Between 1700 and 1800, Umbria and Lazio witnessed an important page in the history of art. Many artists from northern Europe, France, Germany, England, fascinated by nature, by the varied landscapes and indissolubly linked to historical and artistic events, created an enormous artistic heritage "en plein air", directly in nature, representing in a realistic way, years before the photograph, fascinating glimpses of mythical places, historical, but also never represented before. From the Valley of Terni to the Castelli Romani up to Rome, a journey in the footsteps of the plenarists to immerse oneself in "scenes that seem to have appeared in a dream".

1st Day

Pick up in Rome Fiumicino and transfer to Narni, a beautiful village of Roman origin, nestled on the Umbrian hills. Meeting with the guide. Watching the documentary "La Valle Incantata" (about 40 minutes) which illustrates the history of the artistic current and the project that enhances its importance. At the end of the tour, you will depart for an urban trekking route: from the historical centre of Narni, you will reach the "Gole del Nera", a splendid naturalistic path that winds along the river of the same name. Stop at the ancient Augustus Bridge, on the ancient Via Flaminia that, thanks to the grandeur of the Roman structure on the clear waters of the river Nera, has fascinated important artists such as Turner, Corot, Blechen, Bidauld and many others. Here, as in other points of our itinerary, you can admire the reproductions of the works, just in the precise point where the artist created them. Possibility to visit the Abbey of San Cassiano, an ancient Benedictine abbey dating back to the tenth century, located on Mount Santa Croce, in a panoramic position on the Black Gorges.

Hotel accommodation, dinner and overnight stay.

2nd day

Breakfast at the hotel. At 09:00 meeting with the tour guide.

Departure for Papigno, a small village along the valley of Terni, perched on a rock and surrounded by woods. The Plenarists were enchanted and dedicated so many works to him to make Papigno one of the most represented villages in the history of the landscape. Continue to the Marmore Falls, visit to the Virtual Museum and 6D Cinema dedicated to the works of the Plenaryists in the area. Entrance to the park of the waterfall to admire, from various angles, the majesty of the jump of the river Velino in the Nera: a place of magnetic charm for the artists who created here many works "en plein air". In the afternoon transfer to Lake Piediluco. Boat tour of the lake with photographic stops. Guided tour of the village that enchanted Jean-Baptiste Camile Corot. Aperitif on the terrace overlooking the lake, in 1826 he made here the poignant painting "Lake Piediluco", followed a few years later by "Souvenir d'Italie" Return to hotel, dinner and overnight stay.

3rd day

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Meeting with the guide and departure for Civita Castellana. Tour in the places that fascinated the painters: the reddish rocks, the cliffs, the gorges, the streams, the trees with picturesque shapes and above all the presence of the famous and mythical Monte Soratte that with its unmistakable profile dominates an original landscape on ravines and chasms. Here Corot carried out about thirty oil studies. I continue to Tivoli a magical place that thanks to the ruins and natural scenery was a must for artists. Meeting with the guide for a visit to Villa d'Este, a masterpiece of Italian Baroque, famous for its wonderful gardens, water features and fountains. Visited and represented by many artists such as Corot, Nerly and Edmund is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hotel accommodation, dinner and overnight stay.

4th day

Breakfast at the hotel. Meeting with the guide and visit to the charming Villa Gregoriana, a natural area of great historical and scenic value located in the steep valley between the banks of the Aniene and the ancient Roman acropolis. Nature, history and archaeology merge so seductively to become one of the main subjects of the pictorial representations of Tivoli.

In the afternoon visit of Villa Adriana built by the emperor on an area of about 120 hectares, a plant completely different from the other imperial villas, surrounded by artificial lakes and waterways. Since 1999 it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight at the hotel.

5th day

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Departure for Olevano Romano, a medieval town perched on rocky ridges, destination of painters like the German Ludwig Richter who, in 1825, represented the famous "Serpentara", a forest of oaks that "seemed to have been created for painters". Visit to the Serpentara and the Civic Art Museum. In the afternoon continue to the Castelli Romani.

Arrival at Castel Gandolfo, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, overlooking Lake Albano of volcanic origin, dominated by Monte Cavo. Visit of the village and boat ride on the lake. Hotel accommodation, dinner and overnight stay.

6th day

Breakfast at the hotel, meeting with the guide and departure for Nemi, one of the most beautiful villages of the Castles, which offers an incredible view that in one glance sweeps from the lake to the sea. Corot wrote that "emanating from the lake a golden steam", it seems to see gold spread in its beautiful oil sketch. One of the most represented views "en plein air" is the northern view of the lake visible from the village, along a path halfway up the coast, full of views overlooking the lake, small springs in the midst of lush nature that reaches Fontan Tempesta. The view is incredible reaching the privileged location of Pontecchio. Possibility to continue the urban trekking returning to Nemi (about 3 h.30) or return for a guided tour of the village.

In the afternoon continue to Ariccia, a village repeatedly represented. Guided tour of Palazzo Chigi, residence of the nobles who still retains the furnishings of the past: one of the most famous views of the Villa was represented by Corot. Visit to the church of Corte built by Bernini and continue to the charming Locanda Martorelli, famous meeting place of the artists of the grand tour. Walk in the village that offers beautiful views of the valley and the sea. Hotel accommodation, dinner and overnight stay

7th day

Breakfast at the hotel

Meeting with the guide and departure for Rome for an itinerary in the footsteps of artists in the capital. Guided walk in the places frequented by artists. Visit to the architectural complex of Villa Medici, on the Pincio hill and its gardens. A must at the Caffè Greco, in Piazza di Spagna, a famous meeting place for artists who still today have the charm of the past. Afternoon free for personal insights. In the late afternoon return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.

8th day

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Transfer to the airport and end of services.