Itinerary
- Day 1
Rome
You'll arrive in Rome and get settled at your monastery hotel in the Quartiere Trieste villa district. Around 6 pm, you'll meet your fellow travelers and tour guide, then head to dinner together. After that comes a presentation covering the destinations you'll be visiting for your upcoming sightseeing.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner together at the monastery hotel)
- Day 2
Rome
Start your day at the Capitol with views over the Roman Forum, then walk through temples and basilicas with your guide before reaching the Colosseum. You'll spend time at the Capitoline Museums, housed in Michelangelo-designed palaces, where you can see archaeological finds and the famous equestrian statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. The afternoon takes you through early Christian churches and ancient excavations.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Capitol exploration with views over Roman Forum
- Colosseum visit
- Capitoline Museums entrance and tour
- Early Christian churches visit
Landmarks Capitol Roman Forum Colosseum Capitoline Museums Conservatorial Palace - Day 3
Rome
Head to the Basilica of S. Agnese fuori le Mura to explore the Agnes Catacomb, an ancient Christian burial site now open to visitors. From there, check out the nearby mausoleum of Constanza to see its precious mosaics and learn about her history. Later you'll stroll through Villa Torlonia, Rome's last great aristocratic park, followed by a pictorial lecture from your guide.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Basilica of S. Agnese fuori le Mura visit
- Agnes Catacomb exploration
- Mausoleum of Constanza visit
- Villa Torlonia stroll
Landmarks Basilica of S. Agnese fuori le Mura Agnes Catacomb Mausoleum of Constanza Villa Torlonia - Day 4
Rome
Spend your morning and afternoon at the Vatican Museums, where you'll see the Apollo of Belvedere sculpture and masterpieces by Michelangelo and Raphael. Walk through the Sistine Chapel to view Michelangelo's ceiling painting and Last Judgment, then explore the High Renaissance papal quarters. You'll finish by seeing St. Peter's Square and the basilica itself before heading back to the monastery hotel for dinner around 7 pm.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Dinner at the monastery hotel around 7 pm)
Included Activities
- Vatican Museums entrance and visit
- Sistine Chapel visit
- St. Peter's Basilica visit
- St. Peter's Square visit
Landmarks Vatican Museums Sistine Chapel St. Peter's Basilica St. Peter's Square Apollo of Belvedere - Day 5
Rome
If the Pope is in the country, you have the option to attend his general audience. After that, head to the ancient Via Appia Antica, Rome's oldest consular road lined with pine and cypress trees. You'll take a relaxed hike over basalt stones past monumental tomb ruins, including Emperor Maxentius's mausoleum, residence and the Circus of Maxentius. Dinner this evening is on your own, though your guide will have recommendations.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Pope's general audience attendance (when available)
- Via Appia Antica hike
- Mausoleum of Emperor Maxentius visit
- Circus of Maxentius visit
Landmarks Via Appia Antica Mausoleum of Emperor Maxentius Circus of Maxentius - Day 6
Rome
Start at the iconic domed Pantheon, then walk through the bustling Campo de Fiori weekly market where you'll see fresh produce, spices and local goods. Spend time wandering the alleyways and squares of Trastevere with its boutiques, bars and monuments. By evening, stroll through the illuminated old town to see Piazza Navona, the Fountain of the Four Rivers and the famous Trevi Fountain. You'll return to the monastery hotel for dinner and finish with gelato in one of the lively squares.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Dinner at the monastery hotel)
Included Activities
- Pantheon visit
- Campo de Fiori weekly market visit
- Trastevere stroll
- Evening illuminated old town walk
Landmarks Pantheon Campo de Fiori Trastevere Piazza Navona Fountain of the Four Rivers Trevi Fountain - Day 7
Rome
Visit the Galleria Borghese, which holds masterpieces from Raphael and Titian to Bernini and Caravaggio. Explore the park with its fountains and statues, then head to the Pincio viewpoint for views over the old town. From there, stroll down to the Spanish Steps.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Galleria Borghese visit
- Pincio viewpoint visit
- Spanish Steps visit
Landmarks Galleria Borghese Pincio Viewpoint Spanish Steps - Day 8
Departure
You'll depart Rome with memories from your week-long Italian adventure.
- Meals
- Breakfast
