, since the medieval streets are cobbled, sometimes steep, and uneven in places. Layered clothing works best year-round, with a light jacket recommended even in summer for cooler stone interiors. If you plan to visit the thermal baths, pack a swimsuit, flip-flops, and a towel. Sun protection is wise in the warmer months.
Spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather for combining the medieval town and outdoor thermal baths. The Macchina di Santa Rosa festival on September 3 is a spectacular UNESCO-listed event when a 100-foot illuminated tower is carried through the streets at night. Summer can be hot, while winter is ideal for the thermal baths thanks to the cool air above the warm water.
Day trips offer travelers private round-trip transportation to popular sightseeing locations. One of our professional drivers will pick you up in a luxurious, climate-controlled car, take you to the site of interest, and wait for you while you explore before driving you back to your hotel.
Yes! You’re free to choose the pickup and drop-off times that work best for you. However, the time spent at the destination is fixed and cannot be changed.
Each sightseeing stop has a recommended duration that includes plenty of time to explore. However, it is possible to customize the time spent at each sightseeing stop at a later stage in the booking process to best fit your unique schedule.
Your Daytrip driver will wait for you nearby for the duration of your exploration, meaning you’ll never have to wait for your return trip transportation to arrive. Your comfort and convenience are our top priorities, and we aim to close out your day trip with a return on your schedule.
The price of a day trip does not include any entrance tickets, guided tours, or meals you may partake in at your destination. The price covers round-trip transportation in a luxury vehicle with a professional driver who can provide local insights en route.
Day trip bookings can be canceled up to 24 hours before your trip for a full refund, no strings attached. While the destination and stops are predetermined, it is possible to change your pick-up point, whether it is at your hotel or some other location within the city.