Experience the Roman Empire

Upon arrival in Rome, you will be transferred to your hotel to enjoy a welcome lunch. Here you’ll get to meet your guide, who will guide you through your journey. Practice basic Italian greetings, thank yous, and begin to learn important cultural customs.

You will begin your journey at the Monument to Victor Emanuel II, more infamously known as “The Wedding Cake”. This enormous white monument, with her bronze chariots pulled by rearing horse, will ignite your appetite for the eclectic beauty of Rome. Ride the elevator to the top where you will view a 360-degree view of this fantastic city.

Stroll the Via dei Fori Imperiali, where we will find the perfect spot for a traditional Italian dinner and people watching.

After breakfast, your journey to ancient Rome begins! Your day-long, snapshot of ancient Rome starts off with a Colosseum tour. Feel like a spectator as you climb the stairs to find the best seat in the house; then descend to the holding caves and walk the arena imaging life (or death) as a competitor.

We will also visit the Arch of Constantine, Palatine Hill (Emperors’ Palace), the Roman Forum, Temple of Julius Caesar, Temple of Saturn, Temple of Vesta, and Basilica of Maxentius. If you are an early riser, climb Palatine Hill for a spectacular sunrise!

End the day with a visit to St. Clemente’s Basilica. This is a Catholic Church and a residence for priests studying in Rome. It is an important site filled with archaeological and architectural history. Explore the hidden, seldom seen rooms filled with 13th-century mosaics and the tomb of Saint Cyril, the Cyrillic alphabet inventor.

Experience the Catacombs of St. Callixtus where Sixteen Popes and many Roman martyrs lay to rest. Your Catacombs guide will unlock the symbolism, history and archaeological importance of these tombs.

From here, we’re onto the next site! Enjoy a tour to the Golden House of Nero, The Domus Aurea. This palace was the site of wild parties by the notorious emperor Nero. The art, architecture and wild history will leave you speechless and perhaps dreaming of receiving your own invitation!

We’ll round out the day by visiting The Gladiator Training School, Circus Maximus, Virgin Aqueduct, and the Pyramid of Cestius.

Tonight, what will be your fancy? Spaghetti? Gnocchi? Risotto? Molto Bene! We’ll practice our Italian as we learn to order your favorite local dishes.

Pope Francis addresses the crowd at St. Peter’s square on Wednesday mornings. Join the thousands of pilgrims who visit this weekly event for a Papal Blessing.

Your guide will direct you through Vatican City, touring St. Peter’s Basilica including exclusive access to climbing the Dome for a spectacular view of the city. Gaze on the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel in the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the Pope.

Round out your day with a walk up the Spanish Steps. Join the locals as they lunch on the steps and people watch or shop at the high-end stores at the base of the steps.

Today you will leave the city and journey east to the Thermal Baths of Caracalla. These preserved ancient buildings give a glimpse back to the Glory Days of the Roman Empire.

Continue to Tivoli and UNESCO World Heritage Site: Hadrian’s Villa, the 2nd-century estate of Emperor Hadrian. In Tivoli, enjoy a typical Italian lunch and wine tasting, experiencing some excellent local cuisine and wine while you take in the beautiful countryside.

Our last stop of the day will be the UNESCO World Heritage site: Villa D’Este, where you can stroll the breathtaking gardens and hundreds of fountains.

Experience an early morning visit to a current archeological dig unearthed by the construction of Rome’s new subway system. The construction of the modern-day subway has opened up a treasure trove of archeological information. Meet the dig team and hear more about their work on this innovative site.

Enjoy the rest of your time in Rome this afternoon. Walk, shop, eat, sightsee or just watch the world go by. Gelato anyone?

After a leisurely group breakfast, sadly our Roman Holiday has come to an end. We’ll head to the airport for our final departure home. Arrivederci, Rome!