Rome
A pilgrimage to the Eternal city is something very special for a number reasons. Firstly, it is the seat of the Roman Catholic Church, and visiting the Vatican and St Peter's is probably reason enough to be there.
Rome also has the greatest collection of classical and historical sites within one city and some of the most remarkable churches one can find. In addition, there are many other places which can be visited from Rome or added to the itinerary: Subiaco, San Giovanni, Assisi, Castel Gandolfo, Pompeii, Florence or Pisa.
The two itineraries shown below, for a tour of 4 days and a tour of 6 days, are merely samples. Your tour will be entirely tailor-made to your own specifications.
Sample 4 Day Itinerary
Day 1 Fly to Rome where we will be met by our guide and then transfer to the hotel in Rome for our overnight stay. The remainder of the day is free.
Day 2 After breakfast at the hotel, perhaps spend the day exploring the labyrinth of the Vatican City, the smallest country in the world. Stroll through the Vatican Museums, experience Michelangelo’s creation of Adam, explore the Sistine Chapel and wander through Raphael’s Rooms. Admire the magnificent St. Peter’s Square. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 After breakfast we have another day to explore more of Rome, possibly visiting the monumental Colosseum, the scene of gladiatorial combat during the days of the Roman Empire. Nearby is the Palatine Hill, believed to be the site of the original settlement of Rome, overlooking the Roman Forum and the Temple of Caesar, built by Augustus after the senate deified the assassinated Julius Caesar. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 After breakfast we have an opportunity to discover Imperial and early Christian Rome as we descend into the Eternal City’s underground burial chambers, its long winding Catacombs and crypts. Later in the day travel along the beginning of the ancient Appian Way to the church of St Paul Outside the Walls. From here we travel to the church of St John Lateran and La Scala Sancta, followed by the church of St Mary Major.
In the evening we transfer to Rome airport for the return flight home.
Sample 6 Day Itinerary
Day 1 We fly to Rome, and transfer to our hotel in Rome for dinner and overnight.
Day 2 After breakfast, visit the Roman Forum, the Palatino and the Colosseum. After this we see the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Day 3 After breakfast we visit St Peter’s Basilica, with an opportunity to climb the dome or visit the Papal Tombs. The afternoon is free. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Day 4 After breakfast we visit the Catacomb of San Callisto. We travel along the beginning of the ancient Appian Way to the church of St Paul Outside the Walls. From here we travel to the church of St John Lateran and La Scala Sancta, followed by the church of St Mary Major. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Day 5 After breakfast, we visit the Vatican Museum and Gardens and the Sistine Chapel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Day 6 After breakfast we travel to Rome airport for our return flight.
Throughout the tour we will have opportunities of additional visits, and services and Masses can easily be arranged. Alternative excursions are also available.