Rome

Sample Itinerary

January, 2009

Day 6: Travel First Class on the Eurostar from Florence to Rome. Click here to find out what awaits you in Florence!

The train will be met by a driver who will take you to our hotel. Once every one has arrived and is settled in, we will gather for a group dinner and a walk through the city center. We might visit:

The Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and the Spanish Steps

Day 7: Imperial Rome and the Tragedy of the Tomb

We will visit several ancient sites which influenced Michelangelo’s work in addition to two of his early sculptures. Walking and taking the subway, we can visit:

The Pantheon, Santa Maria sopra Minerva: Michelangelo’s Risen Christ, The Colosseum, San Pietro in Vincoli: Michelangelo’s Moses

Day 8: San Pietro

We will begin with a tour of the Musei Vaticani including the Sistine Chapel. Then we will head into St. Peter’s Basilica to see Michelangelo’s Rome Pieta as well as the dome.

Day 9: The Capitoline Hill

Michelangelo was commissioned to rebuild the hilltop which was muddy and disheveled. What resulted was a masterpiece of civic architecture.

Day 10: The Quirinale Hill

Vittoria Colonna was one of Michelangelo’s closest friends. Visit the balcony where they debated the spiritual and political issues of the day.

Day 11: Optional Outing to Ostia Antica

Today we can take the train out to the ruins of Rome’s port city, Ostia. Located on the sea shore, Ostia Antica is an amazing park to explore with a theater, a Jewish temple, stores, homes, and houses of worship – all open for visiting.

Additional Cost: ℈ 30

Day 12: Free Day to explore the beauty of Rome

Day 13: Depart Rome for home

Typical Daily Schedule

8 am: breakfast at the hotel

8:45-9:15: morning briefing

9:30: depart for daily outing

2:30: free time to explore, nap, or shop

7:30: wine and cheese at the hotel before dining with new friends

Rome: the Eternal City

While Michelangelo was born near Florence, he spent more of his life living and working in Rome. Romans loved him, and he shaped the city. From the soaring dome of St. Peter’s Basilica to the glorious frescoes of the Sistine Chapel, the sprawling piazza at the Compidoglio to Moses’ dignity and anger... in architecture, sculpture, painting, and poetry Michelangelo left his mark on the Eternal City.

Explore the Roman ruins which influenced Michelangelo’s work. See the work of popes and cardinals who sought to make Rome the capital of the Renaissance world. Stand before Michelangelo’s first Pieta -- the work which made him famous -- and marvel at his Last Judgment -- the work which made him infamous.

More than just monuments and museums, Rome is a thriving and gorgeous city with fantastic shopping and even better dining. Enjoy fresh produce and pasta, pizza as it was meant to be eaten, and tiramisu. Need a snack? Perhaps some gelato in flavors you’ve never imagined. And nothing beats a cappuccino with a flaky cornetto in the morning.

We will make use of the public transportation and traverse the city, ducking down picturesque avenues and stopping in little cafes for an espresso now and then. This is a trip for the first time visitor as well as the experienced traveler. Unwrap the many layers of Michelangelo’s second home. Rome is a city for lovers and scholars alike. It will capture your heart.