Small-group tour · max 8
Castelli Romani Full-Day: Wine & Villages
A private minivan, two family wineries, two crater lakes, the popes' summer town and a fraschetta lunch — the hills south-east of Rome in one well-fed day.
Overview
Just south-east of Rome, the rim of an ancient volcano carries a ring of hill towns the Romans have always escaped to — the Castelli Romani, where the city goes to eat, drink and breathe cooler air. This full day covers them properly: a private air-conditioned minivan from Roma Termini, no more than eight guests, and a route that trades motorways for village squares, cellar doors and two crater lakes. Two family wineries anchor the day, each with a cellar visit and a guided tasting — Frascati whites built on Malvasia at one end of the spectrum, Lazio reds such as Cesanese at the other. Between them come the villages: Castel Gandolfo, the popes' summer residence since the seventeenth century, poised on the rim above Lake Albano; and Nemi, a handful of streets stacked over its own smaller crater lake. Lunch is at a fraschetta — the Castelli's traditional cellar eatery, named for the frasca, the branch once hung outside to signal that new wine was ready. The table fills with Ariccia's porchetta, which holds IGP status, alongside cheeses, olives and carafes from the barrel. It is the least formal meal in Roman gastronomy and one of the best. You are back at Termini by early evening.
Highlights
- Private air-conditioned minivan from Roma Termini, maximum eight guests
- Two family wineries with cellar visits and guided tastings
- Castel Gandolfo, the popes' summer town above the crater lake of Albano
- Nemi, the smallest of the Castelli, perched over its own lake
- Fraschetta lunch with Ariccia's IGP porchetta
- Lazio in the glass: Frascati whites to Cesanese reds
What's included & Not included
What's included
- Private minivan round trip from Roma Termini
- Two winery visits with guided tastings
- Fraschetta lunch with wine
- Licensed expert guide
Not included
- Additional bottles to take home
- Gratuities
Frequently asked questions
How does the day run, and how much time is spent driving?
You travel by air-conditioned minivan with a maximum of eight guests, departing from Roma Termini in the morning and returning by early evening. Distances between the villages are short — rarely more than twenty minutes — so the day is spent in cellars, village streets and at the lunch table, not on the road.
How much wine and food should I expect?
Plenty. There are two structured tastings, one at each winery, and a long fraschetta lunch built around Ariccia's porchetta — come hungry, because it is the centrepiece of the day. Water is always on the table, and pours can be kept moderate for anyone who prefers a lighter day.
Is the day worth it for someone who does not drink wine?
Honestly, yes. The crater lakes of Albano and Nemi, the papal town of Castel Gandolfo, the village streets and the porchetta lunch carry the day on their own. Both wineries pour soft alternatives during the tastings, and the cellar visits are as much about history as about wine.
How long is the tour, and how much walking is involved?
This experience runs about 8 hours at an unhurried pace, with regular pauses so your guide can answer questions along the way. Expect a comfortable amount of walking, some of it on uneven historic ground, so wear sturdy, broken-in shoes. Allow a little extra time to reach the meeting point beforehand.
Where does the tour start, and how will I find the guide?
You will meet your guide in Piazza dei Cinquecento, in front of Roma Termini station. Please arrive about fifteen minutes early so the group can set off promptly at the booked time. The exact address and a contact number are confirmed in your booking email, and your guide will be holding an Eterno sign.
Which languages is the tour available in?
This tour is guided in English and Italian. If you would prefer a private departure in another language, contact us before booking and we will do our best to arrange it. Groups stay small, capped at 8 guests, so everyone can hear the guide clearly throughout.
Traveler reviews
So much fun! We learned about Italian wines while enjoying fantastic food and great company. One of our favorite days of the whole trip!
Tiziana S. · Couples · April 2026 A perfect way to relax. Great wines, delicious food, and a wonderful atmosphere. Our host was knowledgeable but also very entertaining. Highly recommended!
Ilario B. · Friends · March 2026
FromEUR 165 per person
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