The glory of Rome knows no bounds; the city embodies 3,000 years of history, accentuating the opulence of ancient life, medieval tradition, baroque artistry, and contemporary views. Fountains adorned with intricate marble statues decorate piazzas. The scent of fresh pasta emanates from countless mouthwatering restaurants. The Colosseum towers over Rome’s past life on the edge of the city center, and the Sistine Chapel radiates the unique view of a master artist. You will be immersed in the glory...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Rome – First View of an Eternal City
Rome is a city of artistic riches and historical mythology. The streets and squares have evolved over 3,000 years. In the morning, business people hustle to the office. In the evening, the same people linger in the squares basking in the fading sunlight while sipping local wine. Your flight lands at Rome Fiumicino Airport. Your private transfer meets you upon your arrival and escorts you to a luxurious hotel in the historic center of Rome. The outline of the Colosseum guides your eye skyward to the marvelous church domes crowning the city, none more spectacular than St. Peter’s Basilica. Indulge in the comforts of your accommodation by soaking in the views from the window and the vibrant life outside the lobby.
Your guide meets you, eager to lead you on an immersive first experience of the city. Torre Argentina is also referred to as the Roman Cat Sanctuary; an old Roman temple excavated in the 1920s. Cats lounge on the ruins, enjoying the open air and fading sunlight. Walk the bustling cobblestone streets covered by the shadows cast by baroque palaces. The Spanish Steps were erected in the 18th century connecting the Piazza de Spagna with Piazza Trinita dei Monti with 135 steps. In the evening, university students, couples, and visitors from around the world congregate on the marble stairway to chat, enjoy the refreshing night air, and sip wine beneath the dual towers of the Trinita dei Monti Church.
What's Included:
Day 2
Rome – Following a Caesar
Day 3
Rome – History On Display
Day 4
Rome – Opening the Vatican Doors
Day 5
Rome – Rome’s Original Port
Day 6
Rome – The Lavish Culture of Rome’s Past
Day 7
Rome – Touching Legend
Day 8
Rome – Rome On a Whim
Day 9
Rome – Rome’s Perfect Farewell
Trip Highlights
- Enjoy your VIP status during a spectacular After-Hours tour of the Vatican Museum to linger in the wondrous artwork of the Sistine Chapel
- Discover the overlooked baroque church of Saint Ignazio to find graceful frescoes forming a three-dimensional effect
- Indulge in the traditional flavors of Rome with a private pasta making class
- Witness the ancient streets of Pompeii during a private excursion to the historic city still covered in ash and pumice
- Wander beneath the former arena floor of the Colosseum during a special tour of Rome’s ancient sites
- Wander the medieval neighborhood of Trastevere for an in-depth look of contemporary Roman culture in the historic Roman architecture
- Experience the grandeur of the gardens, art, and familial legacy of the Villa Borghese
- Stroll along the main road of Rome’s iconic port city of Ostia Antica to see first-hand the preserved culture of ancient life
- Relish the soft pizza dough between your fingers during your private pizza making class in Naples
- Visit the main portal to the monastery of the Knights of Malta for an unforgettable view of Rome
- Take a class on mosaic tile-work from an artisan craftsman in the heart of Rome’s historic art’s district
Detailed Description
Experience the true marvels of Rome during your 9-day exclusive tour of the artwork, architecture, and culture of one of the most famous cities in the world. Relish private excursions to ancient monuments and delight in the exclusive exploration of the Vatican Museums during an exclusive after-hours tour. The splendor of Rome welcomes you, turning every moment into breathtaking memories. Your perfect adventure begins with your arrival at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport. Your private transfer escorts you into the heart of the ancient city in a luxurious hotel near the highlights of Rome’s spectacular monuments. Your guide meets you at the hotel eager to lead you on an introductory tour of Rome’s open-air museum atmosphere, from Piazza Navona to the Spanish Steps.
The next day, your guide immerses you in the ancient life of Rome after breakfast. Explore the secluded sections of the Colosseum and wander along the historic structures of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Explore the National Museum of Rome, which encompasses several antique buildings, including the Baths of Diocletian. In the afternoon, you have a walking tour of the Jewish Ghetto and the medieval neighborhood of Trastevere. You have the chance to learn the secrets to crafting mosaic tiles during a private demonstration by an artisan craftsman. You have a full day tour of Vatican City for an in-depth visit to the gardens, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the museums. The end of your tour is adorned with a private after-hours excursion through the galleries of the main museum, ending in the Sistine Chapel.
Then, you venture outside of Rome to the old port city of Ostia Antica to uncover the old passageways and gain insight into the daily life of a Roman city. The expansive gardens of the Borghese Villa are yours to explore, along with the lavish works decorating the villa’s interior. In the afternoon, your guide takes you on a historical tour of Rome’s distinctive churches before you embark on a private pasta-making class to learn the art of the Italian cuisine. Travel south to the Bay of Naples with your private transfer to visit the preserved city of Pompeii.
For lunch, you venture to Naples for a cooking demonstration on making Neapolitan pizza. The next day is at your leisure to indulge in the splendor of Rome at your leisure. Visit the collective towns of Castelli Romani outside of Rome or relax in the stunning gardens of the villas in Tivoli. In Rome, you can witness the baroque ceiling frescoes of Saint Ignazio Church. Your private transfer meets you at the hotel in the morning of your final day, ready to escort you to Rome’s Fiumicino Airport for your flight home.
Starting Price
$8,800 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
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.
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