Is this tour suitable for children?

The tour is best suited for older children comfortable with walking uneven terrain and staircases; please contact Once in Rome for specific recommendations.

Are meals included in the tour price?

Meals are not included, but your guide will recommend excellent local restaurants to enjoy lunch during your visit.

Can the itinerary be customized?

Yes, this private tour is fully customizable to focus more on art, spirituality, or nature according to your interests.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?

The monasteries and villages feature stairs and uneven surfaces; contact Once in Rome in advance to discuss adaptations or alternative options.

What languages are offered during the tour?

English-speaking private guides are provided, with the possibility to request other languages upon inquiry.

How should I dress for the monasteries?

Dress that covers shoulders and knees is mandatory for entering religious sites; comfortable shoes for walking are also recommended.

Spiritual Journeys in Lazio with Once in Rome | Sightseeing Tour | Guided Tour

Once in Rome offers a rare gateway to the quiet power of Lazio’s spiritual landscape through their private day tour, Heavenly Heights: Discovering Spirituality and Nature in Subiaco and Cervara. Situated about 70 kilometers east of Rome, this journey takes you beyond the usual tourist trail into a world where ancient faith and wild mountain beauty coalesce. The day begins in Subiaco, a village etched into the Apennines and known as the cradle of Western monasticism. Here, you’ll visit two monumental monasteries: St. Scholastica, with its calm courtyards and extensive libraries of silent prayer, and the San Benedetto Monastery, fashioned dramatically into the mountain’s side above the Sacro Speco cave. Step inside to witness medieval frescoes, rich in color and narrative, that capture centuries of religious devotion. These frescoes are not only masterpieces of theological art but also an immersive portal to the 6th century origins of Benedictine spirituality. After a peaceful lunch in Subiaco’s rustic setting, the tour ascends to Cervara di Roma, a stone-built village perched high on the mountainside. Known among artists and poets, this village offers winding staircases and open-air art installations against the backdrop of the lush Simbruini Mountains and the sweeping Aniene Valley. The verticality of Cervara invites reflection both physically and mentally, creating a sense of elevation that complements the day’s spiritual theme. This private tour is tailored to your interests, blending historic insight, artistic wonder, and nature’s tranquility. With expert guides and a vehicle to navigate Lazio’s quiet roads, it’s an ideal experience for travelers craving a contemplative pace infused with striking vistas and cultural depth. Once in Rome’s Heavenly Heights stands out in Lazio’s outdoor adventure scene by merging heritage with the region’s rugged natural charm, delivering a deeply personal encounter with Italy’s sacred core.

Difficulty

moderate.

Duration

up to 10 hours.

Fitness level

Suitable for those comfortable with all-day light to moderate walking on uneven terrain and stairs.

Wildlife

Apennine chamois
Golden eagles soaring above the Simbruini Mountains

History

Subiaco is recognized as the birthplace of Benedictine monasticism—St. Benedict lived here as a hermit in the 6th century, shaping Western monastic traditions.

Conservation

Efforts are in place to preserve the delicate frescoes and maintain the natural landscape around Subiaco and Cervara, promoting sustainable tourism that respects both culture and ecology.

Once in Rome is a Rome-based tour operator offering private and small-group experiences from Roma, Lazio. Focused on immersive cultural discovery, the company curates day trips across Lazio, Umbria, and Tuscia, plus private city tours in Rome. Offerings include private Vatican and Colosseum tours, culinary classes such as pasta, pizza, tiramisu and limoncello tastings, hands-on workshops in Deruta ceramics, vineyard visits with tastings in Umbria, and full-day escapes to medieval towns like Orvieto, Viterbo, Spoleto, and Assisi. Once in Rome also runs coastal excursions to Sabaudia, Sperlonga, and Gaeta, and nature or historical journeys such as Montefalco wine tours, WWII battlefield visits, and horse treks near Lake Bracciano. Featured on The Adventure Collective, Once in Rome highlights local guides, customizable private itineraries, and small groups for a personalized travel experience. The operator partners with family-run wineries, artisanal mills, and local craftsmen to create authentic, bookable experiences that respect local traditions. Booking options range from single-day guided tours to multi-day private retreats, with choices for cooking classes, truffle hunts, wine tastings, and cultural workshops. Guides provide practical logistics, local recommendations, and support for dietary needs; many itineraries can be adapted for families, seniors, and mobility requirements. Bookings are available year-round subject to seasonal schedules and advance reservation requirements. Prices and exact itineraries vary by season.

Base locationSubiaco, Lazio

Tours offered38+

Specialtyothers

StewardshipLeave No Trace