destinations

Rome sidetrips

Tivoli – Ostia Antica – Castel Gandolfo

Tivoli:

Hilltop medieval town 20 odd miles east of Rome. A favourite for ancient Rome patrician families, emperors, art patrons, painters, musicians. A short drive along the highway through the roman countryside and olive groves. Villa D'Este, magnificient renaissance garden, home of Cardinal D'Este, Lucrezia Borgia's son and one of Italy's 16th century greatest art patrons. See beautifully frescoed rooms in the state appartment and the spectacular park with countless breathtaking fountains and centuries old trees. Stroll through a picturesque street market with its colourful stalls. Visit Adrian's villa, outstanding roman archeological site, with its memories of Rome's most enlightned emperor and the impressive remains of his favourite residence.

Ostia antica:

Best preserved example of an ancient commercial city, Ostia Antica was the river and sea harbour of ancient Rome. Founded in the 4th century B.C., grew to become the empire prominent port. Amongst pine trees and evergreens, remains of temples, thermal baths, fishmongers benches, winetavern counters, sinagogues, early christian churches, apartment blocks, mosaic's decorated freight forwarding and shippers premises designing a charming romantic stage. A beautifully laid out archeological museum, through its sculptures, mosaics, frescoes, ornaments enables the visitor to imagine Ostia Antica's impressive wealth.

Castel Gandolfo:

A scenic tour to the hilltop towns of the roman countryside. The Old Appian Way with its catacombes, patrician tombes, remains of emperors villas and contemporary residences of famous movie stars laid out amongst typical ombrella pine trees and arches of ancient acqueducts. Vineyards covered hills, the old world atmosphere of medieval villages. Nemi with its lake and a most picturesque ham and sausage shop, delight of gourmets and photographers alike, Marino with its wine fountain, St. Nilo's abbey at Grottaferrata, Castel Gandolfo with its lake and Papal summer residence, Frascati and its world famous wines.