Why choose this tour?
Ideal for lovers of historic gardens and villas, this tour includes visits to medieval villages perched on mountain slopes, ancient noble mansions and, of course, walks through some of the most unique and picturesque gardens in the Tuscia area.
DAY 1: Arrival
Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Depending on the arrival time, it is also possible to arrange a quick visit to the neighboring villages before the overnight accommodation.
DAY 2: Villa Lante, Vitorchiano and Palazzo Farnese
Breakfast and departure for a guided tour of Villa Lante, which is considered the perfect Italian Renaissance Garden. This mansion is embellished by dainty fountains, decorated tanks, water games and statues made of “peperino”, the typical stone of the area. The construction of Villa Lante was commissioned by Gianfrancesco Gambara, a powerful Cardinal of the sixteenth century who wanted this enchanted place to symbolize the supremacy of man over nature.
In the late morning, guided visit of Vitorchiano, a small village which has its roots in Etruscan times. Its history is full of disputes against Rome and Viterbo for its independence, until, spontaneously, in the Middle Ages, it swore a solemn submission to Rome.
Free time to enjoy a delicious Italian lunch in a restaurant of your choice.
Departure for Caprarola for a guided visit of Palazzo Farnese.
Rich in frescoes and surrounded by a lush Italian garden, this palace was founded as a fortress in a pentagonal structure, which was then skilfully turned into a majestic 16th century residence for Alessandro Farnese, the nephew of Pope Paolo III. Inside the building there is the charming “Scala Regia”, a wonderful spiral staircase resting on 30 Doric columns. The steps are so large that the stairs can be climbed on horseback!
Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 3: Viterbo
In the morning, guided tour of Viterbo. The historical center of the town, named San Pellegrino, is one of the most characteristic and well preserved in Italy: a real example of a typical medieval town. The visit goes along picturesque alleys to reach the Palazzo Papale (Pope’s palace): built in medieval Gothic style, it is characterised by a loggia with seven arches. For centuries, it was the residence of the Pope.
Free time for lunch and shopping during the afternoon.
In the evening, return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 4: Garden of Bomarzo, local winery and Marta
Breakfast and departure to Bomarzo for a guided tour. Nestled in a charming natural setting, this garden was designed by the architect Pirro Ligorio on commission of Prince Pier Francesco Orsini, in order to “calm the heart” after the death of his wife Giulia Farnese. The Park is a masterpiece dating to the 16th century, featuring sculptures carved into large blocks of stone. It was popularly renamed “Park of Monsters” because some of the sculptures are a little bit creepy: perhaps the most frightening piece in the garden is a giant head, mouth opened wide in a scream!
Lunch in a local winery at the end of the visit to taste the famous EST! EST !! EST !!!, a mildly aromatic wine with apple notes and high acidity produced in the area around Montefiascone.
In the afternoon, free time to visit Marta, a tiny village of fishermen. The center of this village lies on a hill where, in 1260, Pope Urbano IV built a clock tower overlooking the lake. The houses built into the tuff, the external stairways and the narrow lanes make this center unique and enchanting. The group can enjoy a walk along the shoreline, where at the end of the fishing day, the fishermen arrange their boats and stretch their nets out in the sun.
In the evening, return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 5: Vulci and Tarot Garden
In the morning, a walk with our guide in the Archeological Naturalistic Park of Vulci, located between the Tuscan and Lazial Maremma, in a land scarcely inhabited, where marsh birds and other animals find shelter. The park, which is surrounded by impressive city walls, includes monumental tombs carved into the rocks, ruins of houses, thermal baths and so on. Visitors can listen to the history of this Etruscan site surrounded by excavations and natural beauties.
Free time for lunch.
Guided tour of the mesmerizing Tarot Garden during the afternoon. Niki de Saint Phalle, a world famous French sculptor, had the idea for this interesting park, where twenty-two tarot cards (major arcana) are represented, each carved in cyclopean rocks, 12/15m high, covered with mirror mosaics, precious glass and ceramics. With this mesmerized place , Niki de Saint Phalle wanted to create”a small Eden where man and nature meet”.
Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
We don’t want our guests to leave without a tasty souvenir of this trip: that is why a gastronomic lottery of typical Italian cold cuts will be offered during the last dinner together, as well as a parting gift: a bottle of high quality local extra virgin olive oil.
DAY 6:Departure
Departure and return to home. Depending on the departure time, it is also possible to arrange another visit before returning home.
