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.

 

8 am:         breakfast at the hotel

8:45-9:15:  morning briefing

9:30:          depart for daily outings

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

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


Each day is a bit different depending on the day’s activities, the weather, and the group’s needs.

Sample Itinerary

2009

 

Day 5:  Travel First Class on the Eurostar from Florence to Rome

Click here to see what we will do in Florence!  Upon arriving in Rome, the train will be met by a driver who will take you to Hotel Mozart, our home while in Rome.  Once everyone has arrived and settled in, we will gather for a group meal and a walk through the city center.  We might visit: the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, and Santa Maria sopra Minerva:  Michelangelo’s Risen Christ

Dinner tonight at a charming local restaurant.


Day 6:  Imperial Rome and the Tragedy of the Tomb

We will visit several ancient sites which influenced Michelangelo’s work in addition to one of his greatest sculptures.  Walking and taking the subway, we can visit: the Colosseum, San Pietro in Vincoli: Michelangelo’s Moses


Day 7: the Capitoline Hill

Michelangelo was commissioned to rebuild the hilltop which was muddy and disheveled.  What resulted was a masterpiece of civic architecture.  We will visit: the Forum and the Capitoline Hill


Day 8:  San Pietro

We will begin with a tour of of the Vatican Museums including the Sistine Chapel.  We will then go St. Peter’s Basilica to see   Michelangelo’s Rome Pieta as well as the dome.  We will visit: St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums


Day 9:  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 10: Free Day to explore the beauty of Rome

We will celebrate together at one final meal together.


Day 11:  Depart Rome for home

A driver will take the group from the hotel to the airport and will assist with check-in.  Buon viaggio!

Rome:  the Eternal City

 

Typical Daily Schedule

 

“Traveling with Angela around Italy was one of the most intensely rewarding travel experiences I've ever had.  She is by far the most well-informed and personally engaged "tour-leaders" I've had the privilege of traveling

with.  The trip to the Vatican and her commentary on the Sistine Chapel alone totally chang
ed my perspective on the monument (from fabulous to truly overwhelming); even though it was my third visit, I felt like I was viewing it through newly opened eyes.  The Forum was magically transformed from a stretch of ruins to the glory of the old Roman Empire!  Perhaps most amazingly, she greeted every place with such vigor and excitement--a smile and a laugh; her enthusiasm is truly contagious.  I only wish I could take her with me on every trip that I take....”

Aaron Sherman

Chicago, Illinois