Among small hamlets and ancient castles explore and discover
hidden treasures, deep-rooted traditions of this mysterious land.
Experience, with our native guides, the amazing region surrounding the Eternal City.
Land of culture and traditions, Ciociaria is the native land of many famous leaders, popes, actors (Gina Lollobrigida, Marcello Mastroianni) and musicians (Severino Gazzelloni, also called “the Golden Flute”). This region is well known for its history, culinary arts and rich folklore.
We will visit the Donnardea Estate, a winery of excellent reputation and tradition in Frascati, where we will have the opportunity to discover the secrets of the grape cultivation and wine making art under the guide of Donna Adriana, producer and owner of the vineyard.
We’ll move further south to share a different wine tradition with the famous “vino cesanese” of northern Ciociaria and embark on an amazing tour of walled towns and medieval hamlets of Anagni; Fumone, a small village built around the Longhi castle where pope Celestino V was exiled; the breathtaking Abbey of Montecassino which embraces centuries of history thanks to the efforts of S. Benedetto up to the 2nd World
We are pleased to announce our Fall trip: Roman Castles and Ciociaria -Savor Lazio’s Finest Cuisine and History, a marvellous journey through the Lazio southern region of Italy from September 18 to 25, 2010. Join our native Italian guides, Luisa and Francesca, as they traverse the countryside near Rome, teach Italian language classes, attend bi-lingual cooking classes and wine-tasting events, and explore historical sites of deep significance to the region.
On this trip, we will admire decades of history, from the Latin origins of the 3rd century B.C. through the Middle Ages and up to the era of World War 2. Join us for tours of Roman castles, homes of Roman nobility that date back to the Roman Empire age. Leave some energy for a day trip to Rome, the Eternal City, and the Palace of Caserta.
War. Hands-on cooking classes, taught by seasoned local chefs, will offer participants the chance to experience dishes, traditions and history behind the food, as well as taste local DOC wines.
The small town of Montecassino is the home of the sacred relics and monastery of St. Benedict (480-543), the patron saint of Europe and the founder of western monasticism. The beautiful abbey museum displays medieval art and artifacts from the monastery and explains the history of monasticism.
Palace of Caserta
The Royal Palace of Caserta was
constructed for the Bourbon kings of
Naples. It was one of the largest buildings
erected in Europe in the eighteenth
century. The garden is inspired by the
park of Versailles, but it is commonly
regarded as superior in beauty.
Frascati
From the charming town of Frascati,
takes its name the great wine, here
produced. This wine is well known
throughout the world and is perhaps the
most extensively cited wine in Italian
literature. Every weekend Frascati fills up
with Romans looking for great wine and
food. The stunningly beautiful Villa
Aldobrandini, designed by Giacomo
Della Porta, dominates the town,
hovering above
Anagni
The ancient town of Anagni is famous
for its connection with the papacy. The
medieval town rests on the edge of a
green hill. Narrow and twisted streets
h i d e i n c r e d i b l e t r e a s u r e s o f
immeasurable artistic and historical
value.
Fumone
Set in the heart of Ciociaria, Fumone
boasts its 1000 years old Castle, one of
the few examples of Castle with two
functions. In the XI century it was a
fortress and in the XII it became a
prison.Bonifacio VIII captured and
segregated the Pope Celestino V from
1295 to May 1296 in the same place after
his "big refusal". Nowadays it is possible
to visit the prison cell where Celestino
slept lying on the stones.
Montecassino Abby
Rome:
The Eternal City
We couldn’t miss the opportunity to spend at least one full day and one night strolling around the amazing streets and piazzas of Rome. Luisa, native of Rome, will guide you through some of the most important archeological sites and will show you some of the most enchanted views of Rome. You will have the opportunity to visit the Colosseum, the Imperial Forums, Piazza Venezia, Piazza Navona, Campo dei Fiori, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Piazza di Spagna and Saint Peter’s Basilica.
Accommodations
Hotel Villa Ida is the ideal location for your stay in Italy. The 47 rooms, completely renovated, are elegantly furnished and equipped with A/C, Minifridge, TV, direct telephone and hair dryer. The award-winning restaurant offers a fine and genuine Mediterranean cuisine with typical regional flavors.
Roman Castles and Ciociaria
ITINERARY
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September 18 Arrival: meeting in the early afternoon at the airport in Rome |
Afternoon Get settled in: Hotel Villa Ida Ceprano. Presentation of the program |
Italian Lesson Dinner is served at the Hotel |
| September 19 Breakfast Italian Lesson |
Morning Visit to Montecassino Monastery Lunch: local agriturismo |
Afternoon Visit to “Grotte di Pastena” |
Dinner is served at the Hotel Movie night! |
| September 20 Breakfast |
Morning Visit to: “Tenuta di Donnardea” Cooking Class |
Afternoon Visit to Albano and Frascati Dinner out in Frascati |
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| September 21 Breakfast |
Morning Visit to Caserta Palace Lunch: pic-nic |
Afternoon at your leisure in Caserta |
Dinner is served at the Hotel |
| September 22 Breakfast |
Morning Visit to Anagni and Fumone, lunch in Fumone |
Afternoon Visit Anagni |
Italian Lesson Dinner is served at the Hotel |
| September 23 Breakfast |
Morning Cooking Class at “Al Paradise” restaurant: authentic and traditional recipes of Ciociaria |
Afternoon Italian lesson Time at your leisure |
Dinner is served at the Hotel |
| September 24 Breakfast |
Morning Visit to Rome Lunch out: restaurant “Al Toscano” |
Afternoon Rome: tour the Eternal City with a native guide! |
Dinner at your leisure Roma overnight |
| September 25 | Departure |
About the Institute for Italian Studies |
The Institute for Italian Studies was established in May of 2004 in Portland, Maine and is a lifelong
dream realized by its two directors, Maria Luisa De Luca and Paola D'Amato. The Institute is dedicated
to teaching Italian language and culture and offers a unique suite of programs. IIS provides cooking
classes, language courses, immersion programs and more. |
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HOW TO REGISTER FOR OUR TRIP To receive more information and to register for the tour around the Roman Castles and Ciociaria contact: Wells-Ogunquit Adult Community Education, Phone: 207.646.4565 E-mail: adulted@wocsd.org |
The cost for this program is $2,150 per person. For payments via personal check or money order the cost is $2,050 per person, in US dollars. Prices shown are based on double occupancy. There will be an additional fee for single room requests. Please, call for more details.
Price includes:
Participant Responsibility
We will gladly answer any question you may have to make your trip more enjoyable. However our guests have the
responsibility to disclose any physical limitation, to carefully read all the detailed pre-departure information before
leaving, and to be in sufficient good health to undertake the trip.
Changes to Itinerary:
Due to circumstances beyond our control, the Institute may have to make partial changes to the stated itinerary.
Every effort will be made to keep changes to a minimum, so that our standard of quality is always maintained.
Insurance:
We recommend travel insurance. We will not assume responsibility or liability for any loss or damage to personal
effects or for any injury or loss during the duration of the trip. Therefore, we highly recommend that you obtain
baggage insurance and check with your heath or accident insurance provider.
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