From Rome : Viterbo, Papal Conclave History Oil tasting with lunch

Travel beyond Rome into Tuscia, a region where papal history, medieval stone towns and agricultural traditions remain closely connected. This full-day itinerary brings together Viterbo, an olive mill, Vitorchiano and a short visit to Sutri, offering a varied introduction to northern Lazio.

Begin in Viterbo, once a centre of papal power. Visit the Palace of the Popes and discover the story of the prolonged papal election that shaped the history of the conclave. The palace and its Gothic loggia give a sense of the city’s medieval importance, while the Colle del Duomo Museum adds archaeological finds, works of art and religious treasures to the story. Visit the Cathedral of San Lorenzo and enjoy a brief look at San Pellegrino, where stone lanes, arches and external staircases preserve the character of medieval Viterbo.

Next, visit Oleificio Presciuttini to discover another expression of Tuscia’s identity: extra virgin olive oil. Learn about the journey from olive harvesting to extraction and storage, and taste the results. The experience introduces the aromas, bitterness and peppery sensations that can distinguish a good extra virgin oil, helping you appreciate it beyond its familiar place on the table.

Continue to Vitorchiano, a village built from peperino, the volcanic stone that also forms the rocky outcrop beneath it. Pause for lunch in the village and explore its narrow streets and stone buildings. Nearby, see an unexpected landmark: a large Moai carved in 1990 by Rapa Nui artists using local stone, linking this corner of Lazio with the culture of Easter Island.

On the way back to Rome, make a short stop in Sutri, a town with Etruscan and Roman roots along the Via Cassia. Its setting rounds off a day that connects the region’s history with the volcanic landscape and local products that continue to shape it.

Please Note : Timings are approximate and may vary. The itinerary includes walking through historic streets and a brief stop in Sutri. Lunch is scheduled in Vitorchiano.