Wild Orchids of Lazio Tour

Wild Orchids of
Lazio Tour

Eight days in the heart of Lazio, exploring the Lucretili and Simbruini Regional Parks, where the latter alone is home to around 60 species of wild orchids. Guided by local experts, this unforgettable journey takes you through volcanic landscapes, ancient forests and historic villages during the most rewarding time of year to admire these remarkable flowers in bloom.

13–20 May 2027 | 8 Days / 7 Nights

  • Day 1 – Arrival in Lazio and Transfer to Lake Bracciano
  • Day 2 – The Orchids of the Monterano Nature Reserve
  • Day 3 – Ancient Forests and Etruscan Heritage
  • Day 4 – The Orchid Trail of the Lucretili Mountains
  • Day 5 – Discovering Subiaco and the Valley of Saint Benedict
  • Day 6 – Wild Orchids of the Simbruini Mountains
  • Day 7 – Orchid Habitats of the Roman Castles
  • Day 8 – Return to Rome

Minimum number of participants: 14
Booking deadline: 28 February 2027

WHO IS THIS TOUR FOR?

This exclusive tour has been designed for orchid enthusiasts, naturalists, photographers, and anyone wishing to discover the extraordinary richness of Mediterranean flora. Over the course of eight days, participants will explore some of the most captivating natural landscapes of central Italy, accompanied by experienced local experts who will introduce the remarkable habitats that support an exceptional diversity of wild orchid species.

From the volcanic landscapes surrounding Lake Bracciano to the ancient forests of Tuscia, from the limestone mountains of the Lucretili and Simbruini Regional Parks to the rolling hills and grasslands of the Roman Castles, each day offers new opportunities to observe orchids in their natural environment while enjoying landscapes of outstanding natural beauty.

The itinerary combines enjoyable botanical excursions with cultural and historical experiences, allowing participants to discover not only the exceptional biodiversity of Lazio but also its rich artistic and historical heritage.

The tour has been scheduled during one of the most rewarding times of the year for observing wild orchids in central Italy. Depending on seasonal conditions and flowering patterns, participants may encounter a remarkable diversity of orchid species throughout the journey.

Particularly noteworthy is the Simbruini Mountains area, which alone is home to approximately 60 wild orchid taxa, making it one of the most significant orchid-rich regions in central Italy.

Designed for an international audience, the tour includes comfortable accommodation, private transportation, guided excursions, and carefully selected destinations chosen for their outstanding botanical interest during the peak flowering season.

Whether you are an experienced orchid specialist or simply passionate about nature, this tour offers a unique opportunity to explore some of Italy’s most remarkable wild orchid habitats while sharing the experience with fellow enthusiasts from around the world.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Search for wild orchids in some of Lazio’s most important protected areas

Explore the Monterano Regional Nature Reserve and the evocative ruins of Monterano Antica

Visit the ancient beech forests of Tuscia and the remarkable archaeological treasures of Marturanum

Discover the renowned Orchid Trail in the Lucretili Mountains

Explore the spectacular landscapes of the Simbruini Mountains Regional Park

Observe the orchid-rich habitats of the Roman Castles

Enjoy cultural visits, historic villages, and authentic local traditions

Be accompanied throughout the tour by experienced botanical guides and local experts

PARTICIPATION FEE

Participation fee from €2,000 per person (single supplement: €200).

Please note: The participation fee includes only the services expressly listed as included in the detailed tour programme. Any services, activities or arrangements not specifically mentioned in the itinerary are to be considered excluded from the participation fee.

The participation fee does not include, by way of example but not limited to, domestic or international flights, transportation to and from the tour starting and ending points, travel insurance, personal expenses, beverages, meals not expressly indicated in the programme, optional activities, gratuities, or any other services not specifically listed as included.

The final itinerary, including complete organisational and logistical information as well as a detailed list of the services included, will be provided to participants upon confirmation of their booking.

Should any adjustments be necessary, the final participation fee will be communicated prior to booking confirmation and before the tour begins.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

7 nights’ accommodation in carefully selected hotels and country inns

Half-board accommodation throughout the tour (daily breakfast and dinner)

Packed lunches on scheduled excursion days

Private transportation throughout the itinerary, including all transfers and daily excursions

Guided botanical excursions led by experienced local specialists

Selected guided cultural and historical visits as indicated in the final programme

Tour leader assistance throughout the journey

DETAILED ITINERARY

Lago-di-Bracciano

Upon arrival in Rome, participants will be welcomed and transferred to the charming lakeside town of Trevignano Romano, located on the shores of Lake Bracciano. This picturesque village, known for its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful waterfront, provides the perfect introduction to the landscapes of Lazio.

