Villas and Gardens of the Roman Countryside
-min.jpg&w=0&h=0 "Hadrian's Villa")
Villas and Gardens of the Roman Countryside
7 Days Starting and ending in Rome, Italy
Visiting: Rome, Bagnaia, Bomarzo, Frascati, Giardino di Ninfa, Tivoli
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 25
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Discover the enchanting "Villas and Gardens of the Roman Countryside" tour, a captivating journey through Italy's historic and picturesque landscapes. Begin with a stay at the serene Hotel Royal in Bolsena, just steps from Lake Bolsena, and later, the elegant Hotel Villa Mercede in Frascati. Explore the exquisite gardens of Villa Lante, the whimsical Parco del Mostri, and the Renaissance beauty of Castello Ruspoli. Delight in a boat trip to Isola Bisentina and visit the grand palaces and gardens of Caprarola and Villa Grazioli. Experience the romantic Gardens of Ninfa and the majestic Hadrian's Villa and Villa d'Este. Conclude with a visit to the frescoed Villa Farnesina in Rome. Enjoy guided tours, local cuisine, and the expertise of Dr. Peter Higginson throughout this unforgettable adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Fly From London Heathrow To Rome.
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Hotel Royal, Bolsena
Meals Included: Dinner
On arrival transfer by coach to Bolsena (approx. 2 hours) and the Royal Hotel for check-in. Tonight Peter will give a lecture then enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Villa Lante At Bagnaia, Then Lunch With The Principessa At Castello Ruspoli
Location: Bagnaia
Accommodation Name: Hotel Royal, Bolsena
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
The garden at Villa Lante was designed for Cardinal Gambara, who had a taste for outdoor living and wished to extol his place as thinker, churchman and land owner. Perfectly proportioned and richly detailed, it features cascades, fountains, grottoes and classical sculptures, all with the aim of chronicling the passage from base nature to an eventual enlightenment. We then drive to the beautiful Renaissance parterre garden at Castello Ruspoli at the top of the hill town of Vignanello. A highlight of the visit will be lunch hosted by the principessa, with dishes made from produce fresh from the estate. On our return to the hotel stop to visit the church of Madonna della Quercia (Mary of the Oak Tree), a micro-example of the commitment to nature and religious belief.
Day 3: Parco Del Mostri At Bomarzo, Then Isola Bisentina
Location: Bomarzo
Accommodation Name: Hotel Royal, Bolsena
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The Parco del Mostri (Park of Monsters) was devised by the architect Pirro Ligorio in the 16th century and is full of grotesque sculptures and mysterious small buildings conveying a narrative that continues to be the object of interpretation. It fell into disrepair over the centuries until 1954 when it was bought by Giovanni Bettini who has maintained it ever since. Salvador Dali made a short film about the gardens and based a painting on it which helped promote the restoration of the gardens. After an independent lunch in Montefiascone, we coach back to Lake Bolsena to take a boat trip to the Isola Bisentina to view this famous garden island. Evening lecture from Peter tonight, then dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 4: Frascati
Location: Frascati
Accommodation Name: Hotel Villa Mercede, Frascati
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Depart by coach to Frascati for three night stay. En route visit the palazzo and garden at Caprarola built by the cultured and powerful Cardinal Alessandro Farnese. Including will be its its cascade and subterranean water theatre, as well the important fresco decorations in the palazzo itself. Free time for lunch (own expense) at Trevignano Romano on the shores of Lago di Bracciano. Then continue to the ancient and bustling town of Frascati. After check-in at our hotel, we drive to the 16th century Villa Grazioli, a Cardinal’s villa in its own right dating back to 1580. It includes an intriguing series of frescoes on the ground floor, a fascinating ballroom painted by 18 th century Roman painter Giovanni Paolo Panini, and lovely views towards Rome and the sea. A perfect place to sample the culture of villa life first hand. We enjoy a group dinner here then return to our hotel.
Day 5 : Day 5: Full Day Tour To Giardino Di Ninfa
Location: Giardino di Ninfa
Accommodation Name: Hotel Villa Mercede, Frascati
Meals Included: Breakfast
Morning visit to the enchanting Gardens of Ninfa romantically set within the remnants of old churches and houses of a medieval town destroyed in 1381 due to disagreements between the local nobility and the Roman papacy. In the early 20 th century family descendants began a programme to create what is regarded as one of the most important English-style gardens in Italy. Visit to the Baroque water theatre and garden at Villa Aldobrandini (subject to opening for private groups).
Day 6: Full Day Tour To Hadrian's Imperial Villa, And The Villa D'este
Location: Tivoli
Accommodation Name: Hotel Villa Mercede, Frascati
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Morning visit to Hadrian's Villa, one of the best kept archaeological sites in Italy. Built at the foot of the Titburtine Hills by the Roman Emperior Hadrian between 118 and 138 AD becomes a model for much subsequent garden designing. The site includes buildings, baths, temples, barracks, theatres, gardens and fountains. in the afternoon, set within the Tiburtine hills above, which were chosen by various aristocrats as the nearest place to escape the heat and pressure of Roman city life, we visit the 16th-century Villa d'Este in Tivoli. The extraordinary complex is famous for its steeply terraced landscaping adorned with tree and hedge lined avenues and a profusion of some 100 fountains. - a beautiful example of the Italian High Renaissance garden. Farewell dinner tonight.
Day 7: Villa Farnesina
Location: Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we visit Villa Farnesina, the famous suburban villa with its seminal villa frescoes by Raphael and others. This is followed by free time in Trastevere for lunch (own expense). Transfer to the airport for your return flight to London.
What's Included
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Return flights from London Heathrow to Rome
Return flights from London Heathrow to Rome are included.
