Private Castles & Lakes Tour from Civitavecchia: Explore the Roman Countryside

Highlights

• Bracciano Castle & Lake
• Medieval Village of Ceri
• Unspoiled Roman Countryside

What's included

Itinerary

1. 1

   Castello Odescalchi Di Bracciano

   1h

   This 16th-century castle is in unbelievable condition and still owned by the Odescalchi family. The castle became famous worldwide when American film star Tom Cruise married Katie Holmes at the castle in November 2006. You will have the opportunity to tour the castle and its impressive rooms that were once the private quarters of Kings, Popes, and Lords of the Renaissance era. Entry admission to Odescalchi Castle is currently 8.50 Euros per person. Tickets can be purchased upon visiting the site.

2. 2

   Lago di Bracciano

   30min

   A drive to the lake shore will follow so that you can see the dazzling beauty of Bracciano Lake from the promenade along the beach. Originally a volcanic crater, this one of the cleanest lakes in Italy due to the absence of motor boats and strict rules against pollution. Its beaches attract visitors who prefer to relax, swim, sail, canoe, and generally escape hustle and bustle of most crowded seaside beaches.

3. 3

   Borgo Medioevale di Ceri

   1h 30min

   Ceri is a 13th-century town with fortified walls that gives it the appearance of a medieval fortress isolated on top of a steep hill of tufa, a type of limestone that is very common in Italy. Its medieval past dominating the present becomes apparent the moment we arrive at the bottom of the hill. The only street that passes through the fortified wall and leads you into town is wide enough for just a single vehicle to pass through at a time. This rare traffic problem was resolved by installing two traffic lights: one at the entrance into the town, and one where the street ends in the main square. Enjoy a nice homemade lunch in one of the family-owned restaurants for a great taste of the real Italian Cusine.

4. 4

   Santuario Madonna Di Ceri

   15min

   This Sanctuary is a very special place for the locals. The Virgin Mary for whom this Sanctuary is named is known for her intercession and helping people who are experiencing difficulties.

5. 5

   Necropoli della Banditaccia

   1h 30min

   The Banditaccia Necropolis is significant not only because it is the largest ancient necropolis in the Mediterranean area, but also because it contains some of the only examples of Etruscan residential architecture surviving to this day. Although none of the Etruscan homes survived to this day, you can see the types of homes Etruscans lived in just by walking into their tombs! Considered permanent homes for the dead, the tombs were carved to resemble the interior of residential homes, lavishly designed with a gabled roof, crossbeam, stone couches, chairs, and other architectural details. Entry admission to Cerveteri Baditaccia Etruscan Necropolis is currently €10 per person.

Before you go

Location

Via Giulio Volpi, 12, 00062, Italy