Escape the Hustle of Rome: A Perfect Day Trip to Frascati
Authored By:
By: Greta Kerkhoff
In my time studying abroad in Rome, Italy it was easy to get overwhelmed in the city. Not only is it crowded, but the scale and intricacy of all the monuments and art can become overwhelming. Every so often, it’s important to take a day trip and get away from it all. My favorite neighboring city: Frascati.
Frascati is about 12 miles south-east of Rome’s city center. You can get there easily by taking a 30 minute train ride from termini station. Tickets are cheap at around 4 euro round trip.
The city sits on a hill, providing a great view of Rome in the distance. The city served as a summer retreat for the Roman nobility and upper class and still does. Its elevation makes it cooler in the summer. Because of this, the city is home to many beautiful Villas, such as Villa Aldobrandini which you come into contact with very soon after leaving the train station.
In my and my friends' time there, we spent the day at a beautiful winery. Frascati, is a white wine grown in volcanic soil and dates back to ancient Rome. When we arrived at the vineyard we were greeted by the owner's adorable dog, who likes to greet the wine tasting guests and ask for belly rubs. Our guide first took us into the vineyard and showed us the different grape varieties used to make the wine.
Inside the farm house, the wine is produced and stored in steel vats. In the basement, the wine is stored in ancient Roman mine tunnels, which were my favorite part of the tasting. Used to gather cement dust, the tunnels were vast. Our guide poured us our first glass down in the mines.
Then, we sat down to some bread, pecorino cheese, and more wine for the second part of the tasting. Enjoying food and wine with friends at a slow pace was one of my favorite parts of Italian culture. Between that and the view I was in heaven.
We finished with a brief tour of the city center, ending in lunch and you guessed it, more wine. The town's beauty and tranquility made it one of my favorite spots in all of Italy. I only wish I had discovered it sooner.
Related Posts
Favorite Spots in Prati Neighborhood
By: Ari Au Living in the Prati neighborhood was essential for discovering my favorite breakfast and gelato place. On our first morning, my roommates and I found a café near... keep reading
Best Non-Tourist Rome Recommendations
By: Isabella del Rosario We all know Rome has lots of “must see” attractions like the Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, and endless art museums but I am here to highlight four... keep reading
Budgeting Tips and How to Afford Studying Abroad
By: Carolyn Schwartz Studying abroad in Rome can be a life-changing experience, but it's essential to plan your budget wisely to make the most of your time there. Here are... keep reading