Appian Way, Tivoli and the Castelli Romani
An easy loop from Rome: the Appian Way, the villas of Hadrian and the d’Este at Tivoli, St Benedict’s cliff monastery and the volcanic lakes.
- Distance
- 157 km (98 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 10 min
- Suggested days
- 2
- Stops
- 9
- Countries
- Italy
- Updated
- August 9, 2026
At a glance: 2-day round trip of about 157 km (98 mi) with 9 stops, starting and ending in Rome. About 2 h 10 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Italy · More road trips from Rome
Route description
Start with the Via Appia Antica, the Roman road running south-east out of the city between tombs, pines and ruins. The Tomb of Caecilia Metella is a good starting point; beyond it the old paving is best explored on foot or by rented bike, as the lane is narrow and cars are restricted on parts of it at weekends. Driving in central Rome needs care: most of the centre is a restricted zone.
Take the SS5 Tiburtina or the A24 to Tivoli, 30 km east. Hadrian’s Villa, on the plain below the town, is a vast estate of ruins, pools and colonnades; allow three hours. In Tivoli itself, Villa d’Este has terraces of fountains built for a cardinal in the 16th century. Both sites are UNESCO listed and get busy by late morning, so start early.
Follow the Aniene valley east for another 40 km to Subiaco. Above the town, the Sacro Speco monastery clings to a cliff over the gorge, built around the cave where St Benedict lived as a hermit; the frescoes inside date from the Middle Ages. A short path leads up from the monastery of Santa Scolastica, where there is parking.
Return towards Rome through Palestrina to the Castelli Romani, the volcanic hills south-east of the city. Nemi sits on the rim of a small crater lake and is known for its wild strawberries. The SS217 Via dei Laghi leads on to Castel Gandolfo on Lake Albano, where rooms of the papal palace are open as a museum. From there, Rome is 25 km away.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Rome
Italy - 27 km
Tomb of Caecilia Metella, Appian Way
HistoryRome, ItalyA round Roman tomb from the first century BC on the Via Appia Antica, later built into a castle. South of it the ancient paving runs between pines and ruins; it is best walked or cycled, as cars share a narrow lane.
- 329 km
Hadrian’s Villa
HistoryTivoli, ItalyThe ruins of Emperor Hadrian’s second-century country palace, spread over a large park of olive trees with pools, baths and the colonnaded Canopus. Allow at least three hours and bring water; there is a car park at the entrance.
- 44 km
Villa d’Este
HistoryTivoli, ItalyA cardinal’s Renaissance villa in Tivoli’s old town, famous for a terraced garden with hundreds of fountains, including the Hundred Fountains walk and a water organ. Park in the town car parks; the garden has many steps.
- 531 km
Subiaco
Italy - 62 km
Monastery of the Sacro Speco
HistorySubiaco, ItalyA monastery clinging to a cliff above the Aniene gorge, built over the cave where St Benedict lived as a hermit. Its chapels are covered in medieval frescoes; park below and walk up a short path from Santa Scolastica.
- 749 km
Nemi
Italy - 88 km
Castel Gandolfo
Italy - 927 km
Rome
Italy
Suggested stages and overnight stops
2 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Rome → Monastery of the Sacro Speco · 73 km · 1 h 01 minOn the way: Tomb of Caecilia Metella, Appian Way, Hadrian’s Villa, Villa d’Este, Subiaco.Overnight nearby, for example: Luisiana Camping (4 km); Camping Fiumata (16 km).
- Day 2: Monastery of the Sacro Speco → Rome · 84 km · 1 h 09 minOn the way: Nemi, Castel Gandolfo.Overnight nearby, for example: Area Sosta Camper Romae (5 km); LGP (6 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June and November. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Italy: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autostrade; pay at the barrier by card or cash. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
- Rome: Limited traffic zone (ZTL). Cameras fine unauthorised vehicles in the historic centre, including hire cars. Park outside and walk or take transit; hotels inside may register your plate.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Appian Way, Tivoli and the Castelli Romani?
2-day round trip of about 157 km (98 mi) with 9 stops, starting and ending in Rome. About 2 h 10 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Appian Way, Tivoli and the Castelli Romani?
We suggest 2 days: about 2 h 10 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Appian Way, Tivoli and the Castelli Romani start and end?
It is a round trip that starts and ends in Rome.
Which countries does Appian Way, Tivoli and the Castelli Romani pass through?
Italy.
Where can you camp along Appian Way, Tivoli and the Castelli Romani?
OpenStreetMap lists 24 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Area Sosta Camper Romae, LGP and Village Flaminio.
When is the best time for Appian Way, Tivoli and the Castelli Romani?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
