Do I need to bring my own binoculars?

If you have binoculars, bring them; shared optics are available but limited, so personal optics improve your experience.

How do I get to the meeting point?

The exact meeting point is emailed after booking; Caffarella Park is accessible by Rome public transport and some events offer a nearby station pickup option.

Is this suitable for beginners?

Yes, the series welcomes beginners and provides instruction on identification, behavior, and calls during the walk.

What is the minimum age?

Minimum age is 14; participants should have basic mobility to walk for several hours on uneven terrain.

What happens in bad weather?

In cases of extreme weather the event may be rescheduled or refunded; the guide will confirm details ahead of time.

How much does it cost?

The participation fee is €59 per person and bookings must be completed online.

Seasons of Flight: Birdwatching in Caffarella Park, Rome | Guided Tour | Walking Tour

On the edge of Rome's Appia Antica Regional Park lies Caffarella Park, a surprising green valley of meadows, reedbeds, streams, and scattered archaeological remains. The Four Flights is a seasonal birdwatching series led by a zoologist and certified hiking guide that turns a three- to four-hour morning walk into a close-up lesson in urban ecology. Beginning near the park's low stone walls and farm tracks, the route threads through open grassland, wetlands with reedbeds and small freshwater channels, and hedgerows that shelter woodpeckers, songbirds, and kestrels. Each season reshapes the valley: spring fills the meadows with breeding song and flashier plumage; summer tightens shorelines and concentrates kingfishers and herons at the reedbed margins; autumn brings migrants through on the Appian flyway; winter highlights raptors and the stark silhouettes of archaeological ruins. The guide's expertise focuses on identification by sight, behavior and call, and on the ecological role of urban refuges. Expect frequent stops to listen and scan with shared binoculars, and short interpretive talks that link the birds to Caffarella's history as pastoral land within Rome's ancient artery. Practicalities are straightforward. Small groups keep disturbance low and improve sightlines; meeting details are emailed after booking and the park is reachable by Rome public transit. Walks are easy but take place on uneven, sometimes muddy trails, so sturdy shoes and water are essential. The series welcomes beginners and experienced birders alike, with portable binoculars available for loan and a friendly pace that encourages questions. What makes this series special is the blend: wildlife observation against an archaeological backdrop and under the constant presence of the city. Caffarella is part of the Appia Antica Regional Park, where Roman-era ruins and traditional farmland sit beside active reedbeds and salt-marsh like wet patches — a rare mix for a capital. The zoologist guide brings scientific context, pointing out seasonal shifts, territorial displays, and migration pulses that most visitors miss. If you want to photograph birds, arrive early for softer light and the dawn chorus; if you want to learn, bring a notebook and your questions. The Four Flights is more than a walk: it's a focused, season-by-season education in how Rome's green corridors support life, and an invitation to see the city through the eyes of birds. Sessions run roughly three to four hours with frequent pauses; minimum age is 14 and groups stay intentionally small to reduce disturbance. The fee is €59 per person, and booking is required online; the organizer provides the precise meeting point by email and sometimes offers a station pickup option. Guides carry first aid and are professionals; participants should expect to walk quietly, keep distance from nests, and follow leave-no-trace practices to protect breeding birds and archaeological features.

About Nature of Sal

Nature of Sal is a Rome-based guide service specializing in guided hikes, pilgrimages, and birdwatching experiences across Lazio and central Italy.
Founded to connect visitors and locals with quiet natural and historic places, the business offers a variety of half-day, multi-hour, and full-day trips that highlight UNESCO-protected woodlands, ancient roads, and rural pilgrimage routes.

Trips range from a half-day walk in Oriolo Romano’s UNESCO-protected beech forest to extended hikes along the Via Appia Antica and Via Francigena del Sud ending at Castel Gandolfo. Urban nature options include guided walks through Rome’s Caffarella Park and explorations of the aqueducts beginning from Pigneto. Longer itineraries visit Spoleto and Monteluco, the Nera Valley and medieval Narni, and the Alban Hills with their volcanic lakes.

Guides include English-speaking leaders, AIGAE-certified guides, and specialists such as zoologists for birdwatching events. The Four Flights seasonal birdwatching series provides guided observation of migrating and resident species. Pilgrimage-style routes include the Seven Pilgrim Churches and Italy’s shortest Camino, the Epic Etruscan Hike, where participants collect stamps and can earn the Cammino Certificate.

Nature of Sal caters to families, international visitors, and active travelers seeking cultural context, wildlife observation, and reflective walking experiences. By combining certified guiding, clearly described itineraries, and a focus on conservation-minded exploration, Nature of Sal positions itself as a reliable choice for nature-focused adventures around Rome and beyond.

Bookings and detailed itineraries are available through The Adventure Collective listing and direct inquiries, accommodating varying fitness levels and family needs across all offered excursions in Lazio.