Rome, Italy
Rome, as they say, was not built in a day. Nor can travelers really experience the Eternal City in a day—or even a year.
Rome’s numerous and diverse neighborhoods require some time to fully explore. The best place to start? With a stroll through the city’s ancient wonders, including the Forum, the Colosseum, and the Pantheon, followed by a perusal of the food vendors at the new Testaccio Market and a tour of the traditional restaurants—and watering holes—of the Centro Storico. But no matter how brief your trip, be sure to save time for the old Jewish ghetto, the boutique and wine bar–rich Monti neighborhood, and the broad avenues leading to the Spanish Steps. And, of course, stopping for a shot of espresso and a few scoops of gelato is practically a requirement.
Itinerary
1
Arrival and day at leisure
Arrival at Rome airport, where you are met and transferred to the 4 star Hotel Anglo Americano (or similar) with accommodation in superior room including breakfast daily. Day at leisure to explore the city center
2
Discover Vatican City Half-Day Walking Tour
Discover Vatican City with a guide and skip-the-line access, including the Vatican Museums, St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Learn about Raphael’s Rooms, the Michelangelo frescoes of the Sistine Chapel, the ‘La Pietà’ sculpture in St Peter’s Basilica and more. The entrance fee (not included) is payable on the day of your tour. Meet your local guide and pay your fee to enter the Vatican Museums. Then, with your skip-the-line ticket, step inside to start your Vatican and Sistine Chapel tour. Follow your guide, listening to tales of saintliness and scandal, and learn about the Vatican’s place as one of the holiest sites in Christendom. Italian art flourished in the Renaissance and baroque periods, and the Vatican popes put together one of the world’s largest collections of private art with frescos, paintings, sculptures and treasure. See the highlights as you walk through galleries such as Raphael’s Rooms, and hear stories behind works such as the School of Athens. Then, make your way into the Sistine Chapel. A sacred spot and the private papal chapel, the Sistine Chapel is also renowned for its Michelangelo frescoes — The Last Judgement and The Creation of Adam. Continue to St Peter’s Basilica. Admire La Pietà, an early Michelangelo sculpture, and pause to rub the foot of a statue of St Peter, said to bring good luck.
3
Colosseum and Ancient Rome Tour by Night
Your nighttime tour starts at Piazza Venezia. Set off on your walking tour of Rome’s ancient sites, passing by Trajan’s Column on your way to Capitoline Hill. Stop at Piazza del Campidoglio, a 16th-century square designed by Michelangelo. As you admire the ruins bathed in evening light, your guide will point out sites like the Sanctuary of the Vestal Virgins, a temple once home to the most honored women in Ancient Rome. Then make your way down the hill, catching sight of Augustus’ and Caesar’s forums, and arrive at the Colosseum. Explore the near-empty amphitheater and listen to stories about the bloody gladiator battles that once took place here. You can walk around the reconstructed floor of the arena. Next, head below ground to explore the chambers themselves, where wild animals were held and gladiators prepared for their fights.
4
Departure
This trip includes:
- 3 nights at 4* Hotel Anglo Americano (or similar) in superior room with Breakfast
- Tours Mentioned above
- Roundtrip airport/rail station to hotel transportation
This trip doesn’t include:
- Travel insurance
- Meals and beverages not indicated in “The rate includes”
- Local city tax
- Entry fees to sights and museums unless noted
- Transportation to tour meeting points and from tour end point unless noted
- Tips/Gratuity
- Airfare