We're in Rome this week. We'll be going on the Roman Spring Tour offered by SecretGardensItaly. First stop on the tour is the recently excavated archaeological site beneath Rome's 16th century Palazzo Valentini, an ancient Roman site that was part of a wealthy neighborhood. Reservations to see the exhibit are no longer available but it can be seen on tours like the one I'm taking. After the palazzo, we'll be visiting several gardens including Rome's orchid collection and the Castrense Amphitheater Gardens.

While in Rome, we'll also visit Villa Torlonia, a lavish 19th century villa that was the residence of former Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. It's now a museum open to the public. We're going to see the exhibit about Carlo Levi, author of the famous novel Christ Stopped in Eboli (compare prices).

We're staying in the boutique Hotel Eden for two nights and then the Flavors of Italy Bed and Breakfast on the outskirts of Rome.

Rome Travel: Rome Visitors Guide | Rome Pictures

_{Picture of Villa Torlonia © SecretGardensItaly}