Day 1: Arrival
Welcome to Rome - one of the most charming and heritage rich cities of Italy. Upon arrival, you are met by your private driver, who transfers you to the hotel for the check-in.
The rest of the day is at your own leisure to relax after the trip.
Day 2: Highlights of Rome & Colosseum
Today you meet your private guide in the hotel lobby and embark on a tour to discover the famous ancient treasures of the Eternal City.
You have a taxi transfer to Rome's hallmark site - the Colosseum. Originally known by the name of Flavius amphitheater, it was the biggest and most imposing building of its kind in the Roman world, designed as an arena for the fights of Roman gladiators and could hold up to 70 thousand spectators.
After touring Colosseum you proceed with a walking city tour to see the most famous attractions and hidden treasures of the Eternal City. You see the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, the famous Fountain of the Four Rivers, as well as witness the masterpieces by Bernini, Borromini, and many others.
After the tour, your guide takes you back to the hotel and you have the evening at leisure.
Day 3: Roman Pastas Cooking Class and Market Tour
Today with a local guide you visit the local market to shop for the seasonal produce before cooking your traditional Roman lunch. After exploring the market and meeting the local vendors, you uncover the secret of "Cucina Romana", the typical cuisine of Rome with a local chef. On this cooking class you master the art of making the famous Roman pastas by hand as well as the 4 classic Roman pasta sauces. Make sure to be hungry for the cooking class as the class is followed by a lunch with the food prepared.
Day 4: Vatican Sightseeing
In the morning after breakfast, you meet your guide and walk to a walled enclave and the world’s smallest independent state - Vatican*.
When inside the Vatican, you visit private apartments of Julius II, Pinecone Courtyard, Gallery of the Maps, Gallery of the Tapestries and Gallery of Candelabra. Next, you proceed to the Sistine Chapel, where you have enough time to admire Michelangelo's famous frescoes and learn about the intense relationship between Pope Julius II and Michelangelo that drove the artist to create the greatest work of art the world has ever known.
Your tour continues in the vast open spaces of St. Peter’s Basilica where you see a stunning Pieta - a world-famous work of Renaissance sculpture by Michelangelo, and Bernini's impressive Papal Canopy, a legacy left to the Basilica by the Barberini family.
The ending point of your tour is in St. Peter’s Square, where you can admire Michelangelo's Dome and the gorgeous colonnades designed by Bernini.
After the tour, you are transferred to your hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the beauty of Rome on your own.
*Please note: the Vatican is a sacred religious site thus the dress code for visiting it is applied just as when you visit any church in Italy: no shorts – no uncovered knees and shoulders, no backpacks.
Day 5: Day at Leisure in Rome
Today is reserved for you to explore and enjoy Rome on your own. After breakfast you can do some independent sightseeing, shop for souvenirs or have a good rest.
We suggest visiting the Opera Theater, the Modern Art Gallery - Galleria nazionale d'arte or the Galleria Borghese or joining our carefully planned optional tour.
Day 6: Full Day Pompeii Guided Tour with Train & Private Driver
This morning you take a high speed train to Naples (transfer to the train station is not included). Upon arrival to Naples in approximately 1 hour, your private guide and driver meet you at the train station and take you on a scenic sightseeing trip to discover the archeological sites of Pompeii, set near the foot of a picturesque mountain. In 79 AD Pompeii, one of the greatest and richest cities of the Roman age, was tragically completely destroyed as a result of the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. On the tour of this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site you see the artifacts, city walls, the Pompeii amphitheater and other excavated finds, buried alive under 4 to 6 m (13-20 ft) of volcanic ash almost 2000 years ago, that give you a detailed insight into the life of the city. After the tour, you are transferred back to Naples train station to catch your high speed train to Rome. 1st class train tickets Rome - Naples - Rome are included.
Day 7: Day at Leisure in Rome Today is reserved for you to explore and enjoy Rome on your own. After breakfast you can do some independent sightseeing, shop for souvenirs or have a good rest.
Day 8: Departure
Following breakfast in your hotel, you check out and meet your private driver for the transfer.
Not included: international flights, multiple arrival/departure transfers, other meals not mentioned in the program, optional tours and services, all personal expenses.
Note:
1. Hotels availability is subject to change. In case current hotels are booked out we will provide alternative hotels of an equal value for you.
2. We include 1 vehicle for your arrival and departure transfers. If multiple vehicles are required additional transfer costs will apply.
Stress-free Booking Book your journey without stress and at convenient pace. You can pay a deposit of 20% to book any tour in any major currency; the final balance will be due 90 days before start date. In event if you decide to change or postpone your trip, you can transfer your deposit to any other packages we offer. Cruise bookings and special offers may be subject to different booking terms.
Trip Assurance If you need our assistance during your trip, you can call our support line available from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. (CET) on weekdays and weekends.