9 Day Tastes of Rome

DAY 1, Tuesday - Depart for Italy
Depart for Italy

DAY 2, Wednesday - Arrive in Rome
Arrive in Rome and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure in the eternal city originally built on seven hills. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by a reception. We recommend you select flights that arrive no later than 4 PM
Overnight: Rome

DAY 3, Thursday - Rome Walking Tour, Optional Half Day Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour
This morning, take a walking tour from your hotel through the grand piazzas of Rome, including the majestic Spanish Steps, the legendary Trevi Fountain, an exterior view of the Pantheon, and ending in the Baroque Piazza Navona. The afternoon is at leisure or join the optional visit to the Vatican Museums and Michelangelo's masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel. Tonight, explore on your own and choose from one of the numerous restaurants offering delicious local cuisine
Optional: Half Day Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour (PM)
Overnight: Rome
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Friday - Tour Ancient Rome
The historic tour of ancient Rome begins with a walk along the uneven and irregular paths of the Roman Forum, the original central plaza of the city from which ancient Rome developed. Next, view the triumphal Arch of Constantine, erected by the Roman Senate to commemorate Constantine's tenth year of leadership over the Eternal City. Continue to view the outside of the mighty Colosseum, the largest amphitheater built in the Roman Empire, which seated over 50,000 spectators and hosted gladiatorial contests and public events attended by the rich, the poor, and even the Emperor himself. Discover the delights of Rome on your own this afternoon
Overnight: Rome
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Saturday - Train to Florence, Walking Tour of Florence
Transfer to the train station in the morning to board your train to Florence, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour* through the heart of Florence to view the magnificent Duomo, with its Brunelleschi-designed dome, the renowned "Gates of Paradise" on the Baptistery, created by Ghiberti, and Giotto's Bell Tower. Proceed to the open-air art museum of Signoria Square and admire the statues of the Loggia dei Lanzi and the Palazzo Vecchio, the former residence of the Medici family, before continuing to the Ponte Vecchio, the "Old Bridge," and Piazza Santa Croce. Spend time on your own in the afternoon to visit museums, shop for gold and quality leather, before returning by train to Rome
*This is an orientation walking tour of Florence and does not include entrance to any landmarks. Should you wish to visit any museum or site on your own, free time is allotted between 1 and 3 PM.
Overnight: Rome
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Sunday - Full Day in Rome or Optional Trastevere & Tiber Island Walking Tour, Optional Dinner with Entertainment and Scenic Drive of Rome
Spend the day at leisure, or choose the optional Walking Tour Trastevere & Tiber Island. Situated on the western bank of the Tiber River, the Trastevere district is one of the most authentic areas of Rome. Famous for its narrow cobblestone alleys, Trastevere embodies the true spirit of Roman life. Rich in heritage, Trastevere dates to ancient times when it was predominantly a working-class area. Today, it preserves its old-world charm with medieval dwellings, Renaissance-era buildings, and ancient churches. Continue to the boat-shaped Tiber Island (Isola Tiberina), the only island on the Tiber River within the city of Rome. Connected to the mainland by two ancient bridges, it once housed the Temple of Aesculapius, the ancient god of medicine, and is still today the site of a renowned hospital. Enjoy free time for lunch on your own. The rest of the day is at leisure. Tonight, don't miss the optional dinner with musical entertainment and a scenic drive through Rome
Optional: Trastevere and Tiber Island Walking Tour (AM)
Optional: Dinner with Entertainment and Scenic Drive of Rome
Overnight: Rome
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Monday - Full Day in Rome or Optional Full Day Pompeii Tour from Rome
On your last day at leisure in Rome, perhaps participate in the optional Full Day Pompeii Tour. Depart Rome and drive along the Sun Route motorway through the regions of Lazio and Campania, both rich in astonishing natural beauty. At a distance (weather permitting), you can view the Abbey of Montecassino perched high on the mountaintop. As you pass the Bay of Naples, the majestic Mt. Vesuvius signals the way to Pompeii, the city that was frozen in time under a thick carpet of volcanic ash nearly 2,000 years ago. Walk through Pompeii's original sloping streets, steps, and inclines. View the tragic fossils of people attempting to escape beside their children and dogs, along with the preserved ruins of the Temples of Apollo and Jupiter, and the Forum. Spend time on your own for lunch before returning to Rome
Optional: Full Day Pompeii Tour from Rome
Overnight: Rome
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8, Tuesday - Castel Gandolfo & Santa Maria Maggiore
Begin the day with a drive to Castel Gandolfo, which has been the Pope's summer residence for years. Upon arrival, board a dedicated vehicle that winds along the avenues of the Pontifical Villas, passing manicured gardens and elegant fountains. Enjoy lunch before returning to your hotel in the afternoon. Take some time to relax and perhaps finish your last-minute shopping. In the evening, drive to Santa Maria Maggiore for a captivating experience that combines culture, art, and conviviality in one of the city's most fascinating locations. This is a unique opportunity to admire the Papal Basilica, ending the evening with a reception to bid farewell to your Tour Manager
Overnight: Rome
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 9, Wednesday - Depart Italy
Arrivederci Roma! Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast