You will meet your driver on the pier and begin your drive to the lake region for your private Bracciano Lake and Odescalchi Castle shore excursion. Of volcanic origin, Lake Bracciano is in the Italian region of Lazio, 20 miles northwest of Rome. With a surface of 22 square miles, it is the second largest lake in the region and one of the major lakes of Italy. It has also served as a source of water for Rome since the 1600s. Picturesque forests, gardens and olive groves surround the lake.

Inhabited since the Estruscan era, the town of Bracciano rises on a hill next to the lake. In the Renaissance period, it was a fief of the Orsini until 1696, when the town passed to the Odescalchi family. Among the religious buildings of Bracciano are the two baroque churches of Santa Maria Novella and St. Stephen's with a bell tower from the 16th century. The medieval character of the town center is highlighted by its narrow streets, and shops in buildings from the 15th and 16th century.

It is the Odescalchi castle that has lured people to Bracciano since it was built in 1485 by Napoleone Orsini. Due to its structural and architectural characteristics, as well as its state of conservation, it is considered one of the most important castles of Italy. It has played host to many important visitors including Pope Sixtus IV, The King of France, Charles VIII, Marcantonio Colonna and in more modern times John Kennedy Jr., Tina Turner and Tom Cruise.

In the halls of the castle, paintings and frescoes by Romano and Zuccari can be admired, as well as marble and bronze sculptures, fireplaces, wooden ceilings, ceramic sculptures, arms, armor and archaeological findings from the necropolis in Cerveteri and excavations in Palo. Explore many of the castle's areas including the Hall of Arms, the Secret Gardens, the Hall of the Caesars, and the Ancient Tower.

After visiting the castle, you will have free time for exploring the village or having lunch on your own. After meeting your driver at the specified time, relax during the drive through the countryside back to the pier.