Post-Cruise Medieval Marvels Countryside Tour

itinerary

• Tuscania
• Ceri
• Bracciano
• Bracciano Castle (Castello Odescalchi)

description

Make the most of your disembarkation day with our Post Cruise Medieval Marvels Countryside Tour from Civitavecchia, and journey back in time to Italy’s medieval past and visit three marvelous countryside villages, each with its own distinctive personality.

Venture into the Roman countryside and explore Tuscania - the perfect snapshot of the Middle Ages, enjoy a delicious Italian lunch at a local family-owned restaurant in the medieval hamlet of Ceri, and visit the spellbinding lakeside castle in Bracciano.

Your personal English-Speaking Chauffeur will conveniently pick you up next to your cruise ship in Civitavecchia, and drop you off at your hotel accommodation in Rome at the conclusion of your post-cruise tour. Your luggage will travel with you stowed away in your vehicle’s luggage compartment during your debark countryside tour.

POST CRUISE MEDIEVAL MARVELS Countryside Tour from Civitavecchia:

For 3-4 participants from Civitavecchia:  600 EUROS 
For 5-6 participants from Civitavecchia:  650 EUROS 
For 7-8 participants from Civitavecchia:  750 EUROS

TUSCANIA - perfect snapshot of the Middle Ages

After you meet your personal Rome Chauffeur next to your ship, you will journey into Italy’s medieval past will begin with a scenic hour-long drive through the lush rolling landscapes of the Roman countryside to your first destination: Tuscania.

Tuscania is an ancient town that still retains its authentic medieval charm and architecture evident in its fortified medieval walls and towers that surround the village, characteristic stone buildings built with the local reddish-brown tuffa rock, and monumental churches.

Just outside the city walls that once protected the village is Colle San Pietro (Saint Peter Hill) which was once an acropolis settled by ancient civilizations. In the 8th century AD, the monumental Basilica of Saint Peter was built on top of the ancient acropolis, and 300 years later it was reconstructed in the Lombard-Romanesque style that we admire today.  Impressive towers and a bishop’s palace surround the basilica, evocative remains of an 11th-century fortified hilltop citadel. 

At the foot of the hill, is the early 13th-century church of Santa Maria Maggiore. Both churches are authentic masterpieces of medieval architectural style characterized by semi-circular arches, thick walls, barrel vaults, rose windows, and large adjacent towers.

Delight in along the main cobblestone street of the historic center and admire local productions of ceramics hand-crafted in the style of the ancient Etruscans that are truly museum pieces that will impress your guests at home.  Artisans still follow ancient terracotta techniques, a time-honored craft that goes back a long time in Tuscania.

Not to be missed during your visit to the historic village is Parco Torre di Lavello, a belvedere on top of the city walls that offer spellbinding views of the majestic Italian countryside landscapes, the Church of Saint Peter on the hill, and the evocative ruins of Rivellino Castle that inspired poets and artists for centuries.

Tuscania is one of Italy’s most beautiful historical villages where you can still breathe a medieval atmosphere of rare charm. It’s not surprising that Tuscania (especially the Church of San Pietro) has been widely chosen as an authentic film location for historical movies and series.

** NOTE: If you are touring on a Monday, the Churches are CLOSED on Monday (as are most museums, archaeological parks, and monuments in Italy). You may view the churches from the outside.

CERI - medieval hamlet frozen in time

From Tuscania, your chauffeur will take you on a relaxing countryside drive to a hidden gem that appears to rise out of a steep rock formation: the medieval clifftop hamlet of Ceri (Borgo di Ceri in Italian).

Because of the unique natural defensive protection this small fortified plateau offers, Ceri has been inhabited since the ancient times when the Etruscans and Romans thrived in these lands and called the village “Caere Novum” (which evolved into Ceri). 

Frozen in time to its founding in the early 1200s, the charming hamlet of Ceri offers an authentic experience of a medieval hamlet that evokes bygone eras that fairytales are made of.

In the village square, you will notice the Romanesque Sanctuary of the Madonna of Ceri which was built on top of an ancient Etruscan temple dedicated to the pagan goddess Vesta.  Step inside this tiny church and admire the vibrant wall frescoes from the 12th century that depict biblical stories.

Ceri is not just renowned for its medieval charm, but also for its delicious Italian cuisine lovingly prepared at the village family-owned restaurants. Relish a repast of traditional dishes made with in-season fresh local ingredients, and prepared according to secret recipes passed down by generations of grandmothers.  Your tastebuds will discover why so many Italian foodies flock to Ceri for lunch!

After lunch, your Post-Cruise Medieval Marvels Countryside tour continues to Bracciano, the delightful medieval lakeside village famous for its volcanic crater Lake Bracciano and its perfectly preserved medieval castle from where you may enjoy the best view of the lake.

