Simply relax
Relax on the terrace at La Gioia with a glass of the local wine. Catch up on all the books you have been meaning to read for ages or take a dip in the pool.
FROM
£ 0
PER WEEK
Accommodation
At a glance
- Sleeps 6
- 1 Double Bedroom
- 2 Twin Bedrooms
- 2 Bathrooms
- WiFi
- Small Party Rate (up to 2 people)
- All On One Level: Entrance hall. Spacious open plan living/dining room (WiFi, Smart TV, DVD, CD) with bi-fold glass doors to covered and open terraces. Kitchen (oven, microwave, dishwasher). Principal double bedroom with glass doors to covered terrace, and en suite shower room. Two twin bedrooms. Bathroom. Laundry room (washing machine). Underfloor heating throughout the house (payable locally).
- Outside: Spacious covered and open travertine terraces. Garden area. Pool shower. In-built barbecue. Private covered parking. Large grounds, partially enclosed, left 'au naturel' with trees and plants. Woodland.
- Private swimming pool (12m x 6m, uniform depth of 1.8m).
Arriving at La Gioia, your eye is immediately drawn to the glorious uninterrupted view over Lake Bolsena that lies before you. This sweeping panorama is yours to enjoy, whether poolside, on the terraces or inside in the cool modern living areas, as this beautiful property has been specifically designed and built to take advantage of its stunning location.
Turn your attention to the villa and pool to find they are as impressive as the view. Italian stone has been used to great effect throughout: the local material 'tufa' used on the exterior walls contrasts well with the honed travertine on the terraces; polished travertine is also used in the interior, creating a seamless flow between the two.
This stylish, modern feel is echoed inside by the 'serizzio granite' worktops in the kitchen, the chic bathrooms and bedrooms and the large open plan living/dining room. Large glass doors allow light to flood in and give access onto covered terraces furnished with sofas and teak loungers, an invitation to relax in the shade or by the pool.
It is just over 1km to the 'centro storico' (historic town centre) of Bolsena which holds a lively local market every Tuesday. From here, stroll down the tree lined avenue to the lakeside, where there is a choice of cafés and restaurants. Around the lake, there are bathing spots and sporting activities available (sailing, kayaking, fishing, boat trips) or take the lake road for a scenic drive past Montefiascone and Capodimonte.
Bolsena borders Tuscany and Umbria, giving you ample opportunity to discover the southern parts of both. Orvieto is the nearest large town (19km), a fascinating place to visit as well as having rail links to Rome (1hr 15min).
- The twin beds can be prepared as doubles if required. Please advise at time of booking.
- Please note if paying the Small Party Rate for 2 people, only the Principal double bedroom will be prepared.
Pricing & Availability
Additional Pricing Information
All Prices are per property, not per person.
Please Note: If paying the Small Party Rate for 2 people, only the Principal double bedroom will be prepared.
Location of La Gioia
Locality
Great Things to Do Near La Gioia
The weekly open-air market is part of Italian life
Stalls laden with produce, scents and smells filling the air and a crowd of Italians - finish the morning's shopping with a coffee in a bar. Bolsena's market takes place on Tuesday.
The 'passeggiata'
In any town or large village, especially on a weekend or holiday, everyone congregates in the main square in the early evening. They sit and chat with their friends, go for a stroll, sip an aperitif in one of the bars, or stop for an ice cream... It is the perfect time to people watch!
Lakeside drive
Enjoy the scenic drive around the lake. Stop when you feel like it, wander around a village, have a leisurely lunch somewhere, the choice is yours.
The Eternal City of Rome
Catch the train to Rome. The nearest train station is Orvieto (18km) and the journey takes approx 1hr. Going by train is certainly the best way to arrive in Rome, avoiding the nightmare of driving into the centre and trying to park!
Take in the view
Sit on the terrace at La Gioia and take in the spectacular view over Lake Bolsena. From sunrise to sunset, and even at night when the stars are out, the view is magical, spectacular, everchanging.
'Centro Storico' of Bolsena
The old town centre of Bolsena is just over 1km away. Thick stone walls of over 4km circle the old buildings. Enter through one of the archways to discover atmospheric narrow cobbled streets, stepped alleyways and arched passages leading up to the castle.
Pitigliano in Tuscany
Head west from Bolsena for ½ hr and you will reach Pitigliano, a fascinating hilltop town dating back to the Etruscan era. From there, continue west along the S74 until you reach the sea and the Promontorio dell'Argentario (1hr 45mins drive).
