Splendor of Ciociaria

highlights

• Tour majestic medieval towns and places in the rustic Italian countryside region of Ciociaria
• Enjoy one of Italy's most unique countryside regions off the tourist beaten path
• Visit Anagni, the City of the Popes, and admire underground medieval frescoed crypt
• Explore the mesmerizing village of Fumone with a "haunted" castle with rooftop garden
• Visit the sacred 13th century Benedictine monastery of Casamari
• Tour comfortably in your private deluxe vehicle and personal English speaking Driver
• Pick Up and Drop Off at your Rome Hotel for optimal convenience and ease

itinerary

• Abbey of Casamari
• Castle of Fumone
• Medieval town of Anagni

description

SPLENDOR OF CIOCIARIA TOUR PRICE LIST 

 
TOUR FROM ROME HOTEL:

For up to 4 Persons from Rome Hotel:  550 EUROS
For up to 6 Persons from Rome Hotel:  600 EUROS
For up to 8 Persons from Rome Hotel:  700 EUROS

* DATES on the Booking Form Calendar that are NOT Selectable, are NOT AVAILABLE.

Stefano Rome Tours created this exciting Splendor of Ciociaria day tour into one of Italy’s few remaining undiscovered countrysides that ancient Roman Emperors and early Popes favored as their personal retreat from Rome’s tumultuous life.

You too can leave Rome’s chaotic, crowded tourist attractions behind for a day and venture off into a different world altogether untouched by tourism where time-honored traditions have endured along with the ancient foundations that define the towns.

Astonishing legends, remarkably rich history, incredible ancient and medieval architecture and deep rooted traditions accompany the fame of the Casamari Abbey, and the towns of Anagni and Fumone that are situated in the heart of the unspoiled territory of Ciociaria.

You will visit the tranquil medieval Cistercian monastery that was built on top of an ancient Roman city, the town where Roman Emperors spent their summer retreats and Popes were born and lived, and a notoriously haunted castle with shocking secrets.
 

THE ABBEY OF CASAMARI

The hilltop Abbey of Casamari lies upon the ruins of the ancient Roman town of Cereatae, dedicated to the pagan goddess Cere. Ceretae was also the birthplace of the Roman consular Caius Marius in 1st century BC, and eventually was renamed Casamari (the House of Marius) in his honor.

In 11th century a Benedictine monastic community built the original abbey, but in 1203 it was incorporated into the Cistercian Order and the abbey was reconstructed according to the canons of Gothic-Cisternian architecture that promotes austerity and unpretentiousness.

Perhaps because this vow to simplicity and order gives the abbey the breathtaking beauty of its gardens, cloistered courtyard, vaulted ceilings, Gothic arches with delicate columns, stained-glass windows and a spiritually uplifting basilica from which you can sometimes hear the Gregorian chants of the resident monks, especially during mass.

There is even a modern museum featuring ancient Roman artifacts discovered in the substructure of the monastery and surrounding fields, and an old world apothecary (pharmacy) brimming with herbs, teas, creams, hand crafted liquors, sweets, and other delightful products crafted locally that make perfect gifts for loved ones at home.

At the Abbey of Casamari in the heart of Ciociaria you have the opportunity to experience the peaceful medieval atmosphere of monastic life surrounded by one of Italy’s most beautiful natural environments.
 

FUMONE - the haunting hamlet up on high

From here we head to one of Ciociaria's ancient hilltop towns for lunch: Fumone

Rising to more than 2,500 feet above sea level on an solitary mountain characterized by it’s unique conical shape and crowned with an impenetrable fortress that insulates a medieval hamlet.

Fumone’s history is ancient and undocumented, but we know that in 500 BC Tarquinio Superbus, the last king of Rome,  retreated here after he was ousted by the Romans and planned his military vengeance against Rome.

Fumone’s evocative name, “Big Smoke”, came from the important function it held after the fall of the Roman empire when Fumone became a watchtower due to its geographical advantage, making it possible to keep vigilance against barbarians by alerting towns as far way as Rome of on-coming invasions by means of smoke signals.

The phrase the populace lived by was: “Quando Fumone fuma, tutta campagna trema” - “When Fumone smokes, the countryside tremors”.

Through Porta Roma, the Roman gate, you will enter the medieval hamlet inside the fortress.

After lunch, a stroll through winding cobblestone streets will take you to the famous Castle of Fumone, formally known as the Longhi Castle as per its owners since 1586 when Pope Sixtus V transferred the castle to the Longhi family.

Here is where tales of mystery, intrigue, creed and malice echo through the castle’s chambers and corridors.

In the 12th century the Fumone castle was turned into a prison, and its most famous prisoner was Pope Celestine V,  who after renouncing the papal throne in order to return to the simple life of penance, was imprisoned inside a small solitary cell by his successor and nemesis, Pope Boniface VIII, who feared that Celestine may change his mind and resume the Papacy. The elderly pope died a prisoner.

This dramatic event made its way into Dante’s “Divine Comedy”. Dante placed Pope Celestine at the entrance of Hell among the religiously uncommitted for having abdicated his papal throne. “Who by his cowardice made the great refusal” (Che fece per viltade il gran rifiuto).

