Essence of Italy Tour: Cities, Ruins, Canals, History & Beauty

Welcome to Rome, a city that has seen history from the Etruscans to the Visigoths and the modern European Union. The city is expansive, filled with ruins and luxuries; you can see the remnants of Roman grandeur along the cobblestone streets. You will be met at the airport and taken to your luxurious accommodation situated within the city center. Venture out onto a guided walk through the ancient buildings to get acquainted with the “Eternal City.” The city is boisterous with joviality. Vespas buzz as they weave through the wide streets. The buildings help guide you through the maze-like walkways to an open square where you find the large stone façade of the Pantheon.

The imposing building was built during the reign of Hadrian around the second century to replace the once burnt down Pantheon commissioned by Emperor Augustus. The portico boasts magnificent Corinthian columns made of granite, while the structure itself continues to have the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world. When you enter you find an interior that was once dedicated to the many gods of pagan Rome. Look up and find a series of intersecting arches that help maintain the weight of the structure while circles and squares create a decorative theme throughout. Within the wonder of the Pantheon you have found a quintessential part of the city.