Castelli Romani
A great day in the pretty countryside around Rome. This morning you will be met at the hotel by your English speaking driver for your full day excursion to the Castelli Romani. The Castelli Romani (Roman Castles) is a group of communes in the province of Rome which include Castel Gandolfo, Marino, Albano and Frascati. These hill towns of medieval and ancient origin are celebrated for their volcanic lakes, lush green scenery, authentic cuisine, and local white wines. In medieval times, powerful land owning families took over the towns. At the end of the 16th and early in the 17th centuries, aristocratic Romans began to build luxurious villas in the area. At that time the popes also began building villas. Hence, Castel Gandolfo became the summer residence of the pope and in fact the town became the property of the popes. Your full day tour includes independent visits of Frascati; the Abbey of San Nilo, built in the 9th century in Grottaferrata; the San Barnaba Church and the famous wine fountain in Marino. You will also visit the church of San Tommaso, the Summer Residence of the Pope in Castel Gandolfo. You will have free time to stop for lunch and wine tasting in Castel Gandolfo. Return to your hotel in Rome.
