Travel Planning Guide for Rome, Italy: Tour Packages

Your knowledgeable guide will escort you into the Vatican Museums to explore the world's most extensive collection of art. Brilliantly decorated and lined with masterpieces, the museums are brimming with treasures and history. Your guide will lead you through the 2000 rooms that stretch over almost nine miles, and share the stories and secrets contained within the Vatican's walls.

Highlights of the museums are Michelangelo's famous Creation of Adam fresco in the Sistine Chapel and Raphael's Rooms. After taking in the Vatican Museums, you will encounter another of Michelangelo's masterpieces, La Pieta, in St Peter's Basilica. For a fascinating finish to your small group guided walking tour, stop to admire magnificent St Peter's Square, as your guide points out Bernini's ingenious use of optical illusion.

Do you want to skip the line AND the crowds too?
Upgrade to the 8:10am tour and not only will you skip the long lines (which can last up to two hours!) to enter the Vatican Museums but gain access as soon as the doors open - before the general public step foot inside! Tours are arranged exclusively for our guests and groups never exceed 8 people in total. No upgrades available on Wednesday.

Your tour begins atop the Colle Oppio with a panoramic view of the Colosseum, Rome's most recognizable landmark. Next, you will skip the long lines and gain special access to the Colosseum. Once inside, your expert official guide will take you through the bloody past of the amphitheater as you listen to tales of gladiators, mock sea-battles and executions.

After a brief rest at the Arch of Constantine, you will arrive at the Palatine Hill, the most famous of the seven hills of Rome. From here you can admire the views of the Roman Forum and Nero's Circus Maximus where chariot races were held. Romulus and Remus were said to have been found on the Palatine Hill by the she-wolf who nursed and raised them. Legend also holds that Romulus went on to found Rome.

The last stop on your tour is a walk along the Via Sacra or 'Sacred Way', the main path through the Roman Forum that was used for triumphal processions. The tour ends at the temple which houses the altar where Julius Caesar was cremated. Visitors from around the world still leave flowers and candles at this site to this day.

Not just for fans of Dan Brown, this unique tour takes you to some of the most beautiful piazzas in Rome, as well as lesser known sites away from the tourist trail where pagan symbolism and Christianity intermingle.

Fueled by a shared passion for Rome, history and Dan Brown's famous novel Angels and Demons, your talented tour guide will take you to the enigmatic sights mentioned in the novel, and reveal so much more about the mesmerizing city of Rome. You'll discover a hidden passage unused for centuries, and learn the secrets of the Illuminati and the Four Altars of Science, representing the four elements of earth, air, fire and water.

As you search for the secrets scattered throughout Rome by the twin heads of the Illuminati, Bernini and Galileo, you'll visit some of Rome's most beautiful sites to breathe the air of intrigue, mystery and revelation.

Highlights on the morning tour include:

• St Maria del Popolo Church
• St Peter's Square
• St Maria della Vittoria Church
• Pantheon
• Piazza Navona
• Castel Sant'Angelo
• Church of Illumination to glimpse the secret passage connecting the Vatican to notorious Castel Sant' Angelo

Take your time with five days to explore the best of Italy! After a taste of Italy's capital, venture north of Rome and navigate your way through Assisi, Siena, Florence, Padua, and Venice. Your journey will take you away from modern highways and large cities to discover the real Italy, where ancient villages are just waiting to be explored.

Departing Rome, you will travel through Umbria to Assisi and join the millions of pilgrims who arrive each year to pay homage at the home of St. Francis. Steeped in medieval tradition, Siena's Gothic buildings will also entice you on your next coach stop.

Art and architecture, paintings and sculptures, museums and galleries - let the Renaissance-inspired city of Florence captivate you before you make your way to the Shakespearian city of Padua. The town was the setting for Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew.

Spend the last full day of your travels navigating the canals of Venice, composed of more than 100 tiny islets. Take a gondola ride or lose yourself down narrow winding streets.

Accompanied by your expert guide, you will enjoy an intimate, personalized tour of the Vatican Museums, which were originally meant for the sole enjoyment of the Pope. This lavish, intricate labyrinth is made up of 2000 rooms that stretch over almost nine miles. In fact, it is said that if you spent 60 seconds looking at every item, it would take you 12 years to see everything! With your own private guide to lead the way, you'll discover the beauty and secrets hidden within the masterpieces lining these rooms.

A highlight of the private tour of the Vatican Museums is experiencing Michelangelo's famous Creation of Adam fresco as you explore the Sistine Chapel and wander through Raphael's Rooms. After taking in the Vatican Museums, you will encounter another of Michelangelo's masterpieces, La Pieta, in St Peter's Basilica. For a fascinating finish to your private walking tour, stop to admire magnificent St Peter's Square, as your guide points out Bernini's ingenious use of optical illusion.

