Olive Tree Hill

We stayed with Ivano and Terhi for a few days after completing a tour of southern Italy ending in Napoli. We felt like family right at the start. Ivano picked us up from the Zagarolo train station, an easy journey on the Italian train system. The cottages on their peaceful pastoral property are simple and charming. We had a classic Italian homecooked meal (Ivano makes an awesome Spaghetti carbonara) with homemade wine and delicious olive oil that he had just pressed on the morning of our arrival. Ivano’s tour of the Castelli Romani area is exceptional. His knowledge of the history, culture and food of the region is matched only by his wonderful story telling style. We have enjoyed several trips to Italy, but this was an authentic and unique experience of a region of Italy without swarms of sightseers, queues or frenzied tour guides. Unfortunately, rain prevented us from his walking tour of Rome at night, but we hope to return in the future.

Ivano and Terhi were very welcoming and lovely hosts. We had a wonderful time staying with them. The room we stayed in was very clean and inviting. Ivano took time out of his day to help us plan our Rome trip and even the hidden gems on the outskirts of Rome. We had a car which we were able to park at the property with no hassle. Ivano took us to the train station when ever we were ready to go and sorted out getting our tickets for us. The train in to Rome is so simple and only takes 30 mins. Ivano then picked us up when ever we were ready to return. The only regret would be we didn’t stay long enough! We would definitely recommend staying with Ivano and Terhi.

We stayed one night, on our way to Rome airport., which is about an hour's drive. We were not really impressed with the room, which was actually a small, rustic cabin. Nice walk over to the main house, though, through the olive orchard. The room was reasonably comfortable and the bathroom small but OK. The owners were VERY helpful and friendly, and we wished we had had time to take one of their tours. We were disappointed when the owner cancelled our dinner booking there, but at least he gave us a list of altenatives. We found an excellent place in the old town., so it turned out OK. Breakfast was basic..underwhelming.

This is a rustic gem in the heart of the Roman country side and yet only 20 minutes by train to Rome central. Zagarola center and the train station are both a ramble from the premises for those of us who like a walk. Getting a lift to and from the station is never a problem. I had a double room which was simple but very clean and comfortable. Although I was sick for my stay, chopped and changed things accordingly, Ivano and Terhi were so patient and kind. The tour and lunch we did was local and amazing. Different to an experience of Rome and the joy here is being able to have both, pop into Rome in 20 mins and live like a local in the beautiful countryside, overlooking Rome. Even the train out is a joy, scenerywise. But it’s the kind hospitality that makes Olive Tree Hill different. Warm and gentle hospitality in abundance. Amazing food and lovely company, with other guests or with Terhi and Ivano, it is always full of comradery and fun. As a solo traveller, it was serenity when I needed and fun company when I needed that too. I learned loads cookingwise. If you book the excursions with Ivano, they are not just interesting and knowable but they are passionate, local and sometimes places where you would otherwise never have found yourself. It was a joy. I was only sorry I couldn’t participate more and so I have to go back for my night tour of Rome and my big cooking class. Ivano, the list of cooking wishes can only get longer with time! Marco, couldn’t write this without saying what a pleasure it was and how kind of you to facilitate our tour at a moment’s notice. Just a lovely, warm family extending their unique hospitality in their idyllic country setting.

Away from the crowds of Rome but just a short hop on the train. The hosts were amazing. Evening meals around the family table were a feast of authentic Italian dishes with fun conversation. The hosts also were incredibly knowledgeable about local history and places to explore outside the city. We had a fantastic time.