After check-in, there will be time to explore the historic centre or enjoy a leisurely walk along the lake before gathering for a welcome dinner. The evening offers an opportunity to meet fellow participants and receive an introduction to the botanical highlights of the week ahead.

Monterano-Antica

The tour begins with an exploration of the Regional Nature Reserve of Monterano, one of Lazio’s most remarkable protected areas. Characterised by woodlands, volcanic formations, open meadows and rich biodiversity, the reserve provides excellent conditions for observing a variety of wild orchid species during their flowering season.

Throughout the excursion, frequent botanical stops will allow participants to appreciate the diversity of local flora and the ecological importance of these habitats. In the afternoon, the group will visit Monterano Antica, the evocative ruins of an abandoned medieval settlement surrounded by nature, offering a fascinating combination of natural and cultural heritage.

Faggeta-Oriolo

Today’s programme combines botanical exploration with the rich archaeological history of northern Lazio. The morning is dedicated to the beautiful beech forests near Oriolo Romano, an area renowned for its natural beauty and favourable habitats for spring flora.

Following time to enjoy the atmosphere of the historic village, the journey continues to the Regional Park of Marturanum near Barbarano Romano. Here participants will discover one of the most important Etruscan archaeological landscapes in the region, where ancient tombs and monuments are set within a spectacular natural environment.

Orchidea Ophrys

Leaving the volcanic landscapes of northern Lazio behind, the tour heads towards the Lucretili Mountains Regional Park, a protected area renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and well-preserved natural habitats. The highlight of the day is the famous ‘Orchid Trail’, one of the region’s most celebrated botanical routes.

Accompanied by expert guides, participants will have the opportunity to observe orchids in their natural environment while learning about their ecology, identification and conservation. Depending on seasonal conditions, participants may encounter several characteristic Mediterranean orchids, including species belonging to the genera Ophrys, Anacamptis, Orchis and Neotinea, renowned for their remarkable diversity and fascinating pollination strategies.

The surrounding landscape, characterised by flower-rich grasslands, woodland edges and panoramic mountain views, offers outstanding opportunities for nature observation and photography.

Monastero-Sacro-Speco-San-Benedetto

Subiaco is one of Lazio’s most fascinating historic destinations, celebrated for its Benedictine heritage and beautiful natural surroundings. The day offers a more relaxed pace, allowing participants to discover the town’s cultural landmarks and enjoy its unique atmosphere.

Visits may include the famous monasteries associated with Saint Benedict, historic architecture and scenic riverside landscapes. A pleasant walk through the Aniene Valley leads to the picturesque Lake of San Benedetto.

Orchis-mascula

The journey continues into the largest regional natural park in Lazio: the Simbruini Mountains. This vast protected area hosts extensive forests, mountain plateaus, limestone grasslands and pristine valleys, creating an extraordinary diversity of habitats.

Guided by local naturalists and botanical experts, participants will visit carefully selected sites known for their abundance of wild orchids and other characteristic mountain plants. Depending on seasonal and local flowering conditions, species such as Ophrys sphegodes, Orchis pauciflora, Neotinea tridentata, Orchis mascula and Ophrys holosericea may be encountered alongside a rich diversity of spring and early-summer wildflowers.

With approximately 60 orchid taxa recorded within the park, the Simbruini Mountains represent one of the richest orchid areas in central Italy and undoubtedly one of the botanical highlights of the entire tour.

Parco-Regionale-Castelli-Romani

The final full day of the tour is dedicated to the diverse volcanic landscapes of the Castelli Romani Regional Park, an area renowned for its ecological richness and scenic beauty.

The day will focus on exploring some of the most botanically significant sites within the park, selected according to seasonal flowering conditions. Depending on flowering conditions, participants may encounter representatives of the genera Ophrys, Anacamptis, Neotinea and Orchis, together with many other characteristic plants of Mediterranean grasslands and volcanic landscapes.

The day concludes with a farewell dinner celebrating a week of discoveries, shared experiences and exceptional natural heritage.

Colosseo-Roma

After breakfast, the group departs for Rome, where the tour concludes.

Participants continuing to the European Orchid Conference will have ample time to reach their accommodation and prepare for the start of the congress. The journey ends with lasting memories of Lazio’s extraordinary orchid habitats, cultural treasures and natural landscapes.

The tour has been thoughtfully designed to offer an authentic experience, both in the warm hospitality extended to participants and in the opportunity to discover the extraordinary wild orchids that are the true protagonists of the journey.