While you ride your two-wheeled electric Segway, which operates by self-balancing, you'll listen to your audio guide via a set of headphones and hear entertaining facts and anecdotes about Rome's history as you glide. You'll be introduced to Rome's hidden treasures (exterior only) and be entertained by the impressive legacy of legends and stories that resonate throughout the city.

Highlights of the three-hour Rome Segway Tour include:

• Circus Maximus
• Arch of Constantine
• Roman Forum
• Colosseum
• Trajan's Column
• Palatine Hill
• Santa Maria's Church and its Bocca della Verita wall sculpture
• Breathtaking panoramic views over Rome

Numbers on your Segway tour are limited to six, and a minimum of two. The tours are escorted by a tour leader to ensure a safe, unique and private experience.

One of Rome's richest and most interesting villas, the Borghese Gallery and Museum houses a vast and diverse collection of sculptures and paintings produced by masters such as Bernini, Canova, Caravaggio and Titian. Your guide will lead you through the gallery's breathtaking rooms and reveal the secrets, stories and techniques behind the masterpieces.

Then you will go for an enchanting stroll though the Villa Borghese Gardens and enjoy the surprises and tranquillity of this Eden in the heart of busy Rome. The famous Villa Borghese is a truly magical setting, surrounded by vast gardens filled with fountains, monuments and diverse flora. It's a treat for all the senses.

The tour ends with a breathtaking view from atop the Pincio terrace.

All entrance fees to the Borghese Gallery and Museum are included in the tour price. Tours are conducted in small groups (maximum 25 people) with an English-speaking guide who can personally cater to you so your visit is a special and unforgettable experience.

Meet your private air-conditioned vehicle at Civitavecchia and transfer directly to Rome's religious core, a tiny country all in itself - Vatican City. Your private guide will greet you as soon as you arrive in Rome and you'll be skipping the line into the Vatican Museums in not time! The guide will introduce you to some of the most precious and famous art in the world, as well as the must-see Sistine Chapel. Next, take a peek into St. Peter's Basilica (you'll skip the line here too!), Michelangelo's Pieta, as well as St. Peter's Square.

Be whisked away to the heart of historic Rome for a lunch break at a traditional Roman restaurant we can recommend, or wherever your taste buds lead you! Your private, dedicated guide will be at your side for the entire day to answer all your questions, provide you with the best advice, and take you to all of the most important fountains, piazzas and monuments which include the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and much more.

No trip to Rome is complete without a stop at the Colosseum. Skip the long queues yet again and explore the interiors and bloody history of this infamous monument! You'll even have time to purchase a gelato before the end of the day - when you will be comfortably transferred back to Civitavecchia in time the catch your boat.

Please list any special interests you have (art, architecture, history, culture) at time of booking to alert our guide, so that he or she can better prepare for your private tour.

Your fascinating private walking tour starts at the Vatican Museums, where you will take a journey of discovery to the Gallery of Maps, Raphael's Rooms and Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel. Best of all, when you book your Vatican Museums Art History Walking Tour with your own private art historian, you can skip the line when you reach the Vatican Museums. There's no need to waste time waiting in lines when you're on vacation!

Next, you'll visit St Peter's Basilica to admire the famous artworks by Michelangelo and Bernini, where your private walking tour concludes.

This in-depth private tour of the Vatican Museums and St Peter's Basilica is hosted by an English-speaking guide specializing in art history. Please list any special interests you have (art, architecture, history, culture) at the time of booking to alert your guide, so they can prepare for your private tour.

The tour begins at Trajan's Column in the Imperial Fora, where your guide will place the Capitoline in context with the modern Victor Emmanuel II Monument (Il Vittoriano), a major monument commemorating the Italian Revolution and unification.

From the Vittoriano, you will walk up Michelangelo's famous Renaissance staircase to Piazza Campidoglio atop the Capitoline Hill, where the ancient bronze statue of Marcus Aurelius awaits you. One of the seven hills of Rome, the Capitoline was the first capitol of the Roman world. It was from this hill that we derive the word "capitol".

The tour includes a comprehensive visit inside the Capitoline Museums (entrance tickets included in tour price), the oldest public museum collection in the world. Founded by Pope Sixtus IV in 1471, the Capitoline Museums house famous pieces of art such as the Dying Gaul, Capitoline Venus, the colossal bronze sculpture of Marcus Aurelius, the Capitoline She-Wolf, Bernini's Medusa, and the colossal statue remains of Constantine.

