Italy boosts a wealth of beautiful countryside and the area surrounding Rome is no exception! Set out a drive from the your hotel through the Roman hill. The Campagna around Rome is enchanting; rolling hills and lush farmlands are dotted with farmhouses, villas and palaces. You will reach the lake Albano in the crater of an extinct volcano. Winding your way up the top of nearby hill you will stop for a short stroll in the lovely medieval town of Castel Gandolfo , where the popes have kept their summer residence for centuries. In fact Castel Gandolfo 's Papal Palace and gardens are actually part of the sovereign Vatican State . Time permitting you'll visit also the small town of Grottaferrata, where is an old abbey founded in the 10 th century, by St. Nilo.
At noon if you wish to enjoy a typical local lunch with plenty of home-made wine your driver will be happy to give you some suggestions. After lunch you will head to Rome along the old Appian way , on of the first ancient roman military roads. One of the most impressive sights you will see along the way is the tomb of Cecilia Metella, mausoleum of a roman noblewoman, the daughter of a roman general, who lived during the time of Julio Cesar. You'll spend the rest of your time, having a panoramic drive exploring the most important highlights of the Eternal city: Piazza Venezia - Roman Forum - Colosseum - Mouth of Truth - Circus Maximus - Palatine Hill - Baths of Caracalla - Pantheon - Trevi Fountain - Spanish Steps - Capitol Hill - Piazza del Popolo - Vatican City (St. Peter's Basilica - Vatican Museum - Sistine Chapel) and other sites you may be interested in. In the afternoon, drive back to Civitavecchia.