30 April – 06 May 2012
The sweeping hill countryside around the eternal city of Rome has a superb collection of gardens – some historic, others recently renovated or created, some influenced by Russell Page. A private visit to Giardino di Ninfa is a highlight of the week. Its setting, variety of plants and flowing water are within an ancient ruined town; it is quite spectacular.
To visit the gardens south of Rome we stay for three nights in the attractive small hill town of Frascati, at the most comfortable Hotel Flora. A full day to visit Rome has been included; it can be reached in 30 minutes by train. We then transfer to the countryside near Lake Bracciano, north of Rome. The elegant and welcoming Hotel di Stigliano has recently re-opened after being beautifully renovated, and there are natural hot water springs and Etruscan remains in the surrounding gardens. It is a good base for gardens north of Rome.
Itinerary
DAY ONE – MONDAY 30 APRIL
Morning flight to Rome Fiumicino airport, continuing to the gardens of Landriana near the coast at Tor San Lorenzo. Created by the current owners in the 1960s with Russell Page’s advice, it has well-defined structure and a series of ‘rooms’ – the Rosa mutabilis avenue is particularly eye-catching. The visit is guided. We leave for the Castelli Romani hills towards Frascati, arriving at the Hotel Flora. Short talk on the week’s programme before dinner together.DAY TWO – TUESDAY 01 MAY
Free day to visit the fascinating city of Rome, taking the train from Frascati. In the early evening we join the passeggiata in Frascati, taking an aperitivo before dinner together.DAY THREE – WEDNESDAY 02 MAY
Visit to the amazing hill-side gardens of Villa d’Este in Tivoli. Reminiscent of the hanging gardens of Babylon, this masterpiece of a Renaissance garden with exuberant fountains, statues and fish ponds on different terraced levels was created for Cardinale d’Este in the 16th century. Lunch available in the gardens. Afternoon visit to the dramatic Baroque gardens of Villa Aldobrandini, created in the early 16th century. A water staircase descends the hill-side to a semi-circular water theatre with a statue of Atlas supporting the world. On our final evening here we enjoy dinner at a restaurant in Frascati with delicious local specialities.DAY FOUR – THURSDAY 03 MAY
Morning visit to the breathtakingly beautiful gardens of Ninfa near Cisterna di Latina, south of Rome. Restoration of the land around a ruined 13th century town began in the 1920s, and an extraordinary garden was created, helped by gushing spring water descending from the hills. We enjoy lunch in a nearby hill town. Departing north to the peaceful rolling hills of Tuscia we arrive at Hotel di Stigliano, recently renovated with a delightful garden. An aperitivo will be served on the terrace before dinner together.DAY FIVE – FRIDAY 04 MAY
Deep in the countryside at the foot of the Tolfa mountains lies Palazzo Patrizzi at Castel Giuliano with its enchanting garden. The owners have carried out lengthy restoration work. A guided visit of the garden will reveal the extensive collection of roses. At lunchtime we descend to a lakeside village. Our afternoon visit is to the private gardens of San Liberato in the hills overlooking the opaline waters of the volcanic Lake Bracciano. Created in the 1960s around a beautiful Romanesque church, Russell Page advised on both structure and planting. Dinner together in the hotel.DAY SIX – SATURDAY 05 MAY
After breakfast we leave for the Viterbo area to discover two classical Italian gardens. Villa Lante, above the hill town of Bagnaia, was built for Cardinal Gambara in the 1560s as a summer residence. A formal walled garden, it is on four levels with fountains, rills and water parterres, river gods holding cornucopia. Clipped box, Laurus nobilis and statues give an air of beauty and formality. We continue to Vignanello for lunch on the terrace of the Castello di Vignanello with its beautiful parterre garden, with a chance to see the castle interior with the owner. We enjoy dinner together on the final evening in the hotel.DAY SEVEN – SUNDAY 06 MAY
We leave in the morning for Rome airport and the return flight.
Tour Costs
Airflight, Hotel and Itinerary costs £1750pp
Accommodation based on 2 people sharing
b&b with private shower/bathroom
Dinner on 6 evenings/2 lunches
Supplement – single use of double room £260
Superior room Hotel Flora, £180 per room
Activity Level:
Some hillside gardens with steep flights of steps and terraces.
Additional Information:
The gardens at Ninfa are unforgettably beautiful.