From the Renaissance to the days of Rome, Italy is a history buff's dream. Yet while sites like the Colosseum and the Vatican may be mobbed by tourists, travelers with villas in Italy can explore a little piece of history that remains one of the country's best-kept secrets.

Civita di Bagnoregio is actually two small towns in the Lazio region, with Bagnoregio being a remote suburb to the classic city on the hill that is Civita. The town was built by the Etruscans in around 500 B.C., though most of its current charm stems from the additions created during the medieval era, much of which remains untouched to this day.

Part of the fun of exploring this ancient city is getting there, as Civita is only accessible from a long stone walkway that begins in Bagnoregio. This narrow, and at times steep, walkway can prove challenging for some travelers, and the end result are some subtle, yet beautiful images of ancient Italy.

Of course, vacationers can still enjoy all the pleasures of modern Italy by booking luxury rentals in Lazio. Many of these facilities boast impressive amenities like heated pools, spa facilities and all of the other technological accouterments that today's travelers have come to expect.