Lake of Bracciano & Ceri
Immerse yourself in the aristocratic heritage and volcanic tranquility of the Roman countryside on an exclusive private chauffeured shore excursion from the Port of Rome (Civitavecchia).
The Tour
Your day begins as your private English-speaking driver greets you directly dockside at the Port of Civitavecchia in a premium luxury vehicle. Leaving the coastal port behind, you will travel inland through the rolling, pastoral landscapes of northern Lazio (~45–50 minutes) toward Lake Bracciano (Lago di Bracciano), a pristine volcanic crater lake framed by lush green hills and aristocratic estates.
Arriving in the hilltop town of Bracciano, spend your morning discovering its historic medieval center and the towering ramparts of Castello Orsini-Odescalchi. Commissioned in the fifteenth century, this formidable stronghold is celebrated as one of the grandest and best-preserved feudal Renaissance castles in Europe. Tour the castle’s historic perimeter and courtyards, admiring its imposing battlements, defensive towers, and sweeping panoramic views across the deep blue waters of the lake below. Inside, explore richly furnished state apartments, Renaissance frescoes, an extensive antique weapons museum, and private papal chambers that have hosted popes, kings, and nobility for centuries. Following your castle visit, take time to relax along the scenic lakeside promenade, breathing in the fresh countryside air and enjoying the tranquil water views.
Midday brings you along scenic backroads to the breathtaking village of Ceri (Borgo di Ceri). Perched dramatically atop an isolated, sheer volcanic tuff (tufo) plateau rising from the valley floor, this fortified medieval jewel feels completely detached from the modern world. Enter through its ancient arched gateway into quiet stone lanes where cars cannot venture.
Ceri is renowned across the region as an authentic culinary haven. Settle into a rustic cliffside trattoria or cozy stone osteria for a leisurely lunch, savoring beloved local specialties—such as handmade pasta with savory wild boar ragù (fettuccine al cinghiale), seasonal mushrooms, grilled meats, and local pecorino, paired with fine regional Lazio wines. After lunch, take time to explore the village's quaint alleys and visit the Romanesque Sanctuary of the Madonna di Ceri, built atop an ancient Etruscan sacred site and home to a remarkable cycle of twelfth-century biblical wall frescoes. Following a serene, enriching day celebrating feudal history, lakeside views, and timeless village traditions, sit back and unwind on a smooth, punctual return drive to the Port of Civitavecchia, arriving comfortably ahead of your cruise ship’s departure.
Important Shore Excursion Details & Custom Options:
Castello Orsini-Odescalchi Schedule & Monday Closures: Please note that Castello Orsini-Odescalchi is closed on Mondays. For Monday port calls, the itinerary can be tailored to feature the picturesque lakeside villages of Trevignano Romano and Anguillara Sabazia, or an extended countryside tour of surrounding historical sites.
Arriving in the hilltop town of Bracciano, spend your morning discovering its historic medieval center and the towering ramparts of Castello Orsini-Odescalchi. Commissioned in the fifteenth century, this formidable stronghold is celebrated as one of the grandest and best-preserved feudal Renaissance castles in Europe. Tour the castle’s historic perimeter and courtyards, admiring its imposing battlements, defensive towers, and sweeping panoramic views across the deep blue waters of the lake below. Inside, explore richly furnished state apartments, Renaissance frescoes, an extensive antique weapons museum, and private papal chambers that have hosted popes, kings, and nobility for centuries. Following your castle visit, take time to relax along the scenic lakeside promenade, breathing in the fresh countryside air and enjoying the tranquil water views.
Midday brings you along scenic backroads to the breathtaking village of Ceri (Borgo di Ceri). Perched dramatically atop an isolated, sheer volcanic tuff (tufo) plateau rising from the valley floor, this fortified medieval jewel feels completely detached from the modern world. Enter through its ancient arched gateway into quiet stone lanes where cars cannot venture.
Ceri is renowned across the region as an authentic culinary haven. Settle into a rustic cliffside trattoria or cozy stone osteria for a leisurely lunch, savoring beloved local specialties—such as handmade pasta with savory wild boar ragù (fettuccine al cinghiale), seasonal mushrooms, grilled meats, and local pecorino, paired with fine regional Lazio wines. After lunch, take time to explore the village's quaint alleys and visit the Romanesque Sanctuary of the Madonna di Ceri, built atop an ancient Etruscan sacred site and home to a remarkable cycle of twelfth-century biblical wall frescoes. Following a serene, enriching day celebrating feudal history, lakeside views, and timeless village traditions, sit back and unwind on a smooth, punctual return drive to the Port of Civitavecchia, arriving comfortably ahead of your cruise ship’s departure.
Important Shore Excursion Details & Custom Options:
Castello Orsini-Odescalchi Schedule & Monday Closures: Please note that Castello Orsini-Odescalchi is closed on Mondays. For Monday port calls, the itinerary can be tailored to feature the picturesque lakeside villages of Trevignano Romano and Anguillara Sabazia, or an extended countryside tour of surrounding historical sites.
Duration
9 hours
Services include pickup from and drop-off back at either your hotel or at your cruise ship in one of our luxury vehicles by an English-speaking driver.
Lunch, gratuities, and any entrance fees to attractions are not included. Also please note that we may change the order of the itinerary at our discretion.
Multiple booking discounts are available when you book more than one tour or excursion with us. Please note that these discounts do not apply to airport or port transfers.
This tour is suitable for families with children, with a comfortable pace and private service that makes the day easier to enjoy together.
