La dolce vita
TIMED to coincide with the magic of the early Italian summer, when roses bloom and nightingales sing, the next COUNTRY LIFE tour will explore some of the most famous rose gardens in Lazio and Umbria, including Ninfa and a private garden owned by a former president of the World Federation of Rose Societies.
In Rome, we’ll stay at the enduringly glamorous Hotel De Russie, a Rocco Forte hotel with interiors created by Rocco’s sister, Olga Polizzi, that successfully blend modern design with Classical architecture and provide a tranquil retreat. 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, where our other base, the Brufani Palace Hotel, is located, providing the highest levels of hospitality for 120 years.
The Gardens of Lazio & Umbria tour takes place on April 25–29 and costs from £3,995 per person (single supplement of £650 is levied by the hotels). This includes return flights from London Heathrow, two nights at the Hotel de Russie, Rome, and two nights at Hotel Sina Brufani Palace, Perugia, with all breakfasts, plus three evening meals, four lunches and local wines, included. For further information and to book, contact Boxwood Tours (01341 241717; mail@boxwoodtours.co.uk; www.boxwoodtours.co.uk).