Discover the Roman Empire when following in the footsteps of gladiators on a 12-day tour of Italy and Malta, celebrating strength, honor, and tradition. Blend the grandeur of Rome with the beauty and charm of Valletta when exploring the iconic sites captured in the epic film, Gladiator 2. Witness the wonder of the Colosseum, wander the opulent halls of an ancient palace, and embrace the contrast between elaborate fortified cities and tranquil blue water as you bring the grandeur of the...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Rome - Arrive in Rome and Start Exploring
From the moment you arrive in Rome, you will feel the vibrant energy of Italy’s capital city, a buzz of weaving Vespas negotiating traffic and aromas of freshly brewed espresso wafting from corner cafés. Spend an afternoon discovering a handful of Rome’s iconic sites as a private guide leads you among the cobblestone lanes that have seen centuries of footsteps.
Notice the Pantheon’s imposing and perfectly proportioned dome looming above you and nodding to ancient Roman engineering. Watch as a moving spotlight causes shadows and light to dance across the interior. Whether listening to the murmur of water from the Trevi Fountain or welcoming the interlude of Italian melodies as musicians fill the air at Piazza di Spagna, you can settle into the beauty, charm, and grandeur of Rome that has survived for over two millennia.
What's Included:
Day 2
Rome - Discover the Colosseum’s Labyrinth and Become a Gladiator
Day 3
Rome - Journey Through the Harbor Town of Ostia Antica
Day 4
Rome - Roam the Historic Towns of Arpino and Anagni
Day 5
Rome - Set a Scene of History and Beauty in the Val d'Orcia Region
Day 6
Rome - Experience Vatican City, Castel Sant'Angelo, and Roman Cuisine
Day 7
Rome - Explore Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Tivoli
Day 8
Valletta - Settle in on the Mediterranean Archipelago of Malta
Day 9
Valletta - Wander Through the Fortress City of Valletta
Day 10
Valletta - Cruise Along the Rugged Coastlines of Gozo and Comino
Day 11
Valletta - Embark on a Tour of Malta’s Three Fortified Cities
Day 12
Valletta - Soak Up the Maltese Sun One Last Time
Trip Highlights
- Delve into the Colosseum's subterranean tunnels, where ancient gladiators once prepared for battle
- Experience the thrill of gladiatorial combat by donning armor and wielding a sword in a recreated Roman training session
- Stand in the center of Ostia Antica’s 2nd-century AD theater, where echoes of ancient performances mirror the grandeur of the "Gladiator films
- Wander through the picturesque Val d’Orcia, the landscape that inspired Maximus’s dream of home in the original Gladiator film
- Explore Fort Ricasoli in Malta, the historic Gladiator 2 filming location that brought the grandeur of ancient Rome to life
- Marvel at the replica Colosseum on Malta’s Sciberras Peninsula, a set designed to capture the essence of ancient Roman architecture for Gladiator
- Discover Malta's fortified cities, where authentic Roman architecture provided the backdrop for Gladiator 2
- Visit Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli, where Roman architectural grandeur reflects the wealth and power central to the Gladiator films.
- Cruise the stunning coastlines of Gozo and Comino, contrasting the serene beauty of the Mediterranean with the intensity of the Gladiator movies
- Learn to prepare authentic dishes inspired by ancient Roman flavors, deepening your connection to the past
Starting Price
$6,600 per person (excluding international flights)
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Reviews of this Travel Agency
4.9 stars based on 243 reviews.
This trip was the greatest week of our lives! Everything planned was better than I could have imagined. The private drivers being coordinated behind the scenes made the trip so easy and removed all the stress of trying to navigate a new country. Every driver and our tour guide was so nice and I feel like we made friends with all of them.
My favorite part of the trip was definitely the cooking classes and that every tour was private and intimate for my wife and I. The connections Zicasso’s travel agent hooked us up with made the trip the most memorable experience. Our travel agent and the travel company took special care of all the tiny details of the trip; our hotel knew it was my birthday and had a special surprise for me! I’m beyond thankful for the perfect honeymoon they provided my wife and I.
Reviewed By Branson S.
Zicasso's travel company did a great job communicating with me, from initial contact (months prior to vacation) until the day we left Italy to come home. They were incredibly detail-oriented and bent over backwards to be accommodating. All the services, tours, and personnel were top-notch; professional, friendly, and kind.
Reviewed By Kim S.
We had great communication with Zicasso's travel agent in the planning stages.
There was fantastic preparation prior to arrival.
Everything was so well-arranged and clearly communicated.
We received spectacular treatment from literally everyone who played a part in our trip.
There was 24/7 availability if needed. We always felt taken care of.
This travel company truly lives up to its name!
Reviewed By Zenovia B.
Excellent service! Everything was so well coordinated. It was easy to communicate using the website. The hotel was lovely and very conveniently located. Our tour guide was so friendly and knowledgeable. It was also nice to know that all transportation needs were arranged. We had a great experience. Many thanks to Zicasso's tour company for helping us plan such a memorable vacation.
Reviewed By Victoria B.
What a lovely experience. Everything was perfect from beginning to end. I would completely recommend using Zicasso's travel agency.
Reviewed By Richard S.
The trip was amazing! Zicasso's travel agents were very helpful and all the drivers/guides were awesome!
Reviewed By Alexandria P.