Why choose this tour?
Ideal for folk festival lovers and history buffs, duriring this tour you will discover the exciting feast of the “Barabbata” in Marta, a village near Viterbo. This special occasion is dedicated to the Madonna del Monte and it is handed down from generations. During this feast fishermen, shepherds and farmers celebrate the harvest and offer their gifts to the Madonna.
DAY 1: Viterbo
Morning transfer. Arrival in the early afternoon.
Guided visit 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.
At the end of the visit, transfer to the hotel, dinner and overnight accommodation.
DAY 2: Vitorchiano, Villa Lante and Farnese Palace
In the morning, guided visit of Vitorchiano, 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.
In the late afternoon, guided tour of Villa Lante. The Villa is embellished by dainty fountains, decorated tanks, water games and statues made of “peperino”, the typical stone of the area.
At the end of the visit, lunch based on typical products in a restaurant of the area.
Departure for Caprarola for a guided visit of Palazzo Farnese.
Rich in frescoes and surrounded by Italian gardens, it 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 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: Boat tour on Lake Bolsena, Marta, Bolsena and olive oil mill
Breakfast and departure for Capodimonte, a small village perched on the shores of Lake Bolsena. Here the group will enjoy a guided excursion by boat. A panoramic tour with historical notes and curiosities about the towns that overlook the lake, as well as the Bisentina Island and the Martana Island. The islands, first owned by the lords of Bisenzio, then by the Farnese and the Papal State, were disputed for centuries.
In the late morning, guided visit of 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 also 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.
At the end of the visit, visit and lunch in a local winery.
Guided visit of Bolsena during the afternoon, a picturesque village overlooking the Lake, whose origins date back to the 3rd century BC. The tour will include a guided visit of the catacombs in the Basilica of Santa Cristina, which dates back to 4th century AD. The catacombs consist of a labyrinth of corridors carved in the rock of the mountain. This cathedral/sanctuary was a stage for pilgrims on the route of the ancient Via Francigena to Rome. Two major events marked this place that has its roots in Christianity: the martyrdom of Santa Cristina and the Eucharistic Miracle of 1263, both tangible signs of Christ’s work on humans.
In the late afternoon, visit of a traditional olive oil mill. Guest will be shown the whole milling process, at the end of which a tasting of oils and “bruschette” will be provided.
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 4: The “Barabbata” Folk Festival
In the morning, free time to attend the “Barabbata” folk festival. The origins of this feast are ancient, but it is possible to find a mixture of sacred and profane elements that recalls the Etruscan rites of fertility, as well as the cycle of the seasons.
The dawn of May 14 is greeted by the roll of the drums, the sound of the bells, gunfire, and by the songs of the harvesters, who sing ancient hymns to Mary. Around 09:30, there is a parade of allegorical wagons, from the lake and up to the sanctuary of the Madonna del Monte. The wagons represents fishermen, shepherds and farmers and they illustrate the everyday activities of the countryside, as well as the local products. The floats are decorated with fruit, flowers and various types of fish.
Return home.
