Tour of the Castelli Romani: A Guide to the Villages Around Rome
Treat yourself to a day trip 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 stretch all around the magnificent lakes of Albano and Nemi.
An ideal getaway away from the crowds
Located just a short walk from the Eternal City, this nature park offers a true respite. What’s more, it’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. There, you’ll discover well-preserved traditional villages. The region also boasts a rich culinary tradition and vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see. In short, it’s the perfect getaway to enjoy la dolce vita!
Plan Your Customized Itinerary
Beyond Travels & Events offers a variety of customizable itineraries. We’ll design your trip based on your preferences, schedule, and budget. You can therefore create your ideal itinerary by selecting from the following options.
The Most Beautiful Villages of the Castelli Romani
Castel Gandolfo: View of the Lake and the Papal Palace
Castel Gandolfo is famous throughout 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 lakeside atmosphere that is very popular with Romans. In fact, it is considered one of 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 16th-century Roman Gate
– The Baths of Diana
– The ruins of the ancient palaces of Castel Gandolfo
Things to do:
– Enjoy a glass of wine on a terrace with a panoramic view overlooking the lake
– Go kayaking on the lake
Frascati: Renowned Wines and Historic Villas
Frascati is a must-see destination in the Castelli Romani. The town is famous for its white wine. It is also home to some magnificent villas built in the 16th and 17th centuries by renowned architects.
Places to visit:
– Villa Aldobrandini
– Villa Falconieri
Things to do:
– Enjoy a wine tasting of local wines at a winery
– Enjoy an aperitif with a view of the plain stretching all the way to the sea
– Take a cooking class to discover typical local flavors
Genzano: Traditions and a View of Lake Nemi
This charming little town is located on the Via Appia. More specifically, it lies on the slope of an ancient volcanic crater.
Must-see:
– The Sforza Cesarini Palace, surrounded by a vast, centuries-old park
– The Capuchin Church
– The Church of the Santissima Trinità
Things to Do:
– The Infiorata Festival in May, when the main street is completely covered by a 2,000-square-meter carpet of flowers
– Enjoy a picnic in the Sforza Palace Park
Ariccia: Baroque Art and Local Cuisine
Also located on the Via Appia, Ariccia is a true artistic treasure. However, the town is just as well known for its culinary delights! In fact, people come here to enjoy the famous porchetta (roasted suckling pig) at the traditional fraschette.
Must-see:
– Palazzo Chigi, designed by Bernini
– The Collegiata of Santa Maria Assunta, inspired by the Pantheon in Rome.
Must-do:
– Enjoy a traditional meal at one of the city’s fraschette
– Attend the “Sagra” of the Porchetta during the first week of September and try a porchetta sandwich—simple but delicious
Nemi: Wild Strawberries and Ancient Legends
The village of Nemi is built in an amphitheater-like layout. As a result, it overlooks the peaceful waters of the lake.
Things to See:
– Palazzo Ruspoli
– Tour of the city’s underground passages
Things to Do:
– Wild Strawberry Festival in June (the city’s specialty)
– Guided tour on the legend of Caligula’s ships
Albano Laziale: Roman ruins and historic alleyways
This picturesque town in the Castelli Romani region lies on the shores of Lake Albano.
Must-see sights:
– 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 to supply water to the city
– The Roman Amphitheater
– The Tomb of the Horatii and Curiatii
Things to Do:
– Buy traditional fresh pasta at a local pasta factory
– Bike tour from Rome
Estimated Prices (depending on your group size, language, and selected stops):
– 3-hour tour accompanied by an official guide: €250.00
– Half-day tour accompanied by an official guide (4 hours): €290.00
– Full-day tour accompanied by an official guide (8 hours): €420.00
Note: These prices include itinerary planning and the services of a certified guide. However, they do not include admission tickets, meals, headphones, or 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
– Overnight stay(s) at a hotel, apartment, agritourism, or B&B
– Private transfers by car, minivan, bus, or train
– Our agency’s tour guides to handle the logistics of your getaway
For a custom itinerary, email us at info@beyondroma.com
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