Some 90km northwest of Rome, Tarquinia is the pick of Lazio's Etruscan towns. The star attraction is the magnificent Unesco-listed necropolis and its extraordinary frescoed tombs, but there's also a fantastic Etruscan museum (the best outside of Rome) and an atmospheric medieval centre.
The largest town in northern Lazio, Viterbo is a much-overlooked gem with a charming medieval centro storico and a laid-back, provincial vibe. Founded by the Etruscans and later taken over by the Romans, it developed into an important medieval centre, and in the 13th century was briefly the seat of the papacy.
These are the top experiences and sights in Tarquinia and Viterbo, according to Lonely Planet.
