General information
Program details
Adventure beyond the hustle and bustle of the Eternal City and head into Rome’s lush countryside. Watch as the peaceful tranquillity of hillsides and open fields stream past the windows of your comfortable air-conditioned coach. Throughout the relaxing 1.5 hour journey, your expert English-speaking guide will entertain you with tales about the area, from current events to reliving the history of the ancient chariot tracks you too are following.
Here, in quaint Central Italy, you’ll enter the town of Bracciano. Charming and picturesque this old-world village is home to one of the most impressive and best preserved medieval feudal fortresses: Odescalchi Castle. Its classic architecture with its impressive rooftop battlements, is something that simply cannot be described. Once used by Roman nobles for its unparalleled strategic positioning, it is now the esteemed site of celebrity weddings and film productions. Standing majestically above the city, high upon its hilltop, you’ll be mesmerized by the view it has of Bracciano Lake.
Mystical, enchanting, and somewhat hypnotising. It’s an experience like no other. A place where time has truly stood still, captured in the rooms unchanged from the 15th century during which it was constructed.
Your expert guide will escort you through its impressive dining rooms, armouries (where antique lances, shields, swords and other medieval weaponry is still displayed), bedrooms, kitchens and other castle chambers. Bringing the fortress’s rich and vibrant history to life, you’ll be entertained with interactive and educational commentary.
Imagine life as a prince or princess, living the life of nobility while defending your power and wealth from intruders. With our exclusive partnership, you will be treated to the unique opportunity of visiting the Princess’s secret garden – which today has been the location of celebrity weddings including Petra Ecclestone and James Stunt, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, and many others. You’ll also get to visit the Princess’s private rooms, not open to the general public. This chamber, too, has been utilized by famous brides and grooms, now amorous newlyweds.
Once you’ve fully explored the mystery, magic and secrecy shielded by the impenetrable walls of Odescalchi Castle, enjoy time on you own to stroll among the charming alleyways of Bracciano. This tiny, picturesque town also embodies the medieval magic of the castle that dots its landscape. Allow yourself to get lost among its narrow and beautiful streets!
But more than anything, Italy is known for its impeccable food. You will be treated to a true local dining delight in a restaurant overlooking Lake Bracciano. As delicious to your taste buds as the scenery is to your eyes, enjoy a 3-course lunch with wine in this serene setting.
This tour allows you to venture beyond the fast pace of the capital, to the quietude of the Central Italy’s countryside. And to make the most of your valuable, and limited, vacation time, we’ll have you back to Rome by early afternoon. There will still be plenty of time to further enjoy your stay in the Eternal City. This tour is a much-needed opportunity for rest, relaxation and a reach back into time. Be sure to take advantage of it.
Meeting/pick-up point: At the centre of Piazza del Popolo, by the large fountain with the lions and the obelisk.
Duration: 6 hours.
Start/opening time: Daily at 8:30am.
End/closing time: At 2:30pm.
Languages: English.
Italiano