Rome is one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Everyone wants to see it. But do we really all have the same passions and interests? Do we all really WANT to see the exact same landmarks, take the same photos, and create the same memories?
Every summer, hordes pack the Colosseum, Vatican, and Trevi Fountain shoulder to shoulder. Tourists elbow each other to pass through. Prices soar. The charm that brought travelers here in the first place gets buried under a layer of noise and fatigue.
If you’re like me, you want something deeper. Something real.
That’s exactly why our week-long tour of the Lazio region doesn’t include central Rome. And here’s why you’ll be glad it doesn’t.
Why skip Rome?
Overtourism is real—and it’s hurting Rome
In 2024, Rome welcomed more than 20 million tourists. While this is considered good for the tourism-driven economy, it also has a negative impact on the hosting society. Especially because these huge numbers inevitably entail irresponsible tourists.
Such a volume of crowds drives up costs for locals, puts historic sites under constant pressure, and is literally chasing residents away.
All this is making overtourism unbearable for locals.
And, in all honesty, it’s the reason why I decided to move away from Rome after almost thirty years.
While I’m not saying to skip Rome altogether, I also think you will have a better chance of experiencing authentic Italy by straying further from the city and immersing in the smaller towns.
By skipping the usual overcrowded landmarks, we help relieve that burden AND it’s a choice that aligns with responsible tourism principles and supports the long-term health of our wonderful capital.
You’re not missing out – You’re gaining something better
You’ve already seen the Colosseum in a dozen photos. Believe me, I know it’s impressive. I was lucky enough to move to Rome in the late 1990s, when the city was easier to live in and when visiting the major landmarks wasn’t so hard.
But now that in the city center you hardly meet locals, what would you think about:
- A 13th-century papal palace with no lines?
- Lakeside villages where time feels like it stopped?
- Ancient Etruscan tombs you can walk through – alone?
- An opulent 16th-century noble villa that you can admire in silence?
By traveling outside the city, you get to explore places still owned by locals, not dominated by tour groups.
What you’ll experience instead
This tour isn’t just about avoiding Rome—it’s about embracing Lazio. And you’ll be surprised how much you will discover about Rome itself, its history, its noble families, and even the Papal Kingdom.
Small towns, big history
We visit places like Tarquinia, Vitorchiano, and Montefiascone, where history runs deep but tourism hasn’t overrun daily life. You’ll explore cobbled streets, important landmarks, and ruins that predate the Roman Empire without elbowing your way through crowds.
Farm-to-table everything
We stop at family-run vineyards in the luscious Ciociaria, taste olive oil straight from the source, and eat where Romans themselves go to regenerate. This is food grown, cooked, and served with zero pretense.
Real connection
Because we visit small towns, we meet actual locals. Shop owners remember your name. Guides are from the community. And you walk into places where your presence matters, not just your wallet.
Where residents yearn to show you the incredible culture they inherited from their ancestors, and to show you with pride.
Who this tour is for
This tour is for you if:
- You’re looking for a slower, more intentional way to travel
- You’ve been to Rome before—or feel like you already “know” it
- You want fewer photo ops and more genuine memories
- You care about the impact your presence has on a place
This tour is not for you if:
- You want to check off major landmarks in one week
- You prefer fast-paced travel or big-group sightseeing
- You need to be in a major city at all times
Travel with purpose and still be surprised
There’s nothing wrong with Rome. I’ve hardly ever met someone who loves Rome more than me.
But there’s a lot more to Italy – and Lazio – than the Rome you see on postcards.
By stepping off the main path, you’re not missing out. You’re finding something unexpected and far more rewarding.
If you’re ready to travel differently, this is the tour that makes it possible.
Want to learn more? Check out our full Discover Lazio itinerary and see what slow, meaningful travel in Italy really looks like.
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