Accommodation has been carefully selected among high-quality hotels and country estates, all set within landscapes of exceptional natural beauty. Chosen for their comfort, elegance and quality of service, these properties provide the perfect setting for a relaxing and enjoyable stay.

The culinary experience is another distinctive feature of the tour. Meals included in the programme will showcase organic, locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, carefully selected to celebrate regional traditions and offer an authentic gastronomic experience that reflects the unique character of the landscapes explored throughout the journey.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The participation fee does not include flights, transportation to and from the tour starting point, travel insurance, personal expenses, beverages, meals not expressly indicated in the programme, or any other services not specifically listed among those included.

The detailed itinerary, together with all organisational information, will be provided upon confirmation of registration.

BOOKING PROCEDURE

By clicking the “REQUEST A QUOTE” button and completing the contact form, the tour operator will provide you with a personalised quotation, payment instructions, and the final amount of the deposit required to confirm your booking.

To complete the reservation, participants will be required to pay the deposit according to the amount and payment instructions communicated by the tour operator via email.

CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY

For cancellations made on or before 31 December 2026, a 100% refund of the amount paid will be issued.

For cancellations made between 1 January and 28 February 2027, 70% of the total participation fee will be refunded.

From 1 March 2027 onwards, no refunds will be available under any circumstances.

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ORCHIDS TO DISCOVER

Botanical species

• A. Collina
• A. Coriophora
• A. Laxiflora
• A. Morio
• A. Palustris
• A. Papilionacea
• A. Pyramidalis

• C. Damasonium
• C. Longifolia
• C. Rubra

• C. Trifida

• D. Fuchsii
• D. Incarnata
• D. Maculata
• D. Romana
• D. Sambucina

• E. Atrorubens
• E. Helleborine
• E. Microphylla
• E. Muelleri
• E. Neglecta
• E. Palustris
• E. Persica
• E. Placentina
• E. Pontica
• E. Purpurata

• G. Conopsea

• H. Adriaticum
• H. Hircinum
• H. Robertianum

• L. Abortivum
• L. Trabutianum

• N. Lactea
• N. Maculata
• N. Tridentata
• N. Ustulata

• N. Nidus-avis
• N. Ovata

• O. Apifera
• O. Bertolonii
• O. Bombyliflora
• O. Exaltata
• O. Fuciflora
• O. Incubacea
• O. Lacaitae
• O. Lutea
• O. Passionis
• O. Scolopax
• O. Sphegodes
• O. Speculum
• O. Tenthredinifera
• O. Tyrrhena

• O. Anthropophora
• O. Italica
• O. Mascula
• O. Militaris
• O. Pauciflora
• O. Provincialis
• O. Purpurea
• O. Simia

• P. Bifolia
• P. Chlorantha

• S. Cordigera
• S. Lingua
• S. Neglecta
• S. Parviflora
• S. Vomeracea

• S. Aestivalis
• S. Spiralis

• A. Collina
• A. Coriophora
• A. Laxiflora
• A. Morio
• A. Palustris
• A. Papilionacea
• A. Pyramidalis

• C. Damasonium
• C. Longifolia
• C. Rubra

• C. Trifida

• D. Fuchsii
• D. Incarnata
• D. Maculata
• D. Romana
• D. Sambucina

• E. Atrorubens
• E. Helleborine
• E. Microphylla
• E. Muelleri
• E. Neglecta
• E. Palustris
• E. Persica
• E. Placentina
• E. Pontica
• E. Purpurata

• G. Conopsea

• H. Adriaticum
• H. Hircinum
• H. Robertianum

• L. Abortivum
• L. Trabutianum

• N. Lactea
• N. Maculata
• N. Tridentata
• N. Ustulata

• N. Nidus-avis
• N. Ovata

• O. Apifera
• O. Bertolonii
• O. Bombyliflora
• O. Exaltata
• O. Fuciflora
• O. Incubacea
• O. Lacaitae
• O. Lutea
• O. Passionis
• O. Scolopax
• O. Sphegodes
• O. Speculum
• O. Tenthredinifera
• O. Tyrrhena

• O. Anthropophora
• O. Italica
• O. Mascula
• O. Militaris
• O. Pauciflora
• O. Provincialis
• O. Purpurea
• O. Simia

• P. Bifolia
• P. Chlorantha

• S. Cordigera
• S. Lingua
• S. Neglecta
• S. Parviflora
• S. Vomeracea

• S. Aestivalis
• S. Spiralis