Ninfa Gardens: Day Trips and Tours from Rome

When the heat in Rome gets a bit much, escape to the countryside and cool off in the leafy Ninfa Gardens.

This treasure trove of plants and pergolas paints a pretty picture, with rambling roses and secret grottoes adding to the dreamy vibe. Built around the ruins of medieval Ninfa, the gardens are your portal to another world.

Read on to discover how to plan a day trip to Ninfa Gardens from Rome.

Here’s everything you need to know about Ninfa Gardens, one of the most captivating day trips from Rome.

How to get to Ninfa Gardens from Rome?

You’ll find the Gardens of Ninfa near the town of Sermoneta in the foothills of the Lepini Mountains, just 50 miles southeast of Rome.

From Rome to Ninfa Gardens by car

You can easily enjoy a day trip to Ninfa Gardens from Rome by car. Just head south on the SS148 to Cisterna, turning off the gardens. It takes about an hour and 15 minutes and free parking is available on site.

From Rome to Ninfa Gardens by train

Another way to journey to Ninfa Gardens from Rome is by train. You’ll need to alight at Latina Station, and then take a 10-minute taxi ride to the gardens themselves.

Guided tour to Ninfa Gardens from Rome

Entry is only possible with a guide, so why not keep things simple and book a Ninfa Gardens day tour from Rome? Having all your transport logistics taken care of means you can just sit back and enjoy the experience.

Most Ninfa Gardens day trips last up to 10 hours, and include a visit to the ancient town of Sermoneta. Hotel pickups are not provided on group tours.

How much does the entrance ticket to Ninfa Gardens cost?

The entrance fee for Ninfa Gardens is quite straightforward. Prices are as follows:

• Adult (12+ years): €15 (+ €0.75 online pre-booking)
• Children (under 12 years): free
• Persons with disabilities and accompanying carer: €8 each

What is the typical itinerary?

Your day trip to Ninfa Gardens from Rome begins at the meeting point near the Termini Railway Station. Then you’ll enjoy a scenic train ride through the beautiful Agro Pontino countryside with your fellow adventurers.

On arrival at Ninfa, you will take a guided tour around the gardens and learn about the many writers who found their inspiration here in this tranquil spot. Next up is lunch in a traditional local restaurant, before continuing by private minivan to the beautifully preserved town of Sermoneta.

After your Ninfa Gardens day tour, you’ll return to Rome by train in time for dinner.

What kind of tours are available to go to Ninfa Gardens?

The Ninfa Gardens are a popular place to visit, especially for those looking to escape the heat of Rome. When it comes to tours, you have a couple of options to choose from.

Small group day trip to Ninfa Gardens plus Sermoneta

Most day trips from Rome to Ninfa Gardens also visit Sermoneta town and its castle, and you can enjoy a gastronomic experience at a local restaurant for lunch.

Participant numbers are capped to ensure an intimate experience for all. You can ask your guide questions as you walk around, and benefit from the knowledge of a local insider.

Private day tour to Ninfa Gardens from Rome

If you’re looking for a more exclusive excursion from Rome, then book a private Ninfa Gardens tour and have the guide all to yourself.

These visits cost more, but in return, they offer a personal experience, and can often be tailored to your interests. Private air-conditioned transportation and lunch are included, as well as a bonus stop at the world’s longest zipline.

How much does a tour to Ninfa Gardens from Rome cost?

Day trips to Ninfa Gardens plus Sermoneta from Rome cost around €200 per person and cover the entrance tickets to the gardens and the Sermoneta castle. The tour also provide a professional guide and roundtrip transportation by train and minivan.

Private Ninfa Garden tours from Rome cost about €300 per person, with exclusive air-conditioned vehicle transfers, entry fees and lunch included. Your own personal guide and pickups from selected hotels in Rome are also provided.

What will you see and do?

The Gardens of Ninfa were designated a Natural Monument in the Lazio Region so that the rare species and historical parkland could be protected. This former city site is now beautifully abandoned, with the gardens of today breathing life back into the noble grounds.

Often heralded as one of the most romantic gardens in the world, the 8-hectare Ninfa is a kaleidoscope of color during spring and summer. Wandering around the ornamental beds that fit right in with the medieval town of Ninfa is like stepping into a fairy tale.

One where the ruins come decked in trailing foliage, and where mossy stone bridges traverse tinkling streams.

There are a whopping 1,300 plant species to discover in this hidden oasis, with Japanese maples, cherry blossom trees and water irises adding to the magic. During your Ninfa Gardens jaunt, you’ll learn about the history and botany of this rural haven on a guided tour, which is the only way you can explore.

Long ago there was a Roman temple here dedicated to Ninfa, who was the goddess of spring water. She would approve of the gardens today.

When is Ninfa Gardens open over the year?

The Ninfa Gardens are open most Saturdays and Sundays, plus a handful of Mondays between April and November.

Entry is restricted to these days to help protect the fragile ecosystem, keeping it in tip-top shape for future visitors. It’s a good idea to book tickets well in advance, as places and time-slots are limited.

What are the opening times?

The Ninfa Gardens are open during the following hours:

• April – June: 9 AM – 6 PM
• July – September: 9 AM – 6:30 PM
• October – November: 9 AM – 3:30 PM

When is the best time to visit Ninfa Gardens?

Whenever you take your day tour to Ninfa Gardens from Rome, you can be sure of a good time. The blooms are at their best in late spring and early summer, but the colors of fall are sensational too.

The park is a little less crowded first thing in the morning, so to avoid the crowds, this is the time to come.

What are the other day trips from Rome?

• Pompeii day trips from Rome
• Positano day tours from Rome
• Day trips to Naples from Rome
• Villa d'Este day trips from Rome
• Hadrian's Villa day tours from Rome

Travel tips

• Book your Ninfa Gardens day trip from Rome in good time, as tickets sell out fast due to the limited opening schedule.
• If you have an e-ticket, it’s best to print it out, as the internet connection is not always reliable inside the gardens.
• Wear comfortable footwear, as you will be doing a fair amount of walking, and take a rain jacket in case the sun decides to hide its face.
• Carry a bottle of water to keep hydrated throughout the day.
• There is a café and bar onsite, but lunch is provided on most tours.