Many travelers touch Rome but few experience the sweet satisfaction of savoring the city, knowing it deeply. This tour does that. You’ll range over 3000 years of Roman history – the ancient city, the medieval, the Renaissance, and the cutting-edge contemporary. You’ll delight in what animates and enlivens the city even as her contradictions confound you. You’ll have the luxury of staying at a single hotel, unpacking once, and feeling the familiarity of home as you discover the surprises and intricacies of the neighborhood – your neighborhood! And sometimes we’ll take you off the beaten track to places where Romans go to unwind, places known for rustic scenery and savory cuisine, places most tourists never see. You’ll enjoy Castelli Romani, Tivoli, and the more remote Nerola and Farfa on day excursions, but be forewarned – Rome’s energy and sparkle will tempt you back, perhaps to unpack permanently!
Historical City Center of Rome; Vatican City State; Borghese Gallery; Ancient Rome with the astonishing Colosseum and the Circus Maximum; the green hillsides and villages around Rome; Christian Rome with its Catacombs; The Tivoli’s Villas; the Charming Lazio Countryside.
Welcome to Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci Airport (Fiumicino). Our uniformed Driver will meet you outside Baggage Claim – look for your name on his sign. Relax as he whisks you to your hotel by private transfer.
In the Afternoon:
Getting to Know Rome – the Heart of Rome with a thrilling ending – 3 hours
Where to look first! Piazzas, fountains, and a Roman surprise in the historical center
Orient yourself to the maze of Rome’s historical center with our expert Guide who will show you wonder upon wonder, give you the background to understand Rome’s majestic history, and delight you with anecdotes that make Rome come alive. Among the UNESCO Heritage Sites, you will visit are the spectacular Trevi Fountain; the Pantheon, a timeless architectural masterpiece; the gorgeous Baroque Piazza Navona and its underlying Stadium of Domitian; the iconic Spanish Steps in the Piazza Di Spagna; Piazza di Pietra, Campo Di Fiori, and Piazza Farnese, site of the gorgeous Palazzo Farnese. End your tour spectacularly with a refreshing Aperitivo on a rooftop bar, overlooking the Eternal City.
Overnight in Rome
With our expert Local Guide, visit major galleries and courtyards of the incomparable Vatican Museum – the treasures of Christendom! Among the many highlights are the achingly beautiful Laocoon and Apoxyomenos statues, the Gallery of Maps (the world as our ancestors knew it), 500-year-old tapestries, the Raphael Rooms, and Michelangelo’s breathtaking masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel. Finish with a tour of the glorious St. Peter’s Basilica and its sweeping plaza. Lunch on your own, and then on to the Borghese Gallery, a stunning museum where the noble Borgheses collected paintings by Caravaggio and other iconic artists.
Overnight in Rome
The Colosseum, the Forums, Palatine Hill, Capitoline Hill, Aventine Hill & Circus Maximus
Maximize your encounter (‘Tourus Maximus!’) with ancient Rome by having our expert Driver and Guide at your disposition. After pick up from your Rome address, begin your in-depth tour with a drop-off at the Colosseum entrance. Proceed back in time with your excellent guide, later exiting the Colosseum to walk through the Roman and Imperial Forums, the epicenter of Roman life. Your driver will then meet you to whisk you to one of the best panoramic viewpoints, reachable only by car. Cover further territory to view iconic sites such as Capitoline Hill, Aventine Hill, and the Circus Maximus, where once thundering chariot races thrilled the masses.
Overnight in Rome
The Colosseum, the Forums, Palatine Hill, Capitoline Hill, Aventine Hill & Circus Maximus
Maximize your encounter (‘Tourus Maximus!’) with ancient Rome by having our expert Driver and Guide at your disposition. After pick up from your Rome address, begin your in-depth tour with a drop-off at the Colosseum entrance. Proceed back in time with your excellent guide, later exiting the Colosseum to walk through the Roman and Imperial Forums, the epicenter of Roman life. Your driver will then meet you to whisk you to one of the best panoramic viewpoints, reachable only by car. Cover further territory to view iconic sites such as Capitoline Hill, Aventine Hill, and the Circus Maximus, where once thundering chariot races thrilled the masses.
In the Afternoon, Optional:
The Secret Art of Making Pizza in Rome – 2.5 hours
A family-friendly tour with a great takeaway!
