Leaving Rome, we head into the hills of Rieti to visit a relatively new collection of roses, both ancient and modern, occupying a dramatic hillside site. Emanuele Dotti, who has assembled this ever-expanding collection, has named the garden in memory of his dear friend, Giovanni Chilanti. We then head off for a buffet lunch with Helga Brichet, a world expert on roses. Helga even lectures in China about Chinese roses and is past president of the World Federation of Rose Societies. Helga’s garden, Santa Maria della Porta, holds a unique collection of Chinese & hybrid gigantea roses. We then travel to Perugia and the Brufani Palace Hotel, ideally placed in the heart of old Perugia with wonderful views over rooftops to the countryside beyond. An evening meal has been included at the hotel with local wines included.