Why choose this tour?

Ideal for history lovers, this tour takes you on a journey through time: from ancient Etruscan necropolises to breathtaking Renaissance villas, with a delightful diversions to local wine cellars and oil mills, you will discover the places and historical events that have shaped Italian history

DAY 1: Arrival

Arrival at Fco Apt in Rome and transfer to the hotel in Viterbo.

Dinner and overnight accommodation at the hotel.

DAY 2: Tarquina and Vulci

Breakfast and departure for Tarquinia.

This day is dedicated to the Etruscans and begins with a guided tour of the Necropolis. In the 9th and 8th centuries BC, it was the home of three households. However, settlements were definitively abandoned and the hill became the main burial site of the city. Today, almost 3000 years later, it is possible to visit 14 wonderful tombs rich in frescoes. The visit continues in the historical center of Tarquinia and in the Vitelleschi Palace. The Vitelleschi Palace houses the Museo Archeologico Nazionale Etrusco, which is famous throughout the world for the richness and variety of artefacts unique for their forms and figurative decorations.

At the end of the visit, lunch based on typical products in a restaurant of the area.

Guided tour of Vulci during the afternoon.  The Archeological Naturalistic park of Vulci is 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, also includes monumental tombs carved into the rocks.

Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 3: Viterbo and Bolsena

Breakfast and departure to Viterbo.

Guided visit of Viterbo during the morning. 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, tasting lunch in a local winery.

In the afternoon, guided tour of Bolsena, 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.

DAY 4: Vitorchiano, Villa Lante and Palazzo Farnese

Breakfast and departure to Vitorchiano.

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.

Guided tour of Villa Lante in the late morning. The Villa is embellished by dainty fountains, decorated tanks, water games and statues made of “peperino”, the typical stone of the area.

Lunch 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!

At the end of the visit, transfer to Rome.

Dinner and overnight accommodation at the hotel.

DAY 5: Colosseum and Roman Forum

Breakfast and departure.

In the morning, visit of the Colosseum. Called by the ancient Romans “Amphitheatrum Flavium” (Flavian Amphitheatre), the Colosseum is the most famous and impressive monument of the Ancient Rome, and the biggest amphitheatre in the world. Its name is definitely linked to the large size of the building.

Free time for lunch.

The tour continues with the visit of the Roman Forum. The valley of the Forum of the seven hills of Rome was once a swamp. After the reclamation of the wetland, in the valley was built the Roman Forum, which was the centre of the public life of Rome for over a millennium. Over the centuries various monuments were built: first the buildings for political, religious and commercial activities were built first; afterwards, during the second century. B.C. were built some civil basilicas, where the judicial activities were carried out.

At the end of the visit, return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 6: Ostia antica

Breakfast and departure to Ancient Ostia.

Guided visit of Ostia Antica during the morning. The tradition attributes the foundation of Ostia to Anco Marzio, fourth king of Rome. The city developed especially during the Empire as a commercial centre and ort. But in late-ancient times the city began its rapid decline, only to be replaced by the port city of Porto, and being finally abandoned in the early Middle Ages. The ruins have been unearthed since the nineteenth century and public monuments as well as numerous houses have been preserved becoming a great testimony to the daily life of the past. Ancient Ostia is, along with Pompeii, the largest archaeological site in the world with an area of 150 hectares, although it has been brought to light only 40%: more than half of the city is still buried.

At the end of the visit, free time to have lunch in local restaurant based on typical products.

Free time during the afternoon.

In the evening, 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 7: Departure

Breakfast and transfer to the Fco Apt in Rome.

End of our services.