Castles and Lakes (Driver Only/Self Touring)
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 1 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Castles and Lakes (Driver Only/Self Touring) worth booking?
Castles and Lakes (Driver Only/Self Touring) is a 8-hour experience in Rome, Italy, from $670 per person. It scores 46 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 1 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 46 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (1)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $670 per person
The Roman countryside is one of the most beautiful, relaxing and peaceful areas of the surrounding area of Rome, and oftentimes underrated by the average tourist, but often sought after by discerning visitors seeking off
What you get
- Private transportation
- Deluxe Mercedes Benz Vehicle
- Bottled water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- English Speaking Professional Driver
- Surcharges on fuel
About this experience
The Roman countryside is one of the most beautiful, relaxing and peaceful areas of the surrounding area of Rome, and oftentimes underrated by the average tourist, but often sought after by discerning visitors seeking off the tourist beaten path treasures. On this private tour from your accommodation in Rome you'll enjoy the Roman Countryside as you travel to Bracciano to visit the famous Renaissance Odescalchi Castle and admire its pristine Lake Bracciano, experience a culinary delight inside the ancient Medieval hilltop fortress of Ceri, and then explore the ancient and mysterious Etruscan civilization inside the Banditaccia Necropolis in Cerverteri. This is as Tour By Car with only an English Speaking Driver (it does NOT include Tour Guides or Walking Tours). Italian laws permits only licensed tour guides to accompany guests on foot to sightsee. To comply with these strict laws, Driver will wait for you with the vehicle while you SELF TOUR.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Deluxe Mercedes Benz Vehicle
- Bottled water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- English Speaking Professional Driver
- Surcharges on fuel
- Parking fees
Not included
- Gratuities
- Lunch
- Admission fees and Entry Tickets Not Included
What you'll see and do
Castello Odescalchi Di Bracciano
This 16th-century castle is in unbelievable condition and still owned by the Odescalchi family. The castle became famous worldwide when American film star Tom Cruise married Katie Holmes at the castle in November 2006. You will have the opportunity to tour the castle and its impressive rooms that were once the private quarters of Kings, Popes, and Lords of the Renaissance era. Entry admission to Odescalchi Castle is currently 8.50 Euros per person. Tickets can be purchased upon visiting the site.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Lago di Bracciano
A drive to the lake shore will follow so that you can see the dazzling beauty of Bracciano Lake from the promenade along the beach. Originally a volcanic crater, this one of the cleanest lakes in Italy due to the absence of motor boats and strict rules against pollution. Its beaches attract visitors who prefer to relax, swim, sail, canoe, and generally escape hustle and bustle of most crowded seaside beaches.
30 minutes here
Borgo Medioevale di Ceri
Ceri is a 13th-century town with fortified walls that gives it the appearance of a medieval fortress isolated on top of a steep hill of tufa, a type of limestone that is very common in Italy. Its medieval past dominating the present becomes apparent the moment we arrive at the bottom of the hill. The only street that passes through the fortified wall and leads you into town is wide enough for just a single vehicle to pass through at a time. This rare traffic problem was resolved by installing two traffic lights: one at the entrance into the town, and one where the street ends in the main square. Enjoy a nice homemade lunch in one of the family-owned restaurants for a great taste of the real Italian Cusine.
90 minutes here
Santuario Madonna Di Ceri
This Sanctuary is a very special place for the locals. The Virgin Mary for whom this Sanctuary is named is known for her intercession and helping people who are experiencing difficulties.
15 minutes here
Necropoli della Banditaccia
The Banditaccia Necropolis is significant not only because it is the largest ancient necropolis in the Mediterranean area, but also because it contains some of the only examples of Etruscan residential architecture surviving to this day. Although none of the Etruscan homes survived to this day, you can see the types of homes Etruscans lived in just by walking into their tombs! Considered permanent homes for the dead, the tombs were carved to resemble the interior of residential homes, lavishly designed with a gabled roof, crossbeam, stone couches, chairs, and other architectural details. Entry admission to Cerveteri Baditaccia Etruscan Necropolis is currently €10 per person.
90 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Options you can book
1 to 3 passengers
Deluxe Mercedes Benz Vehicle Pickup included
4 to 6 passengers
Deluxe Mercedes Benz Vehicle Pickup included
7 to 8 passengers
Deluxe Mercedes Benz Vehicle Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, it
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Stefano Rome Day Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Walking on uneven terrain is required in some areas
Photos
Traveler reviews
1 verified traveler reviews for Castles and Lakes (Driver Only/Self Touring). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Dream Way to get a Taste of Tuscany on Rome Transfer to Cruise Boat
This tour was the perfect way to get a taste of Tuscany while also getting transport from our Rome hotel to the cruise port!! Since there were 8 of us, we were picked up at our hotel in two brand new (or like new) Mercedes vans. We were taken to Bracciano Castle and we basically had the castle to ourselves to explore! It was fun to see the displays and have the run of a hilltop castle. We then went down to the volcanic lake to watch the swans and ducks and put our feet in the water. Our next stop was a hilltown church in Ciri and "heaven"...Oops... I mean Trattoria La Rocca!!! We basked in the sunshine on a balcony at the most perfect restaurant overlooking the restaurant's vinyards. The food and staff were amazing. We especially loved the garlic bread, pillow pizza appetizer, gnocchi and boar! Our drivers were kind and informative! We arrived at the port on schedule. THIS DAY COULD HAVE NOT BEEN BETTER!!!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Price range
- $670 to $800
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 0
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 46
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Castles and Lakes (Driver Only/Self Touring): questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rome.
How much does Castles and Lakes (Driver Only/Self Touring) cost?
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Prices start at $670 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Rome usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Castles and Lakes (Driver Only/Self Touring) take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Rome is not rushed.
Is Castles and Lakes (Driver Only/Self Touring) worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 46 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 1 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Rome, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Castles and Lakes (Driver Only/Self Touring)?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Castles and Lakes (Driver Only/Self Touring) suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Castles and Lakes (Driver Only/Self Touring)?
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Around 0 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Rome can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Rome and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Castles and Lakes (Driver Only/Self Touring) start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Rome within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Rome?
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Rome runs on skip-the-line access. The Colosseum underground, the Vatican before opening, and the catacombs south of the walls all require a licensed operator, and the price gap between the good ones and the rest is smaller than you would expect. We rank by guide credentials, group size and how reliably the promised access actually materialises. On Outty we rank every Rome experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Rome Pasta and Tiramisu Class: Ravioli, Fettuccine & Fine Wine 5*, Pasta Making & Wine Tasting with Dinner in Frascati from Rome, Rome: Pizza & Tiramisu or Gelato Class with Flowing Fine Wine 5*. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Rome?
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April, May, September and October. August is hot and half the city is shut. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Rome?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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