“As long as the Colossus stands, so shall Rome; when the Colossus falls, Rome shall fall; when Rome falls, so falls the world”- Venerable Bede.
The Eternal City has always attracted tourists- from medieval pilgrims who visited the tomb of St. Peter and st. Paul, to the romantic poets of the 19th century, as were Byron, Shelley and unfortunate Keats, that died here. Fellini’s fans of sweet life (Dolce Vita), and the beautiful Audrey Hepburn, to the masses, which are today in Rome brought by cheap airlines. Some people come to admire the magnificence of the ancient Rome – striking Forum, the Colosseum and the Palatine, while other yearns for the beautiful ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, which is a masterpiece painted by Michelangelo. Rome some say is a living museum, but the city is very much alive.
1. day: Arrival at the hotel, dinner
2. day: Antique Rome
Walking tour of ancient Roman Forum, the Palatine, and the Colosseum. Free for lunch near the Colosseum, where you can enjoy a mandatory espresso and a glass of cold frizzante. Afternoon tour of the Basilica of St. John in Lateran, the Papal cathedral, where the popes lived more than 1,000 years before they moved to the Vatican. At the side of the square are the holy stairs, upon which, according to tradition, Jesus went when he came to Pilates.To appreciate the layout of the Forum before visiting its confusing patchwork of ruined temples and basilicas, it is best to view the whole area from above, from the back od the Capitol. From there you can make out the Via Sacra (the Sacred Way), the route followed through the Forum by religious and triumphal processions towards the Capitol.Rome’s greatest amphitheater was commissioned by Emperor Vespasian in AD 72 on the marshy site of a lake in the grounds of Nero’s palace, the Domus Aurea. Deadly gladiatorial combats and wild animals fights were staged free of charge by the emperor and wealthy citizens for public viewing.
Much of ancient Rome is still being excavated today in the course of street work and other infrastructural improvements, at some points 10 meters (30 feet) below the modern city.
OUR DINNER PROPOSAL : For those looking to add a little more bling to their dining experience and when money isn’t a question, eating at La Pergola restaurant is the icing on the cake. It will turn your Roman Holiday into the ultimate Dolce Vita experience.
3.day: Christian Rome
A day dedicated for visiting the highlights of Christianity- Vatican Museums and the Basilica of St. Peter. The Vatican, a center of power for Catholics all over the world and a sovereign state since February 1929, is ruled by the pope. About 1000 people live here, staffing the Vatican’s facilities.
The buildings that house one of the world’s main art collections were once papal palaces built for Renaissance popes such as Sixtus IV, Innocent VIII, and Julius II. This complex of museums also houses the Sistine Chapel and Raphael Rooms. The center of the Roman Catholic faith, St.Peter’s draws pilgrims from all over the world. Few are disappointed when they enter the sumptuously decorated basilica beneath Michelangelo’s vast dome.
OUR DINNER PROPOSAL: For traditional Cucina Romana (Roman cuisine), the best place to go to is Da Enzo. It’s literally a hole-in-the-wall with maybe about 10 or 12 tables. Da Enzo definitely does up the most mind-blowing carciofi alla giudia (Jewish-style fried artichokes) and keeps it real with their classic pasta dishes like carbonara (egg and pork cheek), amatriciana (tomato and pork cheek) and Cacio e Pepe (pecorino cheese and pepper)and local offal dishes like tripe and braised oxtail (coda alla vaccinara).
4.day: Jewish & Baroque Rome
Start the days at the Theatre of Marcello. The curved outer wall of this vast Amphitheatre has supported generations of Roman buildings. Close to the theater stand three beautiful Corinthian columns and a section of the frieze. These are from the Temple of Apollo, which housed many great works of art that the Romans plundered from Greece. Stop at the nearby Jewish Ghetto, which was constructed fort the Jewish community in the 16th century. The first Jews came to Rome as traders in the 2nd century BC and there has been a Jewish community in Rome ever since. Today many Jews still live in the former Ghetto and the medieval streets retain much of their old character. The imposing Synagogue on Lungotevere was completed in 1904.
OUR LUNCH PROPOSAL: Lunch break in the Piazza Campo del Fiori, which preserves the lively, bohemian atmosphere of the medieval inns that once flourished here and also Renaissance palazzi, where powerful Roman families built fortress-like houses near the route of papal-processions.
Afternoon walk crosses the Piazza Navona, to admire famous Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Four River Fountain)by Bernini. Rome’s most beautiful Baroque piazza follows the shape of Domitian’s Stadium which once stood on this site. Walk along the narrow streets to the Pantheon- the Roman temple of »all the Gods«. This magnificent building with its awe-inspiring domed interior became a symbol of Rome itself. The shrines that now line the wall of the Pantheon range from the Tomb of Rafael to those of the Kings of modern Italy.
If you are still in the mood for walking, do not miss the Rome’s largest and most famous coin-filled fountain – the Trevi fountain, where is mandatory to throw in a coin over your left shoulder.
5.day: Spanish Rome and Villa Borghese
Shaped like a crooked bow tie and surrounded by tall, shuttered houses painted in muted shades of ochre, cream, and russet, Piazza Spagna is the most famous square in Rome. After morning cappuccino and taking the photos at the Spanish steps, a walk to the Villa and park Borghese, which were designed for pleasure and entertainment. Today the villa houses the superb private Borghese collection of sculptures and paintings in the museum and Galleria Borghese: Galleria Borghese (Botticelli, Caravaggio, Tizian), Museo Etrusco (Etruscan art) and Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna (Cezanne, De Chirico, Klimt).
Afternoon shopping in the Via Condotti, home to the most traditional of Rome’s designer clothes shops.
OUR LUNCH OR DINNER PROPOSAL:
La Terrazza dell’Eden
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this Michelin-starred restaurant has stunning views of Rome and is overseen by executive chef, who has created a menu focused on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
6.day: Trastevere and Appian Way
Tips for hungry: do not plan late lunch i.e. at three o’clock in the afternoon, due to afternoon siesta (afternoon rest). Exceptions are restaurants for tourists, where food is served all day. |
The proud inhabitants of Trastevere, the area »across the Tiber«, consider themselves the most authentic Romans. In one of the most picturesque old quarters of the city lie hidden away in the patchwork of narrow, cobbled backstreets some of Rome’s most fascinating medieval churches. Morning stroll and light shopping.
Afternoon exploring of the Catacombs on the Appian Way.
The price includes:
– accommodations with breakfasts
– private walking tour with a professional guide,
– hotel pick up and drop off, transport
The price does not include:
– entrance fees
– food and drinks, unless specified
– gratuities
– insurance
All offers will be considered tailor-made. Contact us for our best prices for this program and information on availability.