From your location in Rome: Hotel, B&B, Other
9:00 AM
Discover a fascinating world within walking distance of Rome, enjoy a unique experience, a tour in the heart of the Roman Countryside, the “Castelli Romani”. The tour starts from your hotel, so we will take the Via Appia admiring the beautiful countyside and historic villages like Castel Gandolfo, Pope’s summer residence. Wolfgang Goethe defined it as “a wonderful district in the midst of which we live as if in ecstasy”: the area of the Castelli Romani fascinated the famous author of “The Sorrows of Young Werther” He stayed here twice, between 1786 and 1788, as guest of a summer residence for gentlemen and ladies run by the rich art dealer Thomas Jenkins. Its was frequented by artist and writers and Goethe appreciated the company, and was enchanted by the beauty of the places, as he descibed several times in his works. Stop for a visit to a winery where we will have a tasting of 3 types of the finest wines of this wonderful area accompanied by some local products. Continuing our tour on the shore of the lake of volcanic origin to taste the famous Porchetta and other typical local products and taste the local wine “Romanella”. Continue to Nemi, famous for the Strawberry Festival (the first weekend in June) and for its lake surrounded by a magical atmosphere. Near the banks is placed the famous Museum of Roman Ships. Your gastronomic tour ends with the visit of Frascati to feel that air of fun, the typical Castelli breeze! It is also time to try the Pupazza Frascatana, a biscuit that looks like a woman with three breasts made with flour, honey and orange scent. It was created almost as a joke in the Sixties and became a typical product of the Frascati area. But why theree nipples you ask. The answer is very simple: two for milk and one for wine, Castelli’s wine of course! Finally an ice cream and stop at the terrace for a photo with the beautiful view of Rome on your shoulder and in front of you one of the most beautiful “tuscolana” villas status symbol for the nobility and the papal court in the XVI century.
List of must-sees
RATES
Meet the driver at your location in Rome or outside Rome. Hop on your comfortable luxury minivan for a 1-hour drive to Castel Gandolfo, where the traditional papal summer residence is situated, just outside of Rome in the Alban Hills.
On arrival, take a break to grab a coffee or shop for souvenirs (both at own expense) before your tour of the Apostolic Palace. Learn about the rare treasure housed here, as well as its history that dates back to 1626. Get a chance to stroll along the terrace, and take pictures of the surrounding Italian landscape.
You will follow your official Vatican guide for a spectacular tour of the Apostolic Palace for an insider’s look at the rare treasures and history it contains. Stand in awe of the most intimate areas of the palace like the Pope’s actual bedroom, study and private chapel, all recently opened for limited visits. Explore this remarkable complex, often referred to as the ‘Second Vatican’, culminating in the breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape from the Papal Terrace, a privilege reserved for very few’.
After, if they are open, you can visit the Barberini Gardens for just over an hour. Walk along the paved pathways, and marvel at the intricately landscaped grounds. From bright green grass to ruby roses and towering trees, the gardens are well worth exploring. See the Magnolia Garden, the Path of Roses, the ruins of the imperial theater, an ancient passageway, and the Belvedere Gardens.
Get on your original luxury minivan you took to Castel Gandolfo to make the journey back Rome.
