📍 Italy

VILLAGES AROUND ROME: CASTELLI AND PAPAL COUNTRYSIDE CHARM

Castles crowning volcanic lakes, hilltop villages buzzing with artistic life, ancient ruins terracing the slopes. Escape into the Roman countryside.

≈ 11
Days
284
Km
10
Stops
📖 6 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Circle volcanic Lake Bracciano commanded by its castle, then discover Calcata clinging to the cliffs. Cross terraced Palestrina, reach Nemi and its wooded crater, then let Castel Gandolfo reveal its papal elegance. The Roman countryside blends nature and history.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Bracciano

castle fortress crowning volcanic waters

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6 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Bracciano - borgo dominated by an imposing medieval castle overlooking the volcanic lake
2
Anguillara Sabazia - picturesque lakeside village on promontory of the Sabatini Mountains
🎯

Activities

→
Lake Bracciano - swimming and walks along the shores of the volcanic lake
→
Trevignano Romano - borgo offering an exceptional panoramic view of the lake
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 32 km
Travel time: 38min
2
Day

Calcata

tufa cliff village artist haven

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6 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Canale Monterano - village at the gates of the Sabatini Mountains nature reserve
2
Monterano Antica - abandoned ghost town with church ruins and baroque fountain
3
Calcata - spectacular borgo perched on tufa cliff in the Treja valley
🎯

Activities

→
Treja Valley - walks through one of the most evocative landscapes of Lazio
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Next stop
Distance: 39 km
Travel time: 47min
3
Day

Nerola

mountain village overlooking roman plain

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9 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Nerola - compact borgo perched on hill of the Lucretili Mountains dominated by its fortress
🎯

Activities

→
Panorama over the Lucretili Mountains - views of the wooded reliefs of Sabina
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 48 km
Travel time: 57min
4
Day

Arsoli

river village medieval tower

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8 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Arsoli - small town at 473m on the eastern foothills of the Simbruini Mountains
🎯

Activities

→
Château Massimo - fortress dominating the village with historic gardens
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 64 km
Travel time: 1h17
5
Day

Palestrina

terraced sanctuary ancient goddess temple

Palestrina - Photo 1Palestrina - Photo 2Palestrina - Photo 3Palestrina - Photo 4Palestrina - Photo 5Palestrina - Photo 6Palestrina - Photo 7Palestrina - Photo 8Palestrina - Photo 9Palestrina - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Guadagnolo - highest village in Latium at 1218m on the Monti Prenestini with exceptional panorama
2
Castel San Pietro Romano - tiny borgo at 763m overlooking Palestrina, among the Borghi più Belli d'Italia
3
Palestrina - ancient city of Praeneste with sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia
🎯

Activities

→
Barberini Archaeological Museum - Nile mosaic and remains of the Roman sanctuary
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 7 km
Travel time: 8min
6
Day

Zagarolo

villa estate noble gardens

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6 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Zagarolo - medieval borgo on wooded hills of the eastern Roman countryside
🎯

Activities

→
Historic center - palaces and medieval alleys in a rural setting
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Next stop
Distance: 35 km
Travel time: 43min
7
Day

Nemi

crater lake where cherries grow

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10 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Lanuvio - borgo on hill at 324m in the southern part of the Colli Albani
2
Nemi - picturesque village overlooking the crater lake, famous for its wild strawberries
🎯

Activities

→
Lake Nemi - small volcanic lake surrounded by forests in the Castelli Romani
→
Museum of Roman ships - remains of Caligula's boats
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 8 km
Travel time: 10min
8
Day

Castel Gandolfo

papal summer palace lake residence

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6 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Ariccia - elegant borgo on tuff cliff with Palazzo Chigi and monumental bridge
2
Castel Gandolfo - papal summer residence overlooking Lake Albano, Borghi più Belli d'Italia
🎯

Activities

→
Lake Albano - largest lake of the Colli Albani with beaches and promenades
→
Pontifical gardens - vast gardens of the papal villa open to the public
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 7 km
Travel time: 8min
9
Day

Rocca Di Papa

volcanic cone village panoramic castle

Rocca Di Papa - Photo 1Rocca Di Papa - Photo 2Rocca Di Papa - Photo 3Rocca Di Papa - Photo 4Rocca Di Papa - Photo 5Rocca Di Papa - Photo 6Rocca Di Papa - Photo 7Rocca Di Papa - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Grottaferrata - elegant borgo of the Colli Albani with 11th-century Greek-Byzantine abbey
2
Monte Porzio Catone - village of the Castelli Romani with astronomical observatory
3
Monte Compatri - borgo at 576m among the highest of the Colli Albani with panoramic views
4
Rocca di Papa - village at the foot of Monte Cavo, ancient sacred site of the Latins
🎯

Activities

→
Monte Cavo - summit of the Colli Albani with remains of Jupiter's temple and panorama over Rome
10
Day

Carpineto Romano

wine village mountain cooperative tradition

Carpineto Romano - Photo 1Carpineto Romano - Photo 2Carpineto Romano - Photo 3Carpineto Romano - Photo 4Carpineto Romano - Photo 5Carpineto Romano - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Segni - borough at 668m with Cyclopean walls and monumental Porta Saracena
2
Carpineto Romano - village in the heart of the Lepini Mountains with preserved medieval architecture
🎯

Activities

→
Lepini Mountains - mountainous landscapes between the provinces of Rome and Latina
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Next stop
Distance: 44 km
Travel time: 52min

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🛡️ Travel advice - Italy

Check official recommendations

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming landscapes, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, excellent value, Easter celebrations, ideal touring conditions.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, vibrant atmosphere, beach season, festival time.

Fall (September-October): Excellent weather, harvest season, wine tourism, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, beautiful colors, culinary focus.

Winter (November-March): Mild southern weather, Christmas markets, lowest prices, minimal crowds, cultural focus, cozy atmosphere, indoor attractions.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 9 and 13 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Italy?

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