TOUR E - THE ROYAL PALACE OF CASERTA
Excursions
- £35 - £45
- Approximately 4 Hours
- Strenuous
Caserta is situated between the Campania Plain and the hills. It was here that in the 18th century that Charles III de Bourbon, one of the wisest and most enlightened monarchs of the Two Sicilies, decided to build a palace that was to equal Versailles in splendour. The palace was built in order to have a new administrative capital of the kingdom in Caserta, and to protect the court from possible attacks from the sea. The Royal Palace (Reggia di Caserta) was designed by Luigi Vanvitelli, a famous architect of the time, and it was the largest palace – and arguably the largest building constructed in Europe – in the 18th century. Listed as a World Heritage Site, today it is one of the most visited Italian monuments, and the park is considered to be one of the most beautiful gardens in the world.
Upon arrival at Caserta, the enormous size of the palace, which has 1,200 huge rooms and 1,790 windows, will immediately catch our eye. During our guided visit, we can admire a variety of sumptuous salons and reception rooms, in which there is an abundance of art treasures and craftsmanship, and chambers richly decorated with tapestries, carpets, furniture and chandeliers.
Around the great block of the palace stretches an endless and beautiful park, broad lawns with vast avenues, terraces decorated with statues and a fine waterfall that descends from a high hill running into a number of enchanting little basins located at intervals along its course. The English Garden completes the magnificent palace and superb park, and is where flowers alternate with green copses, velvet lawns, lakes and greenhouses. Time permitting, we will have some free time to browse the area independently, before re-boarding our tour coach for the return drive to Naples.
TOUR NOTES: This is primarily a walking tour, and involves approximately two hours of compulsory walking and standing around the palace. We will have approximately 30 minutes of free time, where the amount of walking is at the discretion of the individual. Uneven and hilly terrain may be encountered in the gardens, and some steps will be encountered in the palace. Unfortunately this tour is not suitable for passengers with limited mobility or wheelchair users. What flora may be seen is obviously subject to seasonal change. The use of Whispers (headsets) is compulsory in the palace.
DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2011 CANARIES & MED SEASON
Snack or meal provided
Refreshments available
Free time
Shopping opportunity
Wheelchair access
Swimming opportunity
All prices are based on operating costs, tariffs and rates of exchange and are subject to change without notice.
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