On the other hand, Pope Boniface VIII ended up among the simoniacs,  those accused of selling ecclesiastical privileges. You will learn more about Pope Boniface VIII and how he met his demise when we visit Anagni.

The castle is also rumored to be haunted by a member of the Longhi family who experienced a tragedy inside the castle. You’ll learn more about the legends and secrets of the Fumone Castle on your visit.

The castle holds wonderful surprises as well! As you walk through the noble chambers and climb a spiral stairway to the top of the castle you will be greeted by a splendid rooftop terrace garden, and at 800 meters above the sea level you’re getting a bird’s eye panoramic view of Ciociaria’s rustic countryside with green fertile valleys and distant forested hills.

Because of its altitude, it’s considered the highest elevated hanging garden in Europe!

ANAGNI - the City of the Popes

Anagni is not just ancient, it’s prehistoric! The earliest occupants settled here more than 700,000 years ago.

More recently, during Imperial Rome, Anagni was the summer residence of Rome’s famous and infamous emperors Marcus Aurelius, Septimius Severus, Commodus and Caracalla.

As you admire the breathtaking verdant panorama that surrounds Anagni and breathe in the fresh air, you will agree why during the 10th and 11th centuries popes deemed this region a healthier place to live than Rome.

Also known as “The City of Popes”, Anagni produced 4 popes who were all members of the powerful Conti family.

Here you will learn about the infamous last of the Anagni popes, Pope Boniface VIII, and why he tragically met his demise at the hands of King Philip of France, the historically dramatic event that marked the end of Anagni’s significance and transferred the Papal seat from Rome to Avignon in France.

Aside from its extensive and astonishing history, Anagni is also remarkably charming, inviting you to stroll along its quaint medieval streets lined with artisan workshops, boutiques and galleries.

Soon you will reach the architecturally impressive Romanesque cathedral dedicated to Santa Maria. It was constructed in the early 11th century over what used to be an early pagan temple that is said to have been converted into a church in mid 5th century AD.

What lies beneath the cathedral is a crypt with stunning and vibrant frescoes created by monks that cover the entire walls and ceiling.

Inside the crypt are the tombs of Saint Magno (patron saint of Anagni), and Saint Secondina of Anagni. Remarkably well preserved, the frescoes inside the crypt are considered one of the best examples of Byzantine art in Italy. 

This marks the end of our Splendor of Ciociara Tour in the Italian countryside. From Anangni you will enjoy a relaxing drive back to your hotel in Rome.

Thank you for choosing Stefano Rome Tours for your Rome Tours and Italy Shore Excursions.  We look forward to showing you Italy!

Important Information

 
Please READ the important information below as well as Read & Accept our TERMS OF SERVICE  and Privacy Policy prior to placing your reservation request(s).

PAYMENT OPTIONS for Splendor of Ciociaria Tour:

Payment can be made in Euro funds at the end of your journey directly to your driver, or you may prepay in advance via PayPal or Credit Card online when you Confirm your Tour.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

We kindly ask that cancellations be made at least 7 days in advance so we can rebook your service and your reserved driver does not lose work for that day. We thank you for your cooperation and consideration. 

** PREPAID SERVICES can only be Refunded the Net Rate we receive from your prepayment.  Net Rate is the actual service price minus the fees retained by PayPal/Credit Card that are not reimbursed to us in case of refunds. We can only refund the portion we receive from the PayPal/CC company.

EMAIL INQUIRIES / BOOKING REQUESTS

Please allow up to 24 hours for email correspondences in response to email inquiries and tour reservation requests.

We reply to ALL emails and booking requests we receive. If you don't receive correspondence from us within 24-48 hours please CHECK YOUR SPAM FOLDER, or send us an email from a different E-mail account. 

ADMISSION TICKETS

Tickets to visit the underground painted crypt is approximately 10 Euros Per Person

Visits are scheduled in increments and for a limited duration in order to preserve the ancient delicate frescoes.

* Ticket prices are subject to change without notice

YOUR STEFANO ROME TOURS DRIVER

* This tour provides an English-speaking Driver who is NOT a licensed tour guide. Your driver will be happy to provide general touristic information while at the vehicle, but will not be able to accompany you to sightsee away from the vehicle.

Italy laws permit only licensed tour guides to accompany guests to sightsee on foot away from the vehicle. To be compliant with Italy laws, your driver cannot lawfully guide you into the sites, and will be obliged to remain with the vehicle while you SELF TOUR away from the vehicle.
 

MEETING POINT TO MEET YOUR DRIVER at your Rome Hotel / Accommodation:

For hotel pick-ups, your driver will meet you inside your hotel lobby, or area permitted by your hotel.

For Apartments or B&B’s without a lobby, your driver will meet you at your address outside the main entrance.

* If your hotel / accommodation is situated on a street or in an area restricted to vehicle traffic, your driver will park the vehicle as close as lawfully possible, and will meet you on foot at your Address. From there, your driver will accompany you to your parked vehicle. Door to Door service may not be possible on streets or areas restricted to vehicle access or stops.