Day one - the conquest of the city.

Rome is a wonderful city, rich in historic and artistic treasures and overflowing with charm. It takes just one day to fall in love, but a whole month wouldn’t suffice to truly get to know it! Rome’s squares, fountains, monuments and museums of precious historic importance are enough to make your head spin. To see the best of Rome in a day, start by exploring the majestic Colosseum and its underground passageways, as well as Circus Maximus, which can hold over 300,000 people.

From the Colosseum, walk along Via dei Fori Imperiali, stopping off to admire Vittoriano and the Altar of the Fatherland, and then continue along the historic Via del Corso where you can do a bit of shopping before turning towards the most famous fountain in the world: the magnificent Fontana di Trevi. After tossing a coin and making a wish, head towards Via del Tritone and another city landmark: Piazza di Spagna. Just in front of the famous Spanish Steps stands Bernini’s beautiful Fountain of the Old Boat.

Other destinations not to be missed on your whirlwind city tour are St Peter’s and Castel Sant’Angelo. For an evening aperitivo or dinner, experience the classic Roman lifestyle in nearby ​​Trastevere area where you’ll find a myriad of traditional restaurants, pubs and clubs

Day two - on the Roman hills.

Leaving the city and its vibrant lifestyle behind, recharge your batteries with a night at an agriturismo 

along Via Tiburtina. This ancient route of transhumance - the seasonal movement of livestock - was used by shepherds to lead their flocks from the Roman hills to the border with Abruzzo.

Along the way, like a chain of pearls strung along the blue the Aniene river, you’ll find medieval villages of rare beauty, majestic mountains and enormous fertile valleys.

Water is a central theme here, starting with the thermal baths of Bagni di Tivoli, Hadrian’s Villa and Tivoli. Famous since ancient times, the Acque Albule waters measure a temperature of 23 °C and are used for mud wraps, inhalations and baths. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hadrian’s Villa is a luxurious residence which Emperor Hadrian had built in 118, and definitely worth a visit.

Equally worthy of your time is the hilltop city of Tivoli,

overlooking the Roman countryside. Here the Aniene river draws a wide curve and flows into a magnificent waterfall, a natural muse for many an artist. Monuments not to be missed include Villa D’Este with its extraordinary gardens, fountains and water features, the church of Santa Maria Maggiore, the cathedral, Temple of Vesta and Via Campitelli’s elegant buildings.

Continuing along Via Tiburtina through the peaceful countryside, you’ll encounter villages with Gothic and Renaissance remains such as Vicovaro, Roviano and Arsoli with its imposing Castello Massimo. Heading south from Tivoli, you’ll find the city of Frascati, known and loved by Romans for its white wine and fraschette - traditional osterias where you can taste roast suckling pig accompanied by excellent wine served in carafes. Finish your second day at the magnificent 12 Tuscolane Villas and their enchanting gardens.

Day 3- Relaxation and nature at Lake Bracciano

Set in a basin of volcanic origin north of the capital, Lake Bracciano is the preferred day-trip destination of Romans.

The town of Bracciano, perched on the hills surrounding the lake, is dominated by the Orsini Odescalchi castle, one of Italy’s most impressive examples of Renaissance military architecture. Prestigious courts gathered here, including emperors, popes and a number of famous artists.

Charming villages around the lakeshore are perfect starting points for peaceful strolls along the promenade, or a lunch of delicious local food. Choose from Tolfa with its Palazzo Tittoni, Trevignano Romano, Oriolo Romano, Sutri, Manziana, Bassano Romano, Anguillara Sabazia or Cerveteri.

On warm days you can relax and go sunbathing, swimming or hiking in the 16,682 hectares of Bracciano-Martignano Regional Natural Park. Fishing enthusiasts will be pleased to know that Lake Bracciano is one of the best fishing lakes in Italy, and home to numerous species including whitefish, smelt, eel and perch.