bespoke italian tours

Between Rome and Florence there is much more than just the beautiful drive on the A1 highway. The “Park of the Monsters” in Bomarzo is a fascinating walk through impressive statues, Civita di Bagnoregio is an authentic medieval jem and Orvieto is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich towns in all of central Italy.
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With a 1.5 hrs highway drive from Florence we reach the fascinating “Park of the Monsters”, a 16th century villa's park which was ornated with many grotesque-style statues and small buildings. This site has still many blind spots, with symbols that recall alchemy, but experts are still puzzled as to the meaning. What is certain is its beauty and fascination, with this combination of human work and nature. From Bomarzo just a half hour away is the medieval jem of Civita di Bagnoregio, a tiny town on top of a volcanic rock which is reachable just through a walking bridge. No cars or other vehicles can arrive, and the views are simply stunning. A walk through its small roads and gardens is a must if you are in this area. Lunch will be in Civita or in its “mothertown”, Bagnoregio, from which the bridge starts. In the afternoon we reach Orvieto. Here you can decide to hire a local guide or walk on your own between the sandstone buildings, discovering its corners, little shops and its magnificent cathedral. The town was founded by an ancient population of central Italy, the Etruscans, who left several tombs in the underpinings of the city, which were then transformed in the middle ages into cellars, wells, and restaurants. From Orvieto we head back to Florence or your villa location.