ROME

6 nights

Land Only

For 2 persons

From Euro 2,378 based on charming 3* hotels with all amenities

Pricing subject to change based on time of year and availability

Your special Italy package includes:

v 6 nights in charming hotels, country inns or manor houses of charm with buffet breakfast, centrally located.

· 3 star option: REGNO, OXFORD, LOCARNO or similar

v Private guide for a half day in Rome – itinerary of choice (walking itinerary);

v Half day tour in Rome with private chauffeur: The itinerary includes Piazza dell’Esquilino, the Baths of Caracalla, the Appian Way, the oldest Roman Road (312 B.C.), the historical town of Albalonga, a modern village which looks across a volcanic lake, Castelgandolfo, the summer residence of the Pope. The tour continue to Ariccia, a small village once isolated high in the mountains but easily to get to by large bridge constructed by Pope Pio IX, Genzano, the birth place of Marco Antonio Colonna, the famous General of the battle of Lepanto in 1571, Nemi, famous in the world for its strawberries, Grottaferrata with its Monastery founded on the ruins of an old roman villa and the charming town of Frascati, famous for the production of white wine. From the height of 400 meters it is possible to enjoy a beautiful panoramic view. Here you will stop to permit you to taste the local wine.

v Champagne upon arrival in Rome;

v Rome by night dinner: At about 7:15 pm, you will be picked up at your hotel and the tour will start with an unforgettable tour of the Eternal City through the famous Via Veneto, from Fellini’s masterpiece “ La Dolce Vita”, The Trevi Fountain, Piazza Venezia with the King Victor Emanuel’s monument, the Capitol, the Roman Forum and more and ending with a delicious dinner at a typical Roman restaurant with folk musicians singing Italian songs in a relaxing atmosphere.

v All assistance in planning the itinerary to your specifications;

v Not included are meals unless part of an excursion, airfare and anything not listed.

v Federal Express package to your home: containing all vouchers, hard copy itinerary, train tickets and any other bookings included in your package

Any services you do not with to use can be subtracted from the tour.

OPTIONALS

v FULL DAY LUXURY BUS TOUR TO THE AMALFI COAST with PROFESSIONAL GUIDE: This is a very FULL day tour. Pick up at your hotel is at about 7:00 am and after crossing the city, you will take the famous Autostrada del Sole, one of the major Italian Highways connecting the Centre with the South. The region of Ciociaria will be passed with a view of the Abbey of Montecassino. Upon arrival in Naples, embark and departure for the island of Capri. Upon arrival at Marina Grande, weather and sea conditions permitting, you will visit the wonderful Blue Grotto; return to Marina Grande and depart by minibus for a panoramic tour of the island ending in Anacapri, a characteristic village situated at the foot of Mt. Solaro. After having lunch in a typical restaurant of Capri, you will have some free time to shop and walk around on your own at about 3:30 pm you will then meet at the harbour and depart for Sorrento. From the pier, you will be taken to the centre of the city, where you

v HALF-DAY TOUR OF THE CHRISTIAN ROME Visit some of the most magnificent and wonderful Basilicas and Domes in Rome as the Basilica of St. Mary Major, Basilica of St. John in Lateran and many more.

v HALF-DAY TOUR OF THE ANCIENT ROME The guided tour starts at about 2:15 pm and you will be picked up at your hotel by the guide.The tour will show you some of the most suggestive and important remains of the Rome Empire and of later centuries with a panoramic view of the Roman Forum and Palatine, the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine , the Circus Maximum.

DAY 1 – EN ROUTE TO ROME – ARRIVE NEXT DAY

DAY 2 - ARRIVE IN ROME - ORIENTATION

Arrive in Rome Fiumicino Airport and be met at the airport and taken to your hotel in Rome. The ride takes about 40 minutes.

Check in and relax and freshen up, then head for an orientation walk of Rome; your location will be central to all sights. If you are hungry get a bite at one of the restaurant locations below.

Walk around the Spanish Steps, Piazza del Popolo and Fountain of Trevi and the many streets around this bustling historic area. This is the very heart of historic Rome and wherever you walk, you are sure to find a famous monument, palace or museum. Everything is within a 1-mile walking radius making sightseeing easy.

