Coats Quests

Everyone enjoyed renting e-bikes and exploring the grounds. The fee for the rental was around 5 Euros and worth every cent. When you return the bikes, you can then shuttle (1 Euro each way) to the back of the property and wander through the English gardens. The gardens are full of statues, fountains, ruins, and a variety of plants to delight everyone from the casual gardener to the serious botanist.

Where to park: We have used the underground parking associated with the Palace as well as local parking lots, which you will see as you approach.

What my kids liked: When we ascended the opulent marble staircase, Josiah said, “we’re in Star Wars!” Apparently, the structure was a part of The Phantom Menace and also featured in the video game Battlefront II. (Pre-research for this trip should be enjoyable for the kiddos.)

After your stroll through the gardens and palace, pickup your car and head up the hill to the old part of Caserta (Casertavecchia). Approaching the city you might find a herd of sheep near the parking lot, which may or may not be manned. Park in one of the gravel lots for 2 Euro, and walk up the hill towards the ancient city, which dates from around 861 AD and hosts an impressive central church and bell tower. Sprinkled through the cobblestoned streets are doorways flanked by creative flower pots, blooming in one way or another year round. Once you reach the main piazza, you can head into Mastrangelo for dinner. It will be delicious, unrushed, and inexpensive…the perfect Italian evening. I’d time it for sunset if I were you. After dinner, you’ll see a twinkling Caserta below as you make your way back to your car.

What my kids liked: The food! We recommend the Fusilloni con trito di maialino nero e Stracciatella di bufula.

Where to park: Use the gravel lot or street parking, which is just beyond the gravel lot. Don’t try to drive up the hill, it’s a ZTL.