Highlights of Ancient Rome

by coach & on foot

On this guided full day experience, you will discover the monuments which led to Rome being known as the Eternal City. Ancient Rome refers to the Roman civilization, from the founding of Rome in the 8th century B.C. to the collapse of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century A.D.

Once in Rome, you will be joined by your guide for a drive past the Circus Maximus, once an ancient chariot racing stadium, as well as the historic Aventine Hill. You will also drive past the famous Colosseum and your guide will explain how this enormous arena, once featured 76 numbered entrances, marble seats and subterranean passages where animals and other apparatus were hidden from view. Gladiatorial combats lasted until 404 A.D. and animal combats ended towards the middle of the 6th century.

Disembarking your coach, you will join your guide for a walk starting at the world-famous Spanish Steps, a distinctive Baroque staircase that has been a popular meeting place for almost three centuries. In front of the steps, in the narrow but elegant Via Condotti, you can find many of Rome's finest shops.

Your walk will continues to the glorious Trevi Fountain. Admire Nicola Salvi's wonderful sculptures and maybe toss a coin into its waters to ensure your return to Rome. Here you will have some free time to explore the fountain’s immediate surroundings and perhaps purchase a souvenir of your visit.

Rejoining your guide, you will walk along the Via del Corso, Rome’s main thoroughfare, to the best-preserved Roman temple, the Pantheon. Its massive masonry dome is 43m (142ft) in diameter. Your guide will provide a full outside explanation of the buildings history. You will see 16 solid granite columns supporting the impressive portico. From here, stroll to the beautiful Piazza Navona, with its magnificent Fountain of the Four Rivers.

A light lunch including a glass of wine, water and a cup of tea or coffee will be served in a nearby restaurant. Later, if time permits, you’ will have the opportunity for shopping or independent sightseeing before rejoining your coach and returning to Civitavecchia.