Discovering Rome

Rome is a fabulous mix of history, archaeology, art, religion, and delicious food; and it certainly is the most popular place to visit in Italy. Truth is, Rome is a city that hardly leaves you indifferent. It's the kind of place you either love or hate – and most inevitably love it.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Rome: one of the most important tourist destinations of the world, due to the incalculable immensity of its archaeological and art treasures, as well as for the charm of its unique traditions, the beauty of its panoramic views, and the majesty of its magnificent "villas" (parks).

Day 1: ARRIVAL ROME

Upon your arrival in Rome reach the hotel on your own and check in (transfer available as an optional extra). In the afternoon, join a small group tour to discover the masters and mysteries of Rome (the tour starts at 15.00 hrs). On this tour, you'll explore underground ruins, walk through ancient columns, and step into a 2,000-year-old market, all while crossing one of Rome's oldest bridges. It’s an adventure the whole family will enjoy! Did you know many of Rome's churches are built on top of ancient pagan temples? You’ll uncover this secret when you visit Saint Nicholas in Carcere, a church set atop ancient places of worship. Just a short walk away, you’ll pass through the ruins of the Portico d'Ottavia and Marcellus Theatre before crossing the oldest bridge in Rome, still standing after two millennia, to reach the enchanting Tiber Island. Next, you’ll descend into the underground chambers of Santa Cecilia, where you’ll find stunning mosaics, mysterious inscriptions, and a beautifully decorated crypt. The adventure continues with a visit to the hidden gem of San Crisogono, a church built over a vast underground space with fascinating frescoes and archaeological finds. Led by an expert guide, this leisurely and captivating walk will uncover ancient wonders tucked away in the heart of Rome - hidden gems rarely seen by most visitors.

Overnight in Rome.

Day 2: ROME

After breakfast at the hotel, reach the meeting point to enjoy a small group tour. A half-day tour in the outstanding Museo Nazionale Romano, where Roman artistic treasures are kept, and Michelangelo became an architect. Ancient Rome and the Colosseum are huge and overwhelming, but where is all the precious art gone? That's kept in the Museo Nazionale Romano, Palazzo Massimo and Terme di Diocleziano. In the short span of morning hours, you'll see so many famous art treasures away from the crowd and traffic; you'll stroll in an evergreen wood once belonging to the Thermal Baths of Diocletian, what's more, that huge courtyard was restored by Michelangelo! Let your guide treat you with lost statues from the imperial palace such as Myron's Discobolus (Discus Thrower) and the Old Boxer, richly painted frescoes from the Garden Villa of Empress Livia, colorful mosaics and tombs of any sort and kind! At the end of the tour, keep some space in your heart for science and astronomy, as you will walk in the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, housing the one and only planetary sundial built by XVII century astronomers for the Pope to calculate the perfect sequence of day and night throughout the seasons. Enjoy the pleasure of walking in amazing quietness in front of first-class art pieces and let Rome show you its best treasures!

After lunch, reach the meeting point to enjoy a small group tour of the Vatican Museums, one of the world’s largest museum complexes, with approximately 2,000 rooms that stretch for nearly 9 miles (15 km) inside the Vatican City. Skip the line with your small group of no more than 12 people. Stroll through the corridors to view the world’s largest private art collection, once intended exclusively for the Pope. Through Raphael’s Rooms, four interconnecting chambers adorned with paintings realized by Raphael and his pupils, you will reach the beautiful breathtaking Sistine Chapel, the holy chapel where the Pope is elected and where the conclave is organized, a very special occasion to walk through this sacred Vatican site to admire Michelangelo's astounding frescoes. At the end of the visit to the Vatican museums, the guide will leave you in St. Peter's Square where the largest church in Rome is located so you can take your time for prayer and visitation.

Overnight in Rome.

Day 3: ROME

After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll be picked up for an unforgettable experience. The tour will start in a historical food market right near the Vatican area. Your guide will be with you throughout this unforgettable journey, introducing the raw products of traditional dishes and Italian specialities, aromas, and flavors. Leaving the market, you will have the opportunity to continue this great experience preparing traditional Italian dishes, homemade pasta with the help of our chef. You will enjoy mixing ingredients and flavors to create your favorite pasta, sampling different recipes and learning the "secrets" of Italian cuisine. Once completed you will finally taste what you have prepared to discover your abilities as an Italian "pasta” maker. All accompanied by a selection of the best wines from the Lazio region. A truly unique experience with a passion for Italian cuisine.

Overnight in Rome.

Day 4: DEPARTURE ROME

Enjoy your last breakfast in Rome and if time permits take the last walk to say “arrivederci” to the city or do some shopping. Transfer to the airport or train station is available as an optional extra.

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Italy. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.