Rome tour off the beat path: Bomarzo Caprarola & Calcata

Although a little on the expensive side, this tour was a great way to see a number of interesting sites that are near Rome, but hard to get to by public transportation. The first early morning stop was at the late 16th century Mannerist gardens of Bomarzo, with its extraordinary collection sculptured monsters and follies. Then a stop at the Farnese Palace at Caprarola, a must-see for lovers of Renaissance art and architecture. Next was a quick but interesting stop at Sutri to see the rock-cut Roman Amphitheatre, Etruscan tombs, and paleo-Christian church. Lunch was at a good local restaurant at Trevignano sul Lago, a charming small lakeside village. Finally, a few hours exploring Calcata, a quintessential medieval hill-top fortress town, now inhabited by artsy types, colorful characters, and friendly cats.

Our driver Gilberto picked us up in the morning and took us to Bonarzo first. He was informative, funny and really nice. He told us from the beginning that it was our tour and he would do what we wanted. He took us to each tour spot - took us to the ticket booth and made sure we knew how to go around and where to meet up after. Whenever we wnatwd coffee, bathrooms or lunch he stopped and found place to accomodate us. It is not a cheap tour and it is as Gilberto said “Off the beaten path” but it was well worth it. A fantastic day with a wonderful guide!

We had a wonderful quiet day away from the crowds with Gilbert who took us to Calcata and a few more charming towns round Lake Bracciano. It was one of our best days in Italy being away from the crowds and tourist areas. He speaks great English and was very flexible and patient. He’s an excellent guide that lived in CA before and was very knowledgeable about the attractions, history and places to see.

The park is filled with bizarre and fascinating sculptures for which only the accompanying inscriptions provide any explanation. Among the pieces are a war elephant, a monstrous fishhead, a giant tearing another giant in half, and a house built on a tilt to disorient the viewer. When you visit the park, be sure to enter the giant screaming mouth (known as “the mouth of hell”), inside which, on the tongue, stands a picnic table and enough seating for a small group to have lunch.

This place is incredible, you walk amount the statues and cannot believe how peaceful the park is. Take your time to visit the park.

It's called the park of the monsters, created by some crazy and genial Renaissance lord. A very unique place to be. And peaceful, in its own strange way!