Day two: Ponza, Gaeta (B,D)

Day trip by fast ferry to the enchanting island of Ponza, as interesting from an historical and archaeological point of view as for its natural beauty and charm. The colourful buildings and fishing villages invite exploration on foot and then perhaps a swim at one of the small beaches. The Cala di Chiaia di Luna is characteristic of the island's beautiful coves and reached on foot through a Roman tunnel. Return late afternoon to Gaeta, with time to explore and dine in the beautiful medieval historical centre. A port with pre-Roman origins, the historical centre preserves many monuments, and a Medieval air.

Day five: Plateau of Arcinazzo, Subiaco, Anagni (B,L,D)

Passing along this particularly beautiful high plateau towards Subiaco, we visit the famous and beautiful Benedictine monasteries. Cliff-perched San Benedetto, contains frescoes by several regional schools and is the site of the first printing press in Italy. Stefano serves a superb picnic lunch with sampling of the best local winesin spectacular surroundings. Descend to the valley of the Sacco river to stroll through and dine at the historical centre of Anagni which maintains its medieval layout, cathedral and a special atmosphere. Dine here before returning to nearby Fiuggi.

Day ten : Marta, Capodimonte, Tuscania,Norchia (B,L)

Today is dedicated to the picturesque Lago Bolsena and further exploration of the Alto Lazio. Driving around this drowned volcanic crater we visit the lakeside eel-fishing centre Marta, take a boat to Bisentina island then, the lakeside town Capodimonte. Turning coastwards we pass through wild, uninhabited upland landscape containing a wealth of well known and less known Etruscan remains. Lunch in Tuscania, then visit this fine town centre, with churches and important museum of Etruscan artefacts. Then to Norcia where we have a chance to wander through the Etruscan necropolis before returning to dine at Viterbo.

Day twelve : Via Appia, Ardeatina, Pretestat Catacombs, Frascati, Castel Gandolfo, San Paolo Basilica, Piramide and Testaccio (B,L)

We begin our exploration of some less visited highlights in and around Rome with the semi-rural southwestern corner, beyond the walls. Walk along a stretch of the Via Appia lined with monumental Roman graves of the once famous, the Fosse Ardeatina, a more recent tomb and monument of great poignancy, and a fascinating subterranean interlude in the Pretestat Catacombs. Ascending to Frascati, we partake in a memorable gastronomic experience, and visit Villa Aldobrandini. The afternoon is spent in the forested Alban hills (Colli Albani), Castel Gandolfo and lakes a landscape painted by Claude Lorraine. Return to the city via San Paolo Basilica, its medieval sculptures, canopy and cloister, museum and early Christian remains. Passing through the San Paolo gate, we dine amongst Romani enjoying the boisterous atmosphere of the popular quarter, Testaccio.