Bolsena Lake: a hidden pearl in the heart of central Italy

Day 1 Arrival at Bolsena lake, Check-in operations and accommodation for 7 nights. Before dinner an inviting cocktail will welcome you in this wonderful place. Dinner is included in the offer.

Day 2 After a delicious buffet breakfast we will visit the Via Francigena and the Bisentina Island. The Bolsena Lake and the small omonymous town are located along the Via Francigena, which leads from Canterbury to Rome. After a loveling stroll through the narrow streets of the perfectly conserved medieval town you will set off for the Bisentina Island, which was once a sort of private spa for the Farnese Popes with its magnificent garden. On the late afternoon way back to the hotel and dinner in hotel restaurant.

Day 3 After a tasteful buffet breakfast your today tour starts with a walking excursion in Viterbo, a former papal residential city and the heart of Tuscia district. A visit to Bagnaia is a must for all gardens lovers as Villa Lante is one of the finest and most significant example of a 16th century villa with a magnificent garden. The so-called “dying city” Civita di Bagnoregio is the perfect final station for your tour. While you cross the 300 metres long pedestrian bridge you can see the splendour of this iconic place.

Day 4 Today you will travel to the noble residence of Vignanello, with a visit to the papal palace of Ruspoli, where the Ruspoli family still lives, and see the example of a formal Baroque garden. The dominating element lies in the geometrical pattern. Hedges, rows of trees, ponds and tree-lined paths have a formal arrangement. The subsequent trip will take you to Bomarzo and the unique Parco dei Mostri, an unusual, bizarre fantasy garden. It was commissioned by Vicino Orsini, who intentionally had it arranged in a labyrinth pattern. A visit to the park is also a visit to another world, where one first has to adjust the mind to its particular laws of nature.

Day 5 The name Orvieto comes from the Latin Urbs Vieto (old city) and it is presumed that this was the site of the Etruscan city Velzna, and was one of the twelve main cities of the Etruscan kingdom. This city, built out of tuff, can be seen from a long distance and is simply overwhelming from the city itself. You will visit the cathedral with the famous fresco cycles by Luca Signorelli. This is followed, in the afternoon, by a visit to the underground city and hike around the tuff rock which will take you to the Etruscan necropolis Crocefisso del Tufo.

Day 6 This morning, you will travel to Vico Lake for a short stop and then further on to Caprarola, to see the most significant late Renaissance building, Farnese Palace, a work of art by Vignola. The return journey will include a stopover in Montefiascone. Learn more about the history behind “Est!Est!Est!” wine as you sip a glass for yourself

Day 7 Today you will enjoy a trip to Pitigliano, one of the most picturesque small towns in southern Tuscany. Then you will continue to Sovana for a visit to the town, which is dominated by the Rocca Aldobrandeschi fortress. Around the 7th century B.C., the Etruscans founded the first settlements in this area. This led to the alliance between the towns of Sovana, Sorano, Pitigliano, Roselle and Vetulonia, whose advanced culture can be admired to this today. Now you can take advantage of the spa baths in Saturnia and relax after these eventful days.

Day 8 After breakfast, trip back home.