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Three nights’ accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at the four-star Hotel Royal, Bolsena, and three nights’ accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at the four-star Hotel Villa Mercede, near Frascati, both based on shared occupancy of a twin/double r
Three nights’ accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at the four-star Hotel Royal, Bolsena, and three nights’ accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at the four-star Hotel Villa Mercede, near Frascati, both based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room are included.
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Two dinners at local restaurants
Two dinners at local restaurants are included.
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One dinner at Villa Grazioli
One dinner at Villa Grazioli is included.
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One lunch at Castello Ruspoli
One lunch at Castello Ruspoli is included.
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Full coach touring itinerary
A full coach touring itinerary is included.
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Entrance fees as per the itinerary
Entrance fees as per the itinerary are included.
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Tour manager throughout
A tour manager will be present throughout the trip.
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Dr Peter Higginson throughout
Dr Peter Higginson will be present throughout the trip.
What's Not Included
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Double for sole use supplement - £315
A supplement of £315 for double room sole use is not included.
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Holiday insurance
Holiday insurance is not included.
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Meals other than those stated
Meals other than those stated in the itinerary are not included.
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Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls, etc.
, are not included. -
Porterage and gratuities
Porterage and gratuities are not included.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes return flights from London Heathrow to Rome and a full coach touring itinerary, ensuring comfortable and convenient travel throughout the Roman countryside.
Accommodation
Hotel Royal in Bolsena offers a serene stay surrounded by greenery, just 20 meters from Lake Bolsena, featuring an outdoor pool, bar, and free WiFi. Hotel Villa Mercede in Frascati boasts an outdoor pool, spa, terrace, and elegant restaurant, with modern rooms equipped with TV, hairdryer, telephone, WiFi, and safe.
MORE INFO
Peter is an art historian who has taught at Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, University of Manchester, Winchester School of Art and Christie’s Education, London. He specializes in both the art and culture of early modern Europe, and the modern period. He has published on the patronageof Caravaggio, art and society in 17th Baroque Rome, and the post-war war American avant-garde.
Having originally studied painting at art school, his MA thesis focused on Jasper Johns and the influence of Wittgenstein; his PhD on the subject of poor types in Caravaggio’s Roman paintings.
Peter has taught numerous university courses abroad in Rome, Florence, Venice, Paris, Madrid and Barcelona, and has wide experience in leading cultural tours to different parts of Europe, as well as for many years to Cuba.A particular interest has been the history of the garden and ways in which a network of aesthetic, intellectual and political interests informs the fashioning of the landscape. This has included exploring the villas and gardens in the province of Lazio, those of the Italian lakes in the north, and the gardens of Paris and the Île-de-France.
Peter is also chairman of the William Heath Robinson Trust which presides over the large collection of the artist's works on permanent loan to the Heath Robinson Museum, Pinner.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes three nights' accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis at the four-star Hotel Royal in Bolsena and three nights' accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis at the four-star Hotel Villa Mercede near Frascati. Both accommodations are based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes two dinners at local restaurants, one dinner at Villa Grazioli, and one lunch at Castello Ruspoli. Breakfast is also included as part of the accommodation.
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Is there a tour manager or guide throughout the tour?
Yes, there will be a tour manager throughout the tour, and Dr. Peter Higginson will also be present throughout the tour.
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What is the transportation arrangement during the tour?
The tour includes a full coach touring itinerary, ensuring comfortable transportation between various locations.
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Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour package?
Yes, entrance fees as per the itinerary are included in the tour package.
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What activities are planned for Day 2 of the tour?
On Day 2, the tour includes a visit to Villa Lante at Bagnaia, followed by lunch with the principessa at Castello Ruspoli. The day concludes with a visit to the church of Madonna della Quercia.
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What can I expect on Day 3 of the tour?
Day 3 includes a visit to the Parco del Mostri at Bomarzo, followed by an independent lunch in Montefiascone. The day ends with a boat trip to Isola Bisentina and an evening lecture from Peter, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
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What is the itinerary for Day 4?
On Day 4, the tour departs by coach to Frascati for a three-night stay. En route, there is a visit to the palazzo and garden at Caprarola, followed by free time for lunch at Trevignano Romano. The day concludes with a visit to Villa Grazioli and a group dinner.
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What are the highlights of Day 5?
Day 5 includes a morning visit to the Gardens of Ninfa, followed by a visit to the Baroque water theatre and garden at Villa Aldobrandini, subject to opening for private groups.
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What will we see on Day 6?
Day 6 features a morning visit to Hadrian's Villa, followed by an afternoon visit to the 16th-century Villa d'Este in Tivoli. The day concludes with a farewell dinner.
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What is planned for the final day of the tour?
On the final day, the tour includes a visit to Villa Farnesina, followed by free time in Trastevere for lunch. The tour then transfers to the airport for the return flight to London.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final joining instructions and documentation will be despatched approximately 10 days before travel.
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Do I need any Visas or Vaccinations for my holidays?
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change. Please check with your local doctor/GP about the current Vaccination requirements of the country you are visiting. For Visa enquiries, please contact the Embassy of the country you are visiting.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Generally, single and double rooms carry the same price, which means that single supplements for certain itineraries can seem high. We would be pleased to arrange for clients travelling alone to share with another client, however this is subject to somebody in the same situation booking on the tour. If you would be interested in this option, please let us know at the time of enquiry/booking.
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Where does the tour manager meet us?
In most cases the tour manager will travel out with the tour group from the UK. However, this is not always the case and the tour manager may meet you at the destination station / airport. The exact details specific to your tour will be given to you in your final documentation, 10 days prior to departure.
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Wednesday - Tuesday
May 14, 2025 - May 20, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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