A 5-day itinerary to discover a cultural, gastronomic and natural heritage of unique villages
Small villages with a unique historical and cultural heritage tour Highlights:
Today you will visit Alvito, a charming small town nestled in the picturesque countryside between Rome and Naples. With its rich history, medieval architecture, and breathtaking landscapes, Alvito offers a tranquil escape from bustling city life.
Situated in the province of Frosinone, Alvito boasts a fascinating past that dates back to ancient times. The town’s origins can be traced to the Roman era, and remnants of this ancient civilization can still be admired in the form of ruins and archaeological sites scattered throughout the area. Alvito’s historical centre, with its narrow cobblestone streets and well-preserved medieval architecture, invites visitors to take a step back in time and immerse themselves in its enchanting atmosphere.
One of the town’s most prominent landmarks is the Alvito Castle, a majestic fortress that dominates the skyline. Originally built in the 12th century and later expanded, the castle is a testament to the town’s strategic importance in the Middle Ages. Today, it serves as a cultural hub, hosting various events and exhibitions that showcase the region’s heritage.
Alvito’s natural beauty is equally captivating. Surrounded by rolling hills, verdant valleys, and olive groves, the town offers a serene and idyllic backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re a hiker, cyclist, or simply an admirer of breathtaking vistas, Alvito’s countryside will undoubtedly leave you in awe.
Boville Ernica – private guided tour
After a few kilometres, you will reach Boville Ernica, another medieval village surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. You will admire its medieval walls with 18 towers, Renaissance palaces, churches and squares. You will enter San Pietro Ispano and discover Giotto’s Angel and the marble bas-relief of the Madonna del Sansovino.
Italy is the second largest producer of olive oil in the world and here in southern Lazio, at the foot of the Ernici mountains, the extra virgin olive oil has been produced for centuries. The cool and breezy climate allows the cultivation of organic olive groves without pesticides. In the beautiful medieval village, surrounded by ancient walls and groves, we suggest the visit an oil mill. You will experience every phase of olive oil production and followed by a tasting with an expert guide.
Surrounded by the evocative and naturalistic landscape of Mount Ernici stands the huge Certosa di Trisulti. It is a monastic complex dating back to 1204 and is a paradise for herbalists because about 2,500 species of wild herbs can be found on these mountains. Since the Middle Ages, Carthusian monks prepared liqueurs and medicines such as Sambuca, a tradition so long and important that one of the best European monastic pharmacies is found here. It was totally frescoed between the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. In the eighteenth century, the Carthusians decorated the Church, the Cloister with the cells, the Refectory, and the Cemetery of the Monks with classicist decorations, From 1947 the Carthusians were replaced by a new Order, of the Cistercians of the Casamari Abbey lived here until to 2017. Since 2018 the monastic complex has been privately managed by the Dignitatis Humanae Institute.
The stalactites and stalagmites of the Collepardo Caves have an unbeatable charm. For the singularity of the forms that recall human and animal figures, they are called “Caves of Puppets”, but they are also known as “Grotte Regina Margherita”, following the visit of that Queen in 1904. The Antullo Well is a large natural well, unique in Europe for its size, with a circumference of about 300 meters and a depth of 60 meters. Its fund can join the Caves through a complex system of underground passages.
This morning you will meet your guide for a visit to the Casamari Abbey, built in 1203 and consecrated in 1217. The name derives from a historical and important figure of Ancient Rome: Caio Mario. After the defeat of the Roman Empire, the Benedictine monks came and founded the Abbey. The best splendour of the Abbey dates back to the period of Pope Celestine IX and the Trappist monks up to the Empire of Napoleon. In 1929 the Abbey was elected a monastic congregation and slowly returned to show its beauty and majesty. In June 1957 Pope Pius XII elevated the abbey church to the dignity of a minor basilica. The plan of the basilica is very similar to that of French monasteries. Inside the monastery, you can admire a beautiful garden and quadrangular cloister. The cloister leads to the church with its three naves. The windows of the church have alabaster plates instead of glass. The Abbey, in addition to being a place of worship, has also become a place of teaching and in 1898 the San Bernardo Institute has been founded in the abbey. Since around 1760, the Abbey also featured a pharmacy and liquor store where the monks produced bottles of medicinal herbs and spirits. More recent is the printing house, established in 1954 and here school texts are also printed.
You will visit a unique jewel of Ciociaria: Isola del Liri. The uniqueness of this country is given by the presence of the waterfall (27 meters of long jump) in the old town and the incredible Castello Boncompagni – Viscogliosi on the top. The location is the best place for weddings and photos. The castle was an important point of defence of the city and in the 17th century became an exclusive frescoed noble palace. Thanks to the huge presence of water, in the past Isola del Liri had many paper mills. Along the narrow streets of Isola del Liri, you will visit the Church of San Lorenzo, famous for its 16th-century altarpiece and large organ. During the summer, Isola del Liri many international jazz artists for the Liri Blues Festival since 1988.
Today you will reach the charming city of Arpino, the birthplace of Marco Tullio Cicero in 106 BC Cicero was one of the greatest lawyers and writers of the Roman period. Every year Arpino pays homage to Cicero with an international Latin translation competition, the Certamen Ciceronianum Arpinas. Students from all over the world come here and try to win the competition and put the laurel wreath, the symbol of glory, in the lead. In Arpino, your guide will retrace the history of the city and you will visit the Church of St. Michael Archangel where you will admire the masterpiece of the Cavalier d’Arpino, Caravaggio and the Tuscany School. You will also admire the Palace of the “Tullian”, Palazzo Quadrini and the Sangermano Palace. In the main square, you will see a portion of the old Roman road with stones. Only the winner of the Certamen Ciceronianum Arpinas has the honour of walking along this historic and priceless find.
You will enjoy a cooking class with a local chef. You will learn how to prepare fresh pasta with seasonal ingredients. The chef will give you all secrets to prepare a traditional meal with your hands. Enjoy your lunch with a glass of wine. (Lunch included).
Check out. Free morning
End of services
For this itinerary, we handpicked for your stay an Oasis of Peace immersed in the countryside of Alvito. Relais Colle Buono will welcome you with its romantic atmosphere, exceptional services and unforgettable experiences of wellness, taste and relaxation. You will have at your disposal fine furnished and tranquil rooms and suites, an excellent Gourmet Restaurant and a sophisticated wellness centre where to regenerate your soul.