In a beloved Trattoria close to the Trevi Fountain, learn to make the perfect “Roman style” pizza in an atmosphere that is fun and welcoming for everyone. First you’ll discover the secrets to creating a light and delicious pizza dough from scratch, and after the dough rests, how to dress it perfectly to create a healthy and wonderful meal. Our expert chef will be there with hands-on instruction. Who knows, you may end up being a veritable pizzaiolo! This is a great activity for kids (and parents!) who need a break from sightseeing, plus everyone will learn a useful skill that they can take home.
Overnight in Rome
Do as the Romans have done for millennia – seek the pleasures of the countryside outside the city
By private vehicle, discover the Castelli Romani region, named for its fortified medieval castles. This is a spectacular area of crater lakes and verdant hillsides, the result of ancient volcanic eruptions. Stop in Nemi, famous for its small sweet strawberries and its 9th-century castle overlooking Lake Nemi. Castel Gandolfo on Lake Albano is the summer residence of the popes since the 13th century. Here you can stop at a local Restaurant for a lunch of typical dishes (not included). Hilltop Frascati, famous for Frascati wine, overlooks the majestic 17th-century Villa Aldobrandini.
Overnight in Rome
Memorialized in stone – a pilgrimage of Christian spirituality through the Eternal City
With our expert Driver and expert Guide, follow the trail of early Christianity in Rome – soaring churches, beautiful chapels, precious mosaics, venerated icons, and ancient catacombs. View the spot where Saint Peter had a vision of Christ in the Via Appia; the sacred burial places of early Christians; the holy stairs from Jerusalem (transported to Rome in the 4th century by St. Helena) that Christ ascended to see Pontius Pilate; the first Christian Baptistery built by Constantine the Great; the magnificent basilicas of San Giovanni in Laterano, Santa Maria Maggiore and St Paul’s Outside the Walls, three of the four ancient papal churches (the other being St. Peter’s).
Overnight in Rome
Hadrian’s villa and the spectacular gardens of Villa d’Este
By private vehicle, with our expert Driver, journey to hilltop Tivoli, a retreat for Rome’s well-to-do since ancient times. Emperor Hadrian (who built a wall across Britain) had a pleasure haven constructed there in 2 CE, calling it Villa Adriana. Immense in scope, with underground service tunnels, lakes, fountains, libraries, theaters, baths, temples, and gardens, the site is almost unbelievable in its grandeur! Lunch on your own in Tivoli, then on to Villa d’Este, built in the 1550s by the powerful papal Este and Borgia families. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the gardens are truly spectacular, with brilliant cascades, fountains and water features on every level.
Overnight in Rome
A leisurely day in the charming Lazio countryside
With our private Driver, head 50 km northeast of Rome to the ancient town of Nerola, with time to wander its scenic alleyways and small boutiques. Under the shadows of the Romanesque Castle, your lunch will be of an abundance of typical products from Lazio. Afterward, you will enjoy a brief visit to the Castle with its spectacular views. Then it’s on to Farfa and its 1000-year-old Benedictine Abbey – a monk will be your guide through this bucolic working abbey, famous throughout Europe. Complete your tour at l’Ulivone, at 2000+ years the oldest olive tree in Europe. Still highly productive, l’Ulivone has provided olives and olive oil to the Sabines, Romans, Lombards, Byzantines, medieval monks, and present-day epicureans!
Overnight in Rome
Your Private Driver will pick you up from your Rome Accommodation and transfer you to the Airport.
Arrivederci a presto, from Selected Tours Italy!
Private Vehicles with Expert Local Driver on Arrival and Departure Transfer from/to the Airport
Private services throughout
Private Airport Transfers in luxury vehicles to and from your Hotel
Services of professional English-speaking, fully insured Drivers as detailed in the Itinerary
Privately Guided Sightseeing with licensed, English-speaking Guides, either in air-conditioned vehicles or as walking tours, as noted in the itinerary
All entrance fees as per the itinerary
All planning, handling, and operational charges
Assistance for the complete duration of the itinerary – we are based in Rome and available to you 24/7 with no time zone issues.
Accommodation in centrally located hotels in the category you select. We can offer 3*, 4*, and 5* hotels, boutique hotels, apartments and B&Bs.
Meals as per the itinerary – daily breakfast (B), and lunch (L) on days 4 & 7.
Food and wine tastings as mentioned in the itinerary
Baggage handling for 1 large bag (62 in. total) and 1 carry-on bag (22x14x9 in) per person. Please note that any additional luggage may require modification in vehicle size.
Taxes
City taxes
Meals other than those included in the itinerary
Optional and additional sightseeing not mentioned in the itinerary
The cost of personal items such as laundry, telephone, or incidentals
Any Services not mentioned in the Inclusions
