COUNTRY LIFE: The Italian Rose: Lazio and Umbria

25 April 2022

This tour is timed to coincide with the magical weeks of early Italian summer when roses bloom and nightingales sing day and night. We explore some of the most famous Rose gardens including Ninfa and a private garden owned by a former President of the World Federation of Rose Societies.

Lunch at Palazzo Parisi, the Italian home of Arabella Lennox-Boyd
Meet renowned rose expert, Helga Brichet in her own rose garden
Visit the spectacular garden of Ninfa, where scrambling Roses drape over medieval ruins
Explore the hidden retreat of artist Gary Jo Gardenhire & garden designer Tim Rees

Our tour begins in Rome at the Hotel De Russie, a Rocco Forte hotel, with interiors created by Rocco’s sister, Olga Polizzi. A tranquil retreat amid a vibrant city, this enduringly glamorous hotel successfully blends modern design with classical architecture. Known as ‘The green heart of Italy’, Umbria is a region of great beauty encompassing medieval hill towns, mountains, lakes and verdant valleys edged by wooded slopes. It is here in Perugia that we find the Brufani Palace Hotel where guests, including the late Queen mother, have received the warmest of welcomes and highest levels of hospitality for the past 120 years.

Day 1:
This morning we depart London Heathrow and fly to Rome Fiumicino airport. We then drive into the heart of Rome to the Hotel De Russie, for a welcome drink and time to relax and explore before dining together at the hotel, wine included.
Day 2:
The morning begins with a visit to the informal roseto, Valleranello belonging to Rosarian, Maresa del Bufalo. We then continue south to Ninfa, a supremely romantic garden where roses scramble over the ruins of a medieval town set on the banks of a river. A light lunch is included. Return to the Hotel De Russie for a free evening in Rome.
Day 3:
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.
Day 4:
High in the Umbrian hills is the hidden retreat of American artist Gary Jo Gardenhire and British garden designer Tim Rees. Gary’s metalwork sculptures complement a delightfully multi-layered garden that comes alive with colour at this time of year. After lunching here with Gary and Tim, we drive to the plains below Spello to visit the Tenuta San Giuseppe. The old silk mill has been transformed into a home and offices for the production of the Barbanera Almanac, produced by the same family for over 250 years and still used by farmers and gardeners throughout Italy. Surrounding the buildings are the potager, orchard garden, and the four-season terrace. In addition, we will be shown a fascinating collection of historic almanacs from all over the world. Before returning to Perugia, we visit the Quando Fiorianno Rose Garden and nursery with fine views to Assisi.
Day 5:
Today we enjoy a special invitation to view the gardens of Palazzo Parisi, the childhood home of garden designer Arabella Lennox-Boyd. Here Arabella has created a magnificent garden with a luxuriously planted formal space leading out to olive groves underplanted with wildflowers. After a delicious lunch, we return to Rome Fiumicino

Return flights from London Heathrow to Rome
Private coach transfers and excursions
Two nights’ bed and breakfast in the five-star Hotel de Russie, Rome
Two nights’ bed and breakfast in the five-star Hotel Sina Brufani Palace, Perugia
Three dinners with wine and four lunches
Guided visits to sites listed in the programme
Services of the Tour Leader and Hosts
Detailed programme and garden notes
All entrance fees, taxes and gratuities for coach drivers and waiters

Charles-Quest Ritson

Charles Quest-Ritson started out as a lawyer but is better known as a writer, journalist and translator. His many books include The English Garden Abroad [1992], Olive Oil [2004] and Ninfa [2009]. He has also edited the RHS Year Book and written two prize-winning books on roses. He and his wife Brigid garden in Hampshire (2½ acres of chalk) and Normandy (12 acres of woodland and apple orchard, where they grow 1200 roses.) He is a popular lecturer and columnist for Country Life magazine.

Kirsty Fergusson

Kirsty exchanged a career in academia (she is a PhD specialising in French philosopher-novelists) for a life in gardening. Trained at Capel Manor, she was head gardener at Mapperton in Dorset during the early nineties, where a series of fortunate encounters opened the door to garden writing. As well as writing a weekly column for The Express, for many years she was a frequent contributor to Gardens Illustrated, House and Garden, Country Life, The Times, The Telegraph and The Independent. In 2003 she moved to SW France, where she continues to explore the possibilities of her own (very forgiving) garden - when not travelling, writing or leading tours.

Fly from London Heathrow

Return flights from London Heathrow are included in our package on our specific arrival and departure dates plus one item of checked in luggage, per person.

Transfers will also be included on our specific arrival and departure dates to take you to your holiday destination. If you choose to arrive or depart on a different day, there may be an additional supplement charged to cover your transfer costs.

Your Accommodation

Hotel de Russie, Rome

★★★★★

Hotel De Russie features a peaceful garden, a gourmet restaurant, and spacious, elegant rooms. Guests will also find a wellness centre, which offers a sauna, Turkish bath and salt-water hydromassage pool. The en suite bedrooms have a mix of classic and contemporary styles and offer city or garden views.

Room Facilities & Amenities

En Suite Bathroom
Air conditioning
Minibar
Satellite TV

Brufani Palace Hotel, Perugia

★★★★★

The luxurious Brufani Palace has been a favourite of glamorous actors, royalty and Heads of State since its opening in 1884. Commanding charming views across the Perugian rooftops, sumptuous interiors strike the perfect balance between historical splendour and modern comfort. Enjoy complimentary access to the Sina Wellness Club with heated indoor pool, sauna, Turkish bath and gym. Hotel bar and restaurant, serving regional specialities.