BRACCIANO - visit the majestic castle by the lake

The imposing Castello Odescalchi, also commonly referred to as Bracciano Castle majestically crowns the village of Bracciano. A glimpse of this formidable castle that was once a medieval military fortress will transport you to distant bygone areas of powerful noble families, princes, feudal lords, and dukes. 

For four centuries the castle has been the property of the Odescalchi family who preserved it with all its original furnishing and artwork and eventually it became a museum open to the public to visit and see for themselves what a residential castle was like centuries ago.

Glimpse the private quarters and lives of some of Italy’s most eminent historical figures as you make your way through the sumptuous rooms on two floors.  A medieval spiral stone stairwell takes you from the ground floor to the upper floor of the castle to continue your visit.  Admire priceless medieval and Renaissance paintings, original furniture from centuries ago, weaponry and knightly armor worn in battle, exquisite wall frescoes, and intricately ornate ceilings.  

Across the atrium, you will find the large castle kitchen that prepared the meals for the entire castle including the noble family, the domestic staff, skilled workers, and military personnel. Castle kitchens were always located away from the castle to keep the main building safe from dangerous kitchen fires. 

Indulge in the opportunity to climb on top of the castle wall and stroll along the ramparts that were once patrolled by the castle guards.  From the top of the castle walls, behold the pristine Lake Bracciano which lies within a dormant prehistoric volcanic crater surrounded by the lush countryside.

After your visit to Bracciano concludes, your chauffeur will take you on a relaxing journey to your hotel in Rome where you will continue your Roman holiday.

We are grateful for your interest in our Post Cruise Medieval Marvels Countryside Tour from Civitavecchia, and for choosing Rome Chauffeur for your private tours from Rome and shore excursions from Civitavecchia.  We look forward to meeting you in Italy!

Important Information

* NOTE:  Please READ carefully the Important Information below, as well as Read and Accept our TERMS OF SERVICE  and Privacy Policy before booking.

•   - PAYMENT METHODS
  

The listed price of the tour is per vehicle, not per person.  Rome Chauffeur accepts online prepayment via PayPal or Credit Card at the time you confirm your tour or you may pay on the Date of Service in Euro funds at the end of the tour made directly to your Chauffeur. If at any time you need extra funds on the day of your tour, your chauffeur will be happy to help you locate an ATM machine. 
 

• - CANCELLATION ADVISORY:
  

Cancellations must be made at least 7 days prior to your Date of Service. Prepaid services canceled last minute less than 7 days or are No Show on the Date of Service are NOT Refundable.

Cancellations must be made in writing via E-Mail followed by an official cancellation confirmation E-Mail from our office in order for your cancellation to be valid. Cancellations are NOT accepted by Phone, Text, or through 3rd Party individuals such as hotel clerks, friends, or concierge services. 

* CANCELLATION FOR PREPAID SERVICES: Only NET RATE will be issued on prepaid services. Net Rate is what we receive from your prepayment after PayPal / CC takes out their fees which they don't reimburse us in case of refunds. Therefore, we are only able to refund what we receive from you after PayPal/ CC takes out their fees.

TOURS FROM CIVITAVECCHIA PORT:

Your Post Cruise Medieval Marvels Countryside Tour from Civitavecchia will start at 9:00 AM when you meet your English-speaking Rome Chauffeur on the pier next to your ship, and your tour will complete when you arrive at your hotel in Rome by approximately 6 PM. You will receive Meeting Point information in your Confirmation Voucher.
  

BRACCIANO CASTLE ADMISSION TICKETS

Tickets to Odescalchi Castle in Bracciano are currently 10 Euros per person (Ticket Prices can change without advance notice).

Please be aware that Bracciano Castle may unexpectedly close for private events or restorations without advance notice. If closed upon your arrival in Bracciano, your chauffeur will be happy to take you to explore other lakeside villages such as Trevignano or Anguillara following your visit to the historical town of Bracciano.

YOUR TOUR CHAUFFEUR

Tour Chauffeurs are not licensed tour guides, therefore they are forbidden by law to accompany or guide guests to sightsee during the tour. In order to comply with local laws, drivers are required to stay with the vehicle while our guests sightsee.

IMPORTANT LUGGAGE INFORMATION:

Sedans can accommodate up to 2 suitcases and up to 2 small carryons.  If you will travel with more luggage than indicated, please request a minivan upgrade at an additional rate.

Vans can accommodate a maximum of 6 suitcases and 6 small carryons.  If you will travel with more luggage than indicated, you may either require an upgrade to an even larger vehicle, or 2nd vehicle at additional costs.

 

ROME COUNTRYSIDE TOUR TIPS:

• Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes
  
• There are many cobblestoned streets and squares in the towns you visit
• Visiting the upper level of Bracciano Castle's private apartments that also lead to the castle's ramparts requires climbing a flight of stairs along a spiral stairway. If you have trouble with stairs, you may enjoy the lower level of the castle, as well as the atrium and castle kitchen. The castle is not wheelchair accessible.
• Bring your cameras as you will be visiting amazing places!