Day 4
Sovana to San Quirico: Paths across farmland lead to an isolated church and fine Etruscan lane that descends into a gorge, from which rises crag-top Sorano. After exploring Sorano, paths along the gorge lead to the troglodyte habitations at Vitozza and the village of San Quirico (10.3 miles, 5 hours).
On the Sunday the walking began in earnest. Over 40 miles in 4 days – not bad going!
The Abandoned Isolated Church of San Rocco
Crag-top Sorana from San Rocco Viewpoint
Etruscan Lane of San Rocco
Tombs along the Via Cava di San Rocco
Near the village of San Quirico (our destination on Day 4) we passed through the abandoned troglodyte village of Vitozza. This fascinating, rather eerie, place had been a medieval settlement dating back to the 12th century. There are the remains of castles, churches, and many other buildings plus many caves which were used as stables, storerooms and homes.
Cave homes at Vitozza
Dovecote or Columbario – 1st Century AD
Day 5
San Quirico to Bolsena: Cart tracks across farmland lead to an escarpment, where paths descend towards the small town of Latera. A climb through chestnut woods to the rim of a volcanic crater offers superb views. Tracks lead down to Lake Bolsena (10.4 miles, 5.5 hours), from where a private boat takes you across the lake to Bolsena (town).
Approaching Latera
We ate our picnic lunch on a bench in this square in Latera: Church of San Clemente and 1790 bell-tower
Pretty Doorway in Latera Piazza San Clemente
Leaving Latera
After leaving Latera and as we approached the crater edge with views of Lake Bolsena the rain began. Unfortunately, this meant that we were unable to take the boat trip across the lake. Annalisa had to come to our rescue and drive us round the lake to our next hotel by the lakeside at Bolsena.
Our path is blocked by sheep – but not for too long!
An early view of Lake Bolsena in the rain
We arrive at the Trattoria Da Giggetto jetty
miladysboudoir 
The Spring greenery of the tracks and rocky features remind me of Yorkshire, but the wonderful town on a hillside is so timeless-looking. You could be in the Middle Ages!
How ever many times did we comment to each other that we felt like we were stepping through places unchanged since Medieval times! Yes, and also we made comments that we could still be in England and I was reminded of places on Yorkshire walks too. And I didn’t even take photos of those places.
Wonderful pictures. And, after all that walking, I bet the wonderful Italian food tasted even better.
Yes, I’m afraid so, at the end of each walk on went the calories!
I’ve been following your posts on this trip for the past few days. Only one thing to say really – I’m VERY jealous!.
What?? Even of the rain and the mileage??
Oh yes. It’s the experience that matters.
I think we are on the same wavelength there.