Lago di Vico
Like a secret hidden lake, Lake Vico (due south) is on a smaller scale to Lake Bolsena. Formed in the crater of an old volcano, it is surrounded by forest-covered slopes. The area is a nature reserve, and lots of possibilities for walking. For those who prefer to drive, take the Via Ciminia, which is a scenic road along the top of the crater's ridges.
Festa delle Ortensie (Festival of the Hydrangeas)
During the last weekend of June, Bolsena town is transformed by a colourful display of hydrangeas. People come from all over Italy to turn the streets and piazzas of the town into an immense flowering garden. A most civilised and vibrant festival.
The lakeside
Continue from the 'centro storico' along the avenue which leads down to the lake. Here you will find beaches, restaurants and cafes with views over the lake, the small harbour from where the boat tours depart and tree lined promenades for that gentle morning stroll.
Lake Bolsena (12km long, 14km wide)
is Italy's largest lake of volcanic origin and is renowned for the transparency and cleanliness of its waters (so much so that its nickname is 'Lago che si Beve' or the Lake where one Drinks).
Coregone (pronounced 'corray-GOAN-ay')
Coregone is the fresh water fish found in Lake Bolsena and on many of the menus in the lakeside restaurants. This white fish only survives in very pure water - a fine indication that these waters are as pure as they can be. Often served roasted with a sprinkle of rosemary.
Montefiascone
Follow the S2 lakeside road due south Bolsena to arrive in Montefiascone. This lovely hilltop town affords great views over the lake and is also home of Est! Est! Est!, the renowned local white wine. If you are there in August, join in the wine festivities.
The story behind Est! Est! Est!
In the year 1000, a bishop travelling to Rome instructed his manservant to go ahead in order to select the best places to stay and drink. He was to indicate his approval by writing Est! on the door of the inn. Upon arriving in Montefiascone and tasting the wine, he found it to be so good that he wrote Est! 3 times on the door. The bishop was certainly happy as he returned to the village to live there until he died.
Visit Orvieto
The Umbrian town of Orvieto is only half an hour's drive away and well worth visiting. It is situated on the flat summit of a large butte of volcanic tufa and is a stunning sight both from afar and close up. Explore the underground tunnels, the classy shops and restaurants and marvel at the 'Duomo', the façade of which graces many a postcard.
Martana and Bisentina - the islands on Lake Bolsena.
No visitors are permitted on tiny Martana but you can visit larger Bisentina by boat. It has some romantic gardens, a small church and a 5th-century chapel.
Villa Lante
Near to Viterbo is the 16th C Villa Lante, famous for its beautiful gardens. Set in a park covering 20 hectares, keen gardeners will delight in the grounds, which are truly spectacular. Fountains, grottos, stone terraces and staircases, sculptures, wooded areas, outdoor dining areas, parkland, all of this can be found here in what has been described as a fine example of the best period in the history of garden design: the Mannerist phase of the Italian renaissance.
Bagnoregio
The abandoned town of Civita di Bagnoregio, 13km east of Bolsena, is a spectacular sight. This 'dying' village sits atop a domed hilltop and is reached by a long and steep causeway. Only a few people live here now thanks to its precarious location on soft, easily eroded rock!
Volsinii and the Mercatello Amphitheatre
The Roman town of Volsinii is not on the scale of Pompeii but worth an hour of anyone's time. It is off the Bolsena - Orvieto road. Few people know about it and so it is often empty. You can see the ruins of villas, a forum and basilica, Etruscan wells and tombs. Follow the cobbled stone roads and you reach an amphitheatre. Unexcavated but still visible - a flat oval pan covered with scrubby grass. The tiered seating is completely concealed by trees.
Nearby
Towns/Villages
| Bolsena | 5 mins | |
| Bolsena | 15 mins | |
| Montefiascone | 25 mins | |
| Orvieto | 35 mins | |
| Capodimonte | 35 mins | |
| Viterbo | 55 mins |
Airports
| Perugia | 1 Hr 20 mins | |
| Rome Ciampino | 1 Hr 40 mins | |
| Rome Fiumicino | 1 Hr 50 mins | |
| Pisa | 3 Hrs |
Train Stations
| Montefiascone | 20 mins | |
| Orvieto | 30 mins | |
| Viterbo | 50 mins | |
| Rome Termini | 1 Hr 55 mins |
