Ancient Appian Way - Catacombs - Grottaferrata - Castel Gandolfo - Ariccia - Palazzo Chigi - Frascati
	The volcanic hills where people descending from the greek heroes settled. The roman ancestors descended from here. Beautiful Villas and mistical lanscapes

The "Castelli Romani" and the Appian way (with dinner)half day plus restaurant or "cantina"

This tour will take you on a beautiful drive outside of Rome. We will be on the ancient Appian Way along the side of which are most of the catacombs of Rome. Our first stop will be in Grottaferrata with one of the oldest and mysterious abbeys in Italy, dedicated to San Nilo found in 1004. We proceed up to the hills to the lake of Castel Gandolfo, summer residence of the Popes since the XVII century (also called the little Vatican) and seat of a famous astronomic observatory. Following the coastline we drive around the beautiful volcanic lakes of Albano and Nemi immerged in a frame of woods, wild bushes and rocky spurs; then back up to the top for a sight to the breathtaking panorama. We will stop in Nemi to try their tasty little wild strawberries, and if you like it to buy their fully organic lavender oil.

We will then drive to Ariccia; this little town bears the name of the mythological Roman Nymph who was living in the woods around the town. There we will visit the Palazzo Chigi with its suggestive original furniture on display.

At the end we’ll move to Frascati, where many rich Renaissance families built their summer villas and gardens and famous for its dry white wine. Here or in the surroundings will be stopping for dinner for a  wine tasting but also to enjoy local appetizers like pecorino cheese, salami, fettuccine, prosciutto etc, you will like to enjoy something so simple and tasteful.

 Photo gallery

 Reservation

A reservation is requested for the visit of Palazzo Chigi in Ariccia

 Entrance Fee

Palazzo Chigi in Ariccia: Guided tour through the "Piano Nobile" and the "Cardinal's rooms" Euro 11.00

 Transportation

This tour needs the use of a car with driver, the cost of it is depending on the number of participants.
It will be given on request.

 Walking difficulty

The tour is quite comfortable, most of it is driving through beautiful places; the walking part is almost all flat and easy. Easy walks, sometimes a little up hill

 Duration

With the wine tasting it will last around 4 hours, with dinner about 5/6