Day Two

Explore the city of wine

• Journey from Rocca Di Papa to the lovely village of Marino.

• The first weekend in October, there is the Grapes Festival. Marino is well known for white wine, so whether you are here for the festival or not, definitely grab a bottle or two!

  • During the Festival, wine comes out of the fountains in the town instead of water!

Lake day!

• Start out visiting the summer home of the pope, originally paid for by the Chigi Pope Alexander VII and thanks to the current pope, Francis L it is now an open museum.

  • Be sure to visit the Vatican gardens as well!

• You can also visit the beautiful church of S. Tommaso da Villanova.

• Wander around the town, take in the gorgeous views of the lake and Monte Cavo.

• Most importantly, slow down and relax at the lakeside beach where you can rest, swim, paddle boat or kayak, and soak up all that sun.

Shopping and Snacks

• Albano is a beautiful town for shopping, with tons of local markets and boutiques. Journey down the main street and pop into any and all shops you may encounter!

• If you are looking for something more historical…

  • Albano has the most important archaeological-monumental circuit of the Castelli Romani since it was the camp of the imperial guards of Septimius Severus.

    • Be sure to check out the Roman cistern, The amphitheater, The church of the Rotonda, The church of S. Pietro, The Cellomaio spa area.

  • The Museum of the Second Parthian Legion is another great option

  • Or book the diocesan museum and the catacombs of S. Senatore

  • Right next to the catacombs you can visit the church of the Stella, and located in front is a monument of the tomb called "of the Orazi and Curiazi”

• If looking for a snack or aperitivo before dinner, there are many great pastry shops and cafes

  • Some the JSB students have tried are Sushi Italy and Fortini Lab, but the possibilities are endless

Sunset, Dinner, and Stay

• Ariccia has a long and rich history which is why it is an essential piece to this tour! Its connection to the Chigi Family makes it a really interesting city to explore. Not to mention all the locals are the sweetest and most welcoming.

• Enjoy the sunset on one of the towns many bridges or squares that lookout to the whole valley and even all the way to the sea!

  • There is a lovely nature path that spans a small section under the bridge that is really nice for an evening stroll

• There are many food options, and if you are looking for a local dish then you have to try the famous Porchetta!

  • • Some Porchetta producers allow visits to explain the production process and ovens, and you can also get some local castelli romani wine donuts.

  • Other options are the Fraschetta strip, a bunch of Osteria’s all located along “Via Borgo San Rocco” or if you are feeling fancier you can even try Ariccia’s very own Michelin Star Restaurant, Sintesi

• Before leaving Ariccia the next morning, take a tour of the Chigi Palace and also pop into the Church and Locanda Martorelli (A museum of the Grand Tour of Italy)