Enjoy one of the best views of the Roman Forum from the Tabularium underneath the Capitoline Museums before re-emerging in Michelangelo's Piazza Campidoglio.

Your visit of the Capitoline Hill concludes with magnificent views of Rome's skyline on the terraces of the Victor Emmanuel Monument.

Origins of Rome Walking Tour includes but is not limited to:

• Trajan's Column (Forum)
• Piazza Venezia
• Victor Emmanuel II Monument (Il Vittoriano)
• Piazza Campidoglio (Michelangelo's Staircase and ancient bronze statue of Marcus Aurelius)
• Capitoline Museums (Palazzo dei Conservatori, Tabularium and Palazzo Nuovo)

You haven't truly seen Rome until you've experienced the beauty of its most important Basilicas, and journeying through this traditional pilgrimage route of the Basilica's of Peter, Paul, John and Mary is the best way to experience them.

Begin your pilgrimage at Saint Mary Major which boasts exuberant mannerist sculptural decorations, stunning 5th Century mosaics, enchanting frescoes and Rome's greatest sculptor of all time, Bernini's, tomb.

Next you will have the chance to climb the Holy Stairs transported from Jerusalem which, according to tradition, once led to the Palace of Pontius Pilate - 28 white marble steps tread by Christ during his passion. Then we will visit the imposing Basilica of Saint John Lateran, the Cathedral of Rome and traditional seat of the Pope which was built by Constantine even before Saint Peter.

From St. John Lateran, you will be transported to the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where lie the relics of Saint Paul and 5th century mosaics shimmer alongside brilliantly colored frescoes.

Your tour reaches its culmination skipping the enormous line leading into the breathtaking St. Peter's Basilica, the largest Church in Christianity, guardian of St. Peter's tomb, Michelangelo's Pietà and Bernini's immense baldachin.

Join us as we explore these mystical temples of worship which celebrate the emperors, saints, Popes, artists and millions of people who have tread their ground and wondered at their splendor for thousands of years.

Your three-hour private walking tour begins atop the Colle Oppio with a panoramic view of the Roman Forum and Colosseum, Rome's most recognizable landmark. From here you will skip the long lines with special access to the Colosseum.

Once inside the Colosseum, you will hear about the amphitheater's bloody past as you listen to tales of gladiators, mock sea-battles and executions. After a brief rest at the Arch of Constantine, you will arrive at the Palatine Hill, the most famous of the seven hills of Rome. From here you can admire the magnificent views of the Roman Forum and Nero's Circus Maximus where chariot races were held.

The last stop on your private walking tour is a stroll along the Via Sacra or 'Sacred Way', the main path through the Roman Forum that was used for triumphal processions.

This in-depth private tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum is hosted by an English-speaking guide specializing in art history. Please list any special interests you have (art, architecture, history, culture) at the time of booking to alert your guide, so they can prepare for your private tour.

The beautifully preserved ruins of Ancient Ostia were founded in the 4th century BC and were once inhabited by over 100,000 people. Ancient Ostia is commonly referred to as "The Better Pompeii" due to the astonishing, highly-preserved condition of its buildings. Structures include taverns, baths, apartments, groceries and theatres - and their intact state so strikingly exceeds that of the Roman Forum, Imperial Forum and Pompeii, that it seems a misnomer to call them 'ruins'.

Walk the main street, the Decumanus Maximus, while your tour guide brings the stones around you to life. The Roman statues that line the walkways are in such perfect condition you'll feel as though you are walking amongst the ancient Romans themselves! You'll even be enticed to take a dip in the Baths of Neptune, which are crowned by a impressively intact mosaic of the sea god being drawn by a four horse chariot. And if you are a theatre fan, you'll enjoy Ancient Ostia's amphitheatre ' whose structure is still so stable that you will be able to take your place in the stands as 3,500 Roman spectators once did back in 12BC when it was first constructed.

Your fluent English speaking tour guide takes care of all train tickets and making sure you everyone gets off at the right stop. All entrance tickets are included and all of the major sites will be covered in a 2.5 hour leisurely walk through the ruins - including but not limited to Ostia's Amphitheatre, Forum of the Corporations, the Collegiate Temple, the public tavern and public baths.

Note, walking tour is 2.5 hours. The complete duration is 4 hours with train trip to and from Ancient Ostia.

Your private walking tour starts at the Galleria Borghese, the beautiful palace where Cardinal Scipione Borghese lived with his famous art collection in the heart of Rome's most beautiful park, the Borghese Gardens. You will see Bernini's famous statues of Apollo and Daphne, David, the Rape of Proserpine and Canova's reclining nude of Paulina Borghese. Among the collection