Secret gardens of Rome
Leave the crowded avenues of the capital behind for an idyllic journey into the rolling, wooded landscapes of northern Lazio (Tuscia), where Renaissance nobility built magnificent summer retreats combining architectural harmony with serene nature. Your private English-speaking driver greets you directly at your hotel lobby in Rome in a luxury vehicle, escorting you on a scenic drive toward the volcanic lakes and historic hills of the Roman countryside.
Your first destination is the charming hill town of Caprarola, crowned by the monumental Palazzo Farnese. As you ascend through the town's quaint medieval streets, the sheer scale of this pentagonal fortress-palace reveals the immense power and prestige of the storied Farnese family. Inside, explore lavishly decorated halls adorned with brilliant Mannerist frescoes, admire the monumental spiral Scala Regia staircase, and gaze out over the estate’s manicured Italianate gardens framed by forested ridges.
Following a relaxing pause for lunch at a traditional trattoria to savor the rich culinary specialties of the Tuscia region, a short panoramic drive brings you to the village of Bagnaia near Viterbo. Here, you will discover Villa Lante, universally celebrated as one of the world's finest surviving masterpieces of Renaissance garden design. Spend a peaceful afternoon wandering along symmetrical terraced parklands, surrounded by dripping stone grottos, serene boxwood parterres, and an ingenious hydraulic choreography of cascading waterfalls and ornate fountains. (Please note that this excursion is unavailable on Mondays, as both estates are closed.) After a tranquil day immersed in Renaissance art and lush natural landscapes, sit back and unwind on a smooth drive back to your hotel in Rome