The world-famous Piazza di Spagna owes its name to the presence of the Spanish Embassy in previous centuries. The stairway of the Church of Trinita dei Monti was built in 1720 and until the end of the 1800's was “the sitting room” of the city. There is a museum dedicated to Keats and Shelley in the piazza. In its entire splendor in the middle of the square is the Fontana della Barcaccia (Fountain of the Old Boat), designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini's father, Pietro.

From Piazza di Spagna it is possible to reach the terrace of Pincio, from where you can enjoy one of the most romantic views of the city.

CAFÉ'S - BREAK

Around the Spanish Steps on the number one shopping street in Rome - Via Condotti is the Antico Caffe' Greco - over 200 years old. This is where Lord Byron, Goethe and Liszt would stop to have a pastry and coffee or drinks. It is expensive. Otherwise head for the next parallel street - Via Frattina and take a seat at one of the 2 main café's - this is where Rome comes strolling by.

Walk along the elegant Via del Corso (One of the most elegant shopping streets in Rome along with the nearby Via Frattina) in direction Piazza Venezia and then turn left at Via Muratte…you will arrive directly at the most famous and spectacular of the Roman fountains, THE TREVI FOUNTAIN. Immortalized through paintings, engravings, photographs and films (“La Dolce Vita”), it is and will remain a sight worth seeing for many years to come. Tradition says that if you throw a coin into the fountain over your left shoulder you will return to Rome again soon.

WHERE TO EAT IN ROME….

Le Grotte and Da Mario right off the Spanish Steps on Via della Vite - have your concierge reserve for Da Mario, Via della Vite 55. @ Tel. 06 678 3818.

Le Grotte is one of the most famous and traditional Roman restaurants. Excellent pizza and top antipasto choice. Via della Vite 37. Reserve @ Tel. 06 679 5336.

Da Giggetto in the historic heart of Rome, Via del Portico d'Ottavia, 21a/22 or Il Pompiere Via S. M. Dei Calderari 38. Tel. 686 83 77. Cl. Sun.

Fortunato al Pantheon right near the Pantheon. A survivor in the culinary Roman empire: politicians and yuppies are frequent visitors: Superb antipasto table and genuine food at good prices. A meal here should be about $40 if you want soup to nuts and drink the house wine. You can eat for less. Via del Pantheon 55, Tel.06 67 92 788.

Al Moro Fellini's favorite, wine repertory and chic atmosphere. Vicolo delle Bollette 13. Tel. 06 67 83 495

Osteria dell’Antiquario P.tta S.Simeone, 27 00186 ROMA Tel.: 06-6879694. Another top suggestions is Cul de Sac one of the historical restaurants in Rome. Great wine list with over 1400 labels. Traditional roman cuisine. P.za Pasqualino 73, Te. 06 68801094.

BEST COFFEE IN ALL OF ROME - just steps from the Pantheon - Tazza D'Oro.

Da Lucia (near the Tiber as you cross over towards the Tiberina Island - cheap, Vicolo del Mattonato. Tel. 06 580 36 01. Very traditional simple fare, no frills.

FURTHER SUGGESTIONS…good for the taste and for the wallet!!!

For the BEST PIZZA IN ROME - Da Ivo, Via di San Francesco a Ripa ask concierge - there is usually a line outside….try also the Pizzeria near Piazza di Spagna, La Capricciosa Largo dei Lombardi 8.

DAY 3 - VATICAN - ST. PETER - THE SISTINE CHAPEL - ROMAN FORUM - COLISEUM

Morning tour of the VATICAN, ST. PETERS, and SISTINE CHAPEL together with your private guide, who will pick you up directly at your hotel. You can of course also settle another itinerary with him/her based on your interests. Take the metro direct to the Vatican or a taxi.

The S. Peter’s Dome is the largest, most famous and magnificent basilica in the world. Within it lie works of art (including Michelangelo’s “Pieta”) covering almost 2000 years of history. The Basilica was originally built where the Apostle Saint Peter was believed to have been buried. The current basilica was inaugurated in 1626 and only later the square in front was planned and completed with its colonnade by Bernini.

Open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Climb into the dome, entrance from the portico: open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Explore the Vatican Museums’ collection of Egyptian, Etruscan, Roman, Renaissance and Baroque art, works by Michelangelo, Raphael, Caravaggio and Canova as well as the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel.

LUNCH - I suggest you take a cab with guide to CAMPO DEI FIORI MARKET and eat at LA CARBONARA right on the square. This is Rome's most colorful and lively outdoor market. Around you are picturesque streets, squares and ancient buildings.

Continue with private guide or on your own to the ROMAN and IMPERIAL FORUM, COLISEUM, and CAPITOLINE MUSEUMS.

The rise of IMPERIAL FORUM marked the passage from Republic to Empire, thanks to Giulius Cesar that built the first forum of the complex in 46 b.C.; all Roman Imperators wanted to live a distinguishing mark taking its name from them. The archaeological area is one of the richest all over the world, and for who loves art and Roman civilization the Imperial forum is one of the most interesting examples Rome can offer. The most important forum of the complex is the Traianus one;

At the end of the Via dei Fori Imperiali you will find the COLOSSEUM, the most famous monument of Ancient Rome. Its original name is Flavian Amphitheatre. Later it has been renamed with its popular name, the Colosseum, because it was built near where the Emperor Nero had erected a huge statue, or colossus of himself. It showed him as the god of the sun. It was 100 feet high, and it was the largest gilded bronze statue in antiquity. It was later moved away. It took 24 elephants to move it!

Nearby is the Roman Ghetto a very old part of Rome where the Jews still live. If time allows your guide can take you there also. There are excellent restaurants serving authentic Roman cuisine among the old ruins of Rome.

The CAPITOLINE MUSEUM houses some very important Roman and Greek sculptures and the Capitoline Hill (one of the historical seven hills of Rome) itself was designed largely by Michelangelo (few know he was an excellent architect). There is plenty of walking here. The view over the Roman Forum is wonderful at sunset.

DAY 4 - BORGHESE GALLERY - DORIA PAMPHILI PALACE

VILLA BORGHESE is the most beautiful public garden in Rome, created by Cardinal Borghese at the beginning of the 17th century. Two of the nicer areas of the park are the Giardino del Lago, where you can rent boats, and Piazza Siena, where international equestrian events take place each spring. Just beyond the park is the Bioparco (Rome’s Liberty-style zoo), the Casino Borghese and now used for the Borghese Gallery, and the Palazzo delle Belle Arti (the Building of Fine Arts), built in 1911 and now home of the National Gallery of Modern Art. The park is open from dawn to dusk every day.

BORGHESE GALLERY. This is Rome's finest collection and a small, intimate museum. The very best art can offer housed in what was one of the city's most elegant palaces, owned by the Borghese family surrounded by the vast park and gardens. It is near the Via Veneto.

We will reserve tickets for you and inform you at which time you should pick up your tickets. You then just need to give your reservation number, pay for the tickets (about $ 5 USD) and enjoy the visit. Museum opens at 9:00 a.m.

After, stroll through the gardens towards the center of town and down Piazza del Popolo with its huge Obelisks and Fountains. If you didn't already, take a taxi-ride to CAMPO DEI FIORI - Rome's most colorful market shouldn't be missed. It is the very essence of Rome. Many wonderful trattorias and restaurants around there I can recommend.

Other option is to walk down the Corso from Piazza del Popolo where there are several important churches and the main shopping hub.

HALF DAY TOUR IN ROME

Further suggestions…

DORIA PAMPHILI PALACE - Another sumptuous palace still owned by the Pamphili family. Make sure you take the tour of the private apartments, which usually is every hour. This is located on the CORSO the long shopping street that starts at Piazza del Popolo and ends at the Monument to VICTOR EMMANUEL and PIAZZA VENEZIA - where Mussolini used to give his speeches. Address is Piazza del Collegio Romano 1/a open Mon; Tues; and Fri-Sunday (just off the Corso).

DORIA PAMPHILI GALLERY displays a rich collection of major works by Italian artists from the 1500s and 1600s: Titian, Raphael, Filippino Lippi, Correggio, Caravaggio, Guercino, Guido Reni, Lorenzo Bernini, Velazquez.

Piazza del Collegio Romano, 1A. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Thurs.

ICE CREAM STOP

Walk over to the PANTHEON, the area has some of the best Gelato/ice-cream in the country. GIOLITTI however has been the undisputed champion since my grandmother's time. From the Pantheon (closes @ 6:30 p.m.) walk over to the sprawling PIAZZA NAVONA and the surrounding side streets. The café Tre Scalini has the most intense chocolate truffle ice cream in Rome. Justifiably famous.

DAY 5 - CASTEL SANT'ANGELO - ROMAN WALKS

AM

CASTEL SANT'ANGELO was the Pope's wartime fortress. A climb to the very top offers an unforgettable view of the city including St. Peter's dome, the Tiber River and the terracotta roof tiles of Rome. To access the castle you cross one of the more beautiful bridges of the city - Ponte Sant'Angelo. From here you can walk along the Tiber, crossing back over toward the heart of Rome and amble among the streets leading to Via dei Coronari - a charming street where all of the antique shops are located. Tiny piazzas, appear out of no-where.

UKNOWN ROME: TRASTEVERE - TIBER ISLAND

This area is known to be where "true Romans" are born and bred. Trastevere is the Italian form of the Latin expression trans Tiberim, i.e. "beyond the Tiber" and probably Rome's most typical quarter, where old houses and narrow streets remind us what the whole city must have looked like centuries ago.

The heart of this quarter is a charming square, piazza S.Maria in Trastevere, featuring an ancient church, whence the name of the place, and a fountain. Legend has it that a miraculous well of oil sprang from this spot when Christ was born, and flowed to the Tiber all day.

Although Trastevere has undergone a re-birth after having been forgotten it still (at least for now) retains an authentic charm and this is where to have a pizza and where to look for tiny boutiques along the way.

v SPECIAL EVENING DINNER IN TRASTEVERE: Another option for one of your dinners is to head for Trastevere in the heart of Rome, where the "real" Romans live. Take a cab over there, see the Church of Santa Maria in Trastevere and the Piazza late afternoon, before dinner and reserve a table outside at ROMOLO nel GIARDINO della Fornarina. Tel. 581 8284. Closed Monday.

DAY 6 - GREAT CHURCHES - THE BATH OF CARACALLA

Rome is the only city in the world with the most churches. It would take months to visit all of them and at the end you would probably think they all look the same way! However every single church, chapel, basilica has a singular history…here are just some of the most important and beautiful…

The Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano is the cathedral of Rome and the mother church of the Catholic world. The famous Galileo Galilei created the facade on Piazzale di Porta S. Giovanni (the main entrance of the basilica) and Fontana the one on Piazza di San Giovanni.

The beautiful Church of Santa Maria Maggiore is the largest Roman church dedicated to the Virgin and dates from the time of Sixtus III (432-40). Major restorations and changes are from the middle of the 16th century, although from the 13th to the 14th centuries the portico was added and the campanile (the highest of all Roman campaniles) was built. It is said that the gold used for the ceiling was the first brought back from America by Columbus.

According to a legend, the Church of Santa Maria in Aracoeli, which overlooks the magnificent Imperial Forum, is one of the most enchanting churches in the center of Rome, also due to its unique setting near the Campidoglio and Piazza Venezia. The staircase of 122 steps will lead you to the top of the hill from where you will enjoy a breathtaking view over the rooftops of Rome.

Santa Maria in Cosmedin

Erected in the 6th century on the site of the food distribution center of ancient Rome, which existed among a group of temples dedicated to Hercules. The portico, which is of the 12th century, holds the famous BOCCA DELLA VERITA’ (the Mouth of Truth), originally a drain covering in the shape of a great face with an open mouth - the mask of a river god. The Mouth of Truth, it was said, would close on the hand of a liar, cutting off the fingers!!! It will surely worth a try…

OPTIONALS

DAY 3 - VATICAN - ST. PETER - THE SISTINE CHAPEL - ROMAN FORUM - COLISEUM

DAY 4 - BORGHESE GALLERY - DORIA PAMPHILI PALACE

AM

Santa Maria in Cosmedin

DAY 7 – FREE TIME

DAY 8 - RETURN TO THE US