Self catering holiday apartments in Lazio, Italy - Arlena's Farm, Lake Bolsena, Lazio

The main rail station at Viterbo is just 20 km away. And Orvieto lies 25 km away, with Intercity and Eurostar trains from the major Italian cities. There is a bus stop 200 metres from the farm, running between Viterbo and Acquapendente and then connecting to Orvieto.

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The nearest town is Bolsena. Soaked in history, it dates back to the 3rd century BC, when it was founded by inhabitants who escaped from the destruction of Velzna, one of the most important Etruscan cities, sacked by the Romans in 264 BC. In 1263 Bolsena was the site of a miracle - a turning point in the town's story. During a mass in the Basilica, drops of blood fell from the host onto the linen altar cloth and marble altar: both objects are still kept in the chapel of the Miracle of the Church of Saint Cristina. The Eucharistic miracle led Pope Urbano IV to institute the feast of Corpus Domini throughout the Catholic world. And every 18 June, the miracle is remembered with a solemn procession that snakes its way through the city's streets, adorned by a continuous carpet of flowers.

In the hills of the town lie catacombs dating back to pre-Christian times, and stretches of the Etruscan city walls still survive. A very good local museum, housed in the town's castle, provides fascinating background on the area. The whole area is rich in history. The Necropolis and the National Etruscan Museum in Tarquinia, the Necropolis of Pianezze in Grotte di Castro, the archaeological and nature park of Vulci … the list of sites to see goes on and on. Bolsena is also your first stop for local shops. Just 4 km away it has restaurants, bars, grocers, supermarket, bank, post office, pharmacist and a laundry.

You can't stay in Bolsena without visiting the surrounding areas. It's perfectly positioned for day trips to Viterbo, Siena, Perugia, Terni, Rome and Florence, and just 20 km away is Orvieto and its cathedral - a unique jewel of Gothic art.The lake is one of the gems of the area.

The largest of volcanic origin in Italy, it has transparent, sparkling and clean waters. Sbroscia is the delicious local fish soup made from the lake's produce. And in the centre of the lake lies the isle of Bisentina. Once a papal summer residence, and now available to visit with regular boat trips. Fishing is hugely popular in Bolsena. The local fishermen use the triangular boats and asymmetric paddles typical of the area, and sport fishermen can enjoy catching the plentiful perch, trout, pike, carp and eel