The Grandeur of Ancient Rome

Fly from London to Rome Fiumicino airport and transfer to our hotel or if making your own travel arrangements meet us at the hotel. Check in to our hotel for 6 nights. Introductory talk before dinner. (D)

We begin the day at the Roman Forum, a plaza surrounded by the ruins of ancient temples and government buildings in Rome's city centre. Next, we ascend the Palatine Hill, often referred to as “the first nucleus of the Roman Empire”. Standing 40 metres above the Roman Forum, the hill was the site of Romulus' original settlement. During the Republic it became home to the houses of rich Senators. Under the rule of the emperors the whole Palatine was transformed into an enormous complex of imperial palaces. We also visit the museum here, containing finds from excavations on the hill, including frescoes, sculptures and mosaics. (B,D)

First, we visit the Colosseum, the iconic building which was the largest amphitheatre which had ever been built at the time of its construction, holding 50 to 80 thousand spectators at a time. Next, we see where the gladiators lived and trained at the Ludus Magnus, before venturing under the church of San Clemente to explore the imperial mint and a subterranean temple of the eastern god Mithras. We finish the day at the Arch of Constantine, a triumphal arch which was built on behalf of the Roman Senate to celebrate Emperor Constantine's defeat of the Roman tyrant Maxentius. (B,D)

We spend the day at Hadrian's Villa, one of the most extraordinary Roman archaeological sites in Italy. The emperor Hadrian (117 - 138 CE) was both a great traveller and an architect. At Tivoli (then Tibur) he constructed a series of pavilions, baths and temples recreating many of the places he had visited throughout his empire. Originally designed as a seasonal refuge from the heat of summer in Rome, Hadrian permanently retired to Tivoli after an illness, and in his later years ran the empire from his villa. (B,D)

Visit the museum and examine the wonderful relief sculptures of the Ara Pacis, the Altar dedicated to the Roman goddess of Peace. Nearby, and if open, we explore the vaulted cells of the recently restored Mausoleum of Augustus, the huge circular sepulchre that the emperor built for himself and his family. A new multi-media experience will allow us to appreciate the full grandeur of a monument that left nobody in doubt who controlled the destiny of Rome*. We finish the day at the Pantheon, one of the most beautiful and best-preserved Ancient Roman temples due to its continuous use as a place of worship. Our final visit of the day is the remarkable Victory Column of Marcus Aurelius. Dinner is not included this evening and you are free to find your own restaurant. There is also the option to dine with your tour manager and historian at your own expense. (B)

Today we explore the archaeological complex of Trajan’s Market built in 107 - 110 AD. As we wander through the site, which includes a market, street, shop fronts and a block of apartments, we can ‘witness’ the day-to-day life of ordinary Roman citizens. We visit the Imperial Fora, a series of public squares which were constructed between 46 BC and 113 AD, and central to the regimes of the emperors. Finally we admire the imposing Trajan’s Column with its intricate and graphic portrayals of the emperor’s Dacian campaigns. Today we explore the archaeological complex of Trajan’s Market built in 107 - 110 AD. As we wander through the site, which includes a market, street, shop fronts and a block of apartments, we can ‘witness’ the day-to-day life of ordinary Roman citizens. We visit the Imperial Fora, a series of public squares which were constructed between 46 BC and 113 AD, and central to the regimes of the emperors. Finally we admire the imposing Trajan’s Column with its intricate and graphic portrayals of the emperor’s Dacian campaigns. (B, D)

*Please note that the Mausoleum of Augustus is currently closed but will be included in the itinerary if open. 

We spend the morning at the archaeological site of Ostia Antica, the ancient port of Rome. The remains of many of the ancient city’s buildings are wonderfully preserved, allowing us to walk in the footsteps of the ancient inhabitants through inns, taverns, shops, a theatre and many houses. Depart for Rome Fiumicino airport for the return flight to London unless you have made your own travel arrangements. (B)