CVT-03 Italian Countryside, Castel Gandolfo, Appian Way

Italy boosts a wealth of beautiful countryside and the area surrounding Rome called Castelli Romani is no exception.The Castelli Romani , a collection of hill top towns south of Rome, have always been synonymous with great food and simplicity. In the old days the Romans came here on the weekend, bought food on the road and went to eat in taverns.The restaurants served only wine . The service was rather spartan, but it was very fun. Our tour will include several villages and stops.

Your driver will pick you up at your hotel and you will set out on a relaxing drive across rolling hills and lush farmlands, dotted with beautiful villas and palaces.

Head south along the legendary Appian way, one of the earliest and strategically most important Roman roads of the ancient republic. See the Baths of Caracalla and the Chapel of Domine Quo Vadis along the way. Drive by the catacombs, a curious underground maze of tunnels hollowed out of volcanic rock, where the earlier Christians, persecuted by the Romans, would bury their dead, the baths of Caracalla.

Your first stop will be at Piazza di Corte of Ariccia designed by Bernini.You may choose to taste the famous local products including Porchetta or linger around the old town.

We will then proceed south and drive through Genzano, famous for its bread ,that has obtained a truly unique quality and for the famous INFIORATA Festival. During this event , 3 streets of Genzano are decorated with flowers arranged in mosaics , the tradition goes back to the religious celebration of Corpus Domini. Because of the width and slope of the uphill road which hosts the floral carpet , Genzano is renowned for its beauty and scenography.

Then going around the lake we will arrive in Nemi. It the best preserved town of the Castelli Romani, who got the orange flag of the Italian Touring Club as inland Excellence. Nemi is absolutely enjoyed walking and immersing oneself in its country atmosphere.Here you will have a chance to tast the Fragolino typical liquor made from wild straberries that have made the village famous. The wild straberries are used to make every kind of delicacy.

Going around the Albano Vulcanic lake we will arrive in the scenic town of Castelgandolfo . This is where the pope historically retreats in the summer to escape the heat of Rome. The placid town is packed with historic sites, including the Church of St. Thomas of Villanova, designed by Baroque master, Gian Lorenzo Bernini.Take a short stroll in this lovely medieval town shoot some photos to the beautiful view and the papal palace and we will head to the next stop. We will drive through th Albanian hills and arrive in Frascati dominated by the spectacular Villa Aldobrandini, and across the walk with the look that embraces the whole city of Rome. Frascati is well known for its wine production .Wander around the village on your own.You may upgrade your tour with a local wine tasting and light snacks. ( 20/25 euro per person )

Highlights:

- Relaxing day in the Roman Countryside
- Castel Gandolfo, Lake Albano and Nemi

Notice:

Complete information including our phone numbers, meeting time and place are included in your confirmation voucher.
Please give your voucher to the driver at the end of the tour. We hand select our drivers and tour guides in order to give you the ultimate experience.
We would love to hear from you after your tour is completed. Your feedback is very important to us so please Send email

Important information

- This tour includes a professional informative English-speaking driver. Due to strict Italian laws & regulations that protect officially licensed guides, our drivers cannot walk with you into any site but can answer any question you have from the vehicle. A Professional licensed guide, where needed, can be hired on request at an extra cost.
- Please dress respectfully when visiting religious monuments; local custom requires covering knees and shoulder.
- Comfortable walking shoes recommended.
- The tour sequence may be altered to avoid congestions but always covering mentioned sights.

Inclusions

- Professional informative English-speaking driver
- Private vehicle for the day
- Pick up and drop off at the port
- Guaranteed return to the pier on time
- Flexible itinerary

Exclusions

- Lunch
- Admission fees if not mentioned
- Tips to driver and guide ( please read below for more information)

Gratuities

Tips are never included in our quotes.
I think that a tip shouldn't be included in the rate otherwise it would be a tax.
Tip only if you really liked the service.
Tips are a personal gesture and are given whenever the client feels it is necessary.
Tips are generally: 10% not bad - 15 % great - 20 % best tour in my life. Please report any abuse.

Is this a Private Tour ?

The tour is private, just for your party, however if you prefer to share your tour with other passengers to alleviate costs, please register and sign in on a popular cruise community website called Cruise critic. This is the link:http://boards.cruisecritic.com Once you have joined, look for your cruise ship and the thread talking about your cruise. Place a post requesting if anyone wants to join you for the shore excursion you have chosen. We would be happy to provide a detailed itinerary and assist you with all the questions your fellow cruisers may have.

Is the Driver also a Guide?

Our English speaking drivers are NOT licensed guides. In order to provide you with the best-in-class service, our English speaking driving guides have been trained to offer our clients a nice overview with information regarding the major highlights avoiding the expensive charges of hiring a private guide. Due to strict Italian laws & regulations that protect officially licensed guides, our driving guides can comment and explain the sights only from inside the vehicle, but are not allowed to do so once they are outside the vehicle. They are regularly licensed instead to chauffeur the public. We highly recommend that you never book with any touring company that does not make this clear.

Does the driver go with us inside the monuments?

No, only a licensed guide is authorized to accompany you during the visit of sights. Our driver will drop you off close to the sights but will stay with the vehicle for the duration of your visit.

Does this tour include lunch and admission fees to sites?

Lunch and admission fees are not included in the rate. Please contact our office for pricing and reservations.

Does it include a guide?

A guide is not included either. Please contact our office for pricing and reservations.

What is the duration of the tour?

The duration of the tour is 9 hours, including pickup and drop off at the ship.

Can we add wine tasting and light lunch?

Yes you may the cost varies between 20 and 25 euro depending on the season

Do you guarantee the return to the ship on time?

In almost 30 years of business, we have never missed the ship that is why we have organized all itineraries to guarantee your return on time.

Is gratuity included in the price?

Tips are never included in our quotes .We think that a tip shouldn't be included in the rate otherwise it would be a tax!!! Once in Italy do not feel as though you have to tip everyone because someone told you to. Tip only if you really liked the service. Tips are generally: 10% not bad 15 % great 20 % best tour in my life. Please report any abuse.

Where do we meet the driver?

The driver pulls up to the ship if you are travelling in a small group.Please read your voucher confirmation for the exact details.