Castelli Romani: Day Trips and Tours from Rome

Castelli Romani (Roman castles) is a collection of small villages that sit in an area of outstanding beauty just outside of Rome.

It's hard to believe Castelli Romani is just 25 kilometers outside of the city with its glassy lakes, medieval architecture and stunning vistas stretching for miles.

Villages in this region include Castel Gandolfo, Ariccia and Genzano di Roma, which perch on the edge of the ancient volcanic crater lakes of Nemi and Albano. Castelli Romani day trips from Rome are an excellent way to see the more tranquil side of Italy.

Read on to find out more about Castelli Romani, one of the most tranquil day trips from Rome.

How do you reach Castelli Romani from Rome?

Parco Regionale dei Castelli Romani (Castelli Romani Regional Park) is just a few kilometers southeast of Rome in the Lazio region.

From Rome to Castelli Romani by car

Car journeys to Castelli Romani take roughly an hour along the SS7 and SP217 from Rome.

From Rome to Castelli Romani by train

A direct train runs from Rome’s Roma Termini station every hour and takes just 35 minutes to reach the village of Marino Laziale.

The village is one of the several municipalities that make up Castelli Romani. You can also take trains to Ciampino, Frascati, Albano Laziale and Velletri from the same station in Rome. Tickets to Marino Laziale cost between €1 and €5.

Guided tour to Castelli Romani from Rome

Guided tours last between three and four hours. You won’t have to worry about transport as tours include hotel pickup and drop-off.

What is the typical itinerary of a day trip to Castelli Romani from Rome?

Day trips to Castelli Romani are a gentle affair. Departing around 9:30 AM, you’ll make stops at the towns of Castel Gandolfo, Nemi and Frascati. A local guide will escort you around all three towns telling folk tales of legends from the past and entertaining you with interesting information.

You’ll stop at Rocca di Papa, the highest point in the region, to gain a bird's-eye view of Castelli Romani and admire the scenic landscape.

In Frascati, expect a slow amble through the town, followed by a local wine tasting. Once your appetite is piqued, you’ll enjoy a traditional Italian lunch before ending your Castelli Romani excursion and heading back to Rome.

What kinds of tours go to Castelli Romani?

There are several different Castelli Romani day trips available, perfect for those interested in wine, history and nature.

Guided tours to Castelli Romani from Rome

Guided tours take you on a jaunt of Castelli Romani’s best towns, starting at Castel Gandolfo. You’ll also explore Nemi and Frascati and enjoy lunch in an old wine farmhouse.

Private tour to Castelli Romani from Rome

Private day tours to Castelli Romani last around three hours where you’ll experience the romance of Italy’s wine region first-hand. You will receive a personal tour of a local winery and then partake in a wine tasting in Rome. You’ll also graze on traditional fares from the area.

Vespa tour of Castelli Romani from Rome

If you’re a scooter enthusiast, choose to see the towns and villages of Castelli Romani on a Vespa tour. With the wind whipping through your hair, you will explore Frascati, Castel Gandolfo and Marino alongside other well-known landmarks in the region.

A Rome Vespa tour is the perfect place to meet new friends with similar interests.

How much does a day trip to Castelli Romani from Rome cost?

Guided day tours to Castelli Romani cost €55 per person for a group of three people. It provides a local guide and private transportation and covers food and wine tasting.

Private day trips to Castelli Romani cost about €180 per person for a group of two and last for 3.5 hours.

A vespa tour to Castelli Romani costs €240 per person per scooter, and last for 4 hours. It includes a local guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and a gelato or coffee stop.

What will you see and do on a tour of Castelli Romani?

Castel Gandolfo

Castel Gandolfo sits directly upon Lake Albano, exhibiting phenomenal views out over the water from the town.

‌‌The best view, however, comes from the papal residence that is nestled on its shores, pontifical villas. This has been the pope’s summer residence for over 500 years and is full of holy treasures, with public access to over 20 rooms.

‌‌While the inside of the palace is brimming with fascinating relics, the grounds are just as phenomenal. The Barberini Gardens are perfectly maintained with colorful roses and aromatic herbs.

Frascati

While Frascati is a popular tourist destination, it is also a relaxing retreat for citizens of Rome to journey to on the weekend. Romans flock to the town in search of a slower pace of living, which Frascati provides in abundance.

‌‌The Villa Aldobrandini is the most beloved attraction in the town and you can stroll through its lavish gardens for free.

‌‌Aim to arrive in Frascati around lunchtime as the food is known to be some of the best in Castelli Romani. The most favored restaurants include ‘Na Fojetta and Ninkasi.

Nemi

Nemi may be the smallest town in Castelli Romani, but that doesn’t prevent it from charming tourists far and wide. With its plentiful crops of strawberries and fairytale castle, Nemi has plenty for visitors to see.

‌Those in search of true relaxation with a little touch of decadence should rest on Lake Nemi’s shores with a local strawberry cake.

‌‌When is the best time to visit Castelli Romani?

As the area of Castelli Romani is spread out over a vast expanse, individual towns don’t get as busy as other main Italian attractions throughout the tourist season.

Saying that, the most visited villages such as Frascati, can still get hectic, so consider visiting outside of July and August.

Know before you go

• If you take a day tour to Castelli Romani in the summer, consider taking a dip in Lake Albano from its beach in Castel Gandolfo.
• Day trips to Castelli Romani are popular, so be sure to book in advance to secure your tickets.
• Wear comfortable clothing and footwear, as you may do a fair amount of walking in the towns.

What are alternative day trips from Rome?

• Day trips to Florence from Rome
• Vesuvius day trips from Rome
• Day tours to Tuscany from Rome
• Capri island day trips from Rome
• Sorrento day tours from Rome
• Assisi day trips from Rome

‌‌