CASTELLI ROMANI TOUR SUMMARY

DAY ONE

Transfer to Lanuvio and accommodations in the grounds of an elegant 19th century country villa set in its own estate of vines, olive groves and gardens. Welcome dinner in a noted restaurant located near Genzano di Roma in the setting of a medieval cantina built on the site of an important Roman military victory.

DAY TWO

Morning walking tour of Nemi famous for it's wild strawberries. Stop to taste the delicious dolci or a traditional aperitivo of prosecco with wild strawberries. Local lunch. Afternoon visit to ancient Tusculum above Frascati, the latter famous for its DOC white wine production. Evening tour in Frascati and aperitivo of local wine before dinner in the small town of Grottaferrata.

DAY THREE

A walk in the small medieval center of Lanuvio for a mid morning coffee and visit to municipal museum. Lunch with friend and local chef Antonio in his characteristic trattoria serving typical Roman cuisine. Afternoon in a farm and 'frantoio' to see the process of turning olives into oil. Early evening wine tasting with an award winning producer of Colli Lanuvini DOC wines. Dinner at leisure.

DAY FOUR

Morning walking tour in Genzano di Roma, famous for its DOC bread and visit to best bakery in town. Quick trip to Nemi museum followed by lunch Genzano. Late afternoon wine tasting followed by dinner in a noted restaurant in Castel Gandolfo.

DAY FIVE

Visit to market garden of a local contadino for homemade wine, fruit based liqueurs and olive oil. Then, lunch in the home of Signora Laura who has a passion for Roman cuisine interpreted in her own creative style. Afternoon excursion to Palestrina. Dinner at a local osteria in San Cesareo, site of the country villa of Julius Caesar.

DAY SIX

South to the coast and the towns of Terracina and Circeo where in 'The Odyssey', Ulysses is seduced by the sirens. Lunch with Teresa in the garden of her home just north of Terracina by the port of Badino. Teresa specializes in fish based recipes. Late afternoon drive to the summit of Circeo headland for an aperitivo Dinner at leisure.

DAY SEVEN

Morning tour of Ariccia with a tour of the Chigi Palace. Lunch outside the walls of the palace at a 'fraschetta'. Late afternoon free for shopping. Farewell dinner in Lanuvio in an intimate garden courtyard setting.

DAY EIGHT

Transfer to Fiumicino airport or train station.