This will be a very special day out of town for both members and non-members. An oasis of beauty, restored by the Caetani family and several mecenes, the famed Ninfa Garden boasts an unsurpassed variety of flora. Plants here are not culivated unless necessary, which contributes to the garden's sense of freedom and magic. We will spend the morning walking and admiring horticultural marvels imported from all over the world. Fountains and ruins dating back to medieval times also abound, making for fabulous photo opportunities!
After visiting the garden with an English-speaking guide, we'll have a private transfer to the nearby hilltop town of Sermoneta, where we'll sit down to a delicious lunch in a beautiful setting at Locanda Bonifacio VIII restaurant (see menu below). Then there'll be an optional visit to the Caetani family's huge medieval castle to learn of its rich history.
Book soon as the group size is limited and this excursion is on everyone's list!
Many thanks to our friends and CCR members Carol Yaple and Richard Klasa who live nearby and have been so invaluable and generous in the organization of this wonderful outing.
Lunch menu
large and varied antipasto selection (vegetarian and meat)
a choice of primo: either strozzapreti with porcini (vegetarian) or ravioli di brasato (meat)
traditional sweets (dolcetti secchi and crostate)
water
local wine (red and white)
coffee
When: Saturday, May 6, 2017
Transportation, Meeting Point & Time: 9.30 a.m. at Latina Scalo train station (Sermoneta/north side); NB do NOT get off at the earlier Cisterna di Latina stop. Participants coming by train are asked to take the Regionale 12211 that leaves Termini at 8:36 and arrives in Latina at 9:25; this train costs €4. Participants coming by car can leave their vehicle at the train station (NORTH/Sermoneta side of the station, which has a large, free parking lot). (If returning to Rome by train, there are runs at 15:38, 16:38 and 17:38 for €4 as well as ones at 15:00, 15:28 and 17:00, which are Intercity and cost €9.) To avoid parking problems, a shuttle will take us from the train station to the garden and then to the town centre and restaurant and finally back to the train station.
Timing: meeting at Latina Scalo and shuttle transfer to garden 9:30; Ninfa Garden visit 10:30 a.m. (ending 11:45/12); 1 p.m. lunch; 3 p.m. optional visit of Caetani Castle or free time to wander; 4/4:15 shuttle from Sermoneta centre back to train station parking lot.
Cost: garden visit with English speaking guide: €10 CCR members, €15 non-members; lunch €23 members, €25 non-members; other costs are train or other transportation (depending on individual choices) and optional castle visit (€12 adults, free for children).
NB: Book early as space is limited and remember that you are financially responsible for your participation.
RSVP to canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Marielle by May 1st, specifying whether you would like to participate in the lunch and castle visit in addition to the garden tour.
