Exploration of Ancient Rome

by coach & on foot

This experience delves into the ancient history of Rome, its hidden secrets and its fascinating legacy. You will visit the Roman Catacombs, The Roman Forum, the exterior of the Colosseum and St. Peters Square.

Your experience will begin with a visit to the underground tombs in Ancient Rome. Unlike the Roman pagans who cremated their dead, the Jewish and Christian populations believed in religious burials. After visiting the Christian catacombs which are extremely important for the history of early Christian art, you will proceed to the spectacular sight of the Roman Forum, a rectangular area surrounded by the ruins of important ancient government buildings at the centre of the ancient city of Rome. The Forum used to be the centre of day-to-day life in Rome and the nucleus of commercial affairs, triumphal processions, social activities and public speeches located between the famous Palatin and Capitoline Hills.

As you leave the Forum and continue walking you will see the spectacular Colosseum, a vast amphitheatre thought to have been built between 75 and 80 A.D. Your guide will explain how this enormous arena, once the site of gladiator fights and animal hunts, used to feature 76 numbered entrances, marble seats and subterranean passages. You will get some free time here for taking photos.

Your next stop is St. Peters Square, one of the largest and most beautiful squares in the world. It is located in Vatican City at the foot of St. Peter’s Basilica. The dimensions of the square are spectacular and it’s capable of holding more than 300,000 people. It’s also famous for its 284 columns and 140 statues of saints created in 1670 by Bernini.

Here you will be given around two hours of free time for independent exploration or relaxation.

You will meet your escort at the meeting place and then rejoin your coach for the return drive to Civitavecchia.