Castelli Romani Tours: a guide to the villages around Rome
Treat yourself to a day outside the Italian capital. Let yourself be charmed by the surrounding countryside and its magnificent hills. This area is home to the summer residences of the Popes and the nobility. The famous Castelli Romani spread all around the beautiful lakes of Albano and Nemi.
An ideal escape away from the crowds
Just steps from the Eternal City, this natural park is a true breather. It is also the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. You will discover well-preserved traditional villages. Moreover, the region offers rich gastronomy and vineyards as far as the eye can see. In short, it is the dream getaway to enjoy the dolce vita!
Organize your tailor-made itinerary
Beyond Travels & Events offers a range of customizable itineraries. We create your tour according to your wishes, your time and your budget. As a result, you can put together your ideal route from the following stops.
The most beautiful villages of the Castelli Romani
Castel Gandolfo: Lake Views and the Papal Palace
Castel Gandolfo is famous around the world. Indeed, this village is home to the Pope’s summer residence. However, it is also a very pleasant town. Lake Albano gives it a seaside atmosphere much appreciated by Romans. Moreover, the village ranks among the most beautiful villages in Italy.
Must-see:
– The Papal Palace, its gardens and its observatory
– The Collegiate Church of San Tommaso da Villanova, designed by Bernini
– The sixteenth-century Roman gate
– The Baths of Diana
– The ruins of the ancient palaces of Castel Gandolfo
To do:
– Enjoy a glass of wine on a panoramic terrace overlooking the lake
– Go kayaking on the lake
Frascati: Renowned Wines and Historic Villas
Frascati is a must-see stop in the Castelli Romani. Indeed, the town is famous for its white wine. Moreover, it is home to superb villas built in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries by great architects.
Must-see:
– Villa Aldobrandini
– Villa Falconieri
To do:
– Enjoy a tasting of the region’s wines at a winery
– Savor an aperitif with a view over the plain stretching all the way to the sea
– Take a cooking class to discover typical local flavors
Genzano: Traditions and Views of Lake Nemi
This charming little town lies on the Via Appia. Precisely, it hugs the slope of an ancient volcanic crater.
Must-see:
– The Sforza Cesarini Palace, surrounded by an immense centuries-old park
– The Church of the Capuchins
– The Church of Santissima Trinità
To do:
– The Infiorata festival, in May, when the main street is completely covered by a 2000 m2 carpet of flowers
– Enjoy a picnic in the park of the Sforza Palace
Ariccia: Baroque Art and Local Gastronomy
Also located on the Via Appia, Ariccia is a true artistic treasure. However, the town is just as well known for its indulgent food! Indeed, people come here to eat the famous porchetta (roast suckling pig) in the traditional fraschette.
Must-see:
– Chigi Palace, designed by Bernini
– The Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta, inspired by the Pantheon in Rome.
To do:
– Organize a traditional meal in one of the town’s fraschette
– Take part in the “Sagra” della Porchetta in the first week of September and taste a porchetta sandwich, simple but delicious
Nemi: Wild Strawberries and Ancient Legends
The village of Nemi is built like an amphitheater. Thus, it directly overlooks the peaceful waters of the lake.
Must-see:
– The Palazzo Ruspoli
– A tour of the town’s underground passages
To do:
– Wild strawberry festival in June (the town’s specialty)
– Guided tour on the legend of Caligula’s ships
Albano Laziale: Roman Remains and Historic Alleys
This characteristic town of the Castelli Romani stretches out facing Lake Albano.
Must-see:
– The majestic Baroque-style Cathedral of San Pancrazio
– The Romanesque church of Santa Maria della Rotonda
– The Cisternone, an underground reservoir built by Septimius Severus and still used for the town’s water supply
– The Roman amphitheater
– The Tomb of the Horatii and Curiatii
To do:
– Buy typical fresh pasta at one of the town’s Pastificio shops
– Bike tour from Rome
Indicative prices (depending on the size of your group, the language and the stops chosen):
– 3-hour tour with an official guide: € 250,00
– Half-day with an official guide (4 hours): € 290,00
– Full day with an official guide (8 hours): € 420,00
Note: These prices include the creation of the itinerary and the services of the certified guide. However, they exclude entrance tickets, meals, headsets and transportation. We can include these items in your final quote.
In addition, you can add many options to your program:
– Fiat 500 tour
– Wine tasting at one of the region’s vineyards
– Cooking class
– Lunch, dinner or aperitif
– Night(s) in a hotel, apartment, farm stay or B&B
– Private transfers by car, minivan, bus or train
– Escorts from our agency to handle the logistics of your getaway
For a tailor-made itinerary, write to us at info@beyondroma.com
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