Hello,
I have posted here asking for suggestions around the Castelli Romani area as we have an apartment there for about 2 weeks in October.

We will use that as our base - we prefer to end up in a quiet place at day's end plus (very big plus) it is extremely affordable and as retired teachers on teachers' pensions that is very important to us!

But we want to branch off from there and take day trips. We will spend 2 or 3 days in Rome as we have friends living there. The rest of the time is free and I've made no plans.

(I feel like a kid in a candy shop!) One lady that reads this board emailed me the following information about the gardens in Ninfa:

You may be interested to know about the Ninfa Gardens. They are reputed to be gorgeous. They are open to the public at very limited times -- the first Saturday and Sunday as well as the third Sunday of every month from April
through October. As I understand it, you have to book in advance to see them. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I am curious about how to book an appointment and also how to get there from Castel Gandolfo. We will be using public transportation. What do you suggest?

Perhaps we will have to return to Rome to make side-trips, but it's only a 40 minute jog and the trains and buses leave every 30 -45 minutes until late. Where would you suggest we could visit from this area? I am also wondering if there are buses that go from CG to areas to the south, not requiring us to start in Rome everytime.

And one last question. We will spend one day visiting the NationalMuseum of rome which we have never seen. Is there a trattoria close by that you might recommend?

If I've asked too many unrelated questions, just answer what is appropriate for you and I'll repost the others in a better manner!

Thanks,
Carol

Hello,
This site might help you work out the best way to purchase tickets,
http://www.italyheaven.co.uk/lazio/ninfa.html
I think you might need a car to be absolutely honest. If gardens are your thing then I recommend Villa Lante, and Villa Farnese also in Lazio http://www.gardenvisit.com/ge/lante.htm
An all time favourite in Tivoli is Villa D'Este, a world heritage site,
http://www.villadestetivoli.info/indexe.htm
Wendy

>>Gardens of Ninfa<<

Frederika Randall wrote about the gardens in 2002 in the New York Times Travel Section.

A Secret Garden

Here is the pertinent information about tickets, etc.

From April through October, Ninfa is open the first Saturday of the month and the next day and, in April, May and June, the third Sunday of the month as well. Hours are 9 a.m. to noon and 2:30 to 6 p.m.; summer hours 9 a.m. to noon and 3 to 6:30 p.m. The garden is also open Nov. 3, some holidays and selected Sunday mornings, as well as at other times for groups, which must book separately. Tickets cost $7.50; children under 10, free. Guided tours take about an hour; some guides speak English.

Visitors can buy tickets in Rome at the Palazzo Caetani, Via Botteghe Oscure 32; telephone and fax (39-06) 687-3056; Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets can also be bought at the World Wildlife Fund office in Rome, Via Gregorio Allegri 1; (39-06) 8449-7206; Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

There was an earlier Times Travel Section (1997) article by William Weaver that is also accessible on line.

A Legendary Italian Garden

Enjoy.

If you are considering Villa d'Este in Tivoli, combine that with a visit to Hadrian's Villa nearby. I think that would make a nice day trip from Castel Gondolfo. See if Context Rome might be able to offer a tour. http://www.contextrome.com/

Consider a visit to Sermoneta. It is a beautiful, small hilltop town close to Ninfa. My in-laws used to live there and say that the gardens of Ninfa shouldn't be missed (although we have yet to get there!). Have a wonderful trip!

map of area

kat

Thanks Jim,
This is the best info I have found of the gardens of Ninfa.
Philip

Wendy,
Thanks for the suggestions about the gardens. Will October be a good month for garden travel? We are also planning some time in Italy the last part of May but will base that trip around Praiano. Any other garden suggestions - especially for Compania - would be appreciated!

Jim,
A wonderful source for the gardens. Now I just have to figure out how to get there without a car!

Ziamartina,
I love the combination of Tivoli and Hadrian's Villa. I have been trying to figure out how to get there. I did look into the Context Rome site and they do offer a tour but for (GASP!) 640! I can't recall if that were USD or Euros - doesn't matter - still horrific! Surely a misprint?

Kat,
Thanks for the map of the area of Sermoneta. So much to see - so little time.

>>A wonderful source for the gardens. Now I just have to figure out how to get there without a car!<<

It is only about 25 miles from Castel Gandolfo to Ninfa.

At least two options....by train, you have to go back to Rome and get on the train to Latina. Usually takes about 90 minutes.

By bus, I believe that both Castel Gandolfo and Latina (the nearest town to the gardens) are on the same bus line--Cotral. You will likely find schedule information once you arrive in Lazio.

Here is a link to another web site (in Italian) that does have more information about opening times and reservations. There is a fax number that you can use for making bookings.

http://www.lipulatina.it/ninfa.htm#prenotaninfa

Hello,
We actually visted Villa D Este in October and were lucky enough to find the fountains working.It was a gorgeous, sunny day so we were very lucky.
Have a look here to find out how to plan this
http://www.gardenvisit.com/ge/dest.htm
Ninfa is notoriously difficult to get into so good luck with your planning.
Esme's Howards book "Ninfa" is a gem if you want to read about it but it is hard to get hold of.
http://www.grandigiardini.it/pagine/schedeGGI_ENG/schede.html is a useful site when planning your visits.
Wendy

I discovered Ninfa on a wonderful program" Gardens of the world With Audrey Hepburn",(1993) now available on DVD.
This is a terrific series.
Philip

If you are interested here is a link to my Slow Trip photo gallery, where I have a photo album of my trip to Ninfa.

Ninfa Photos

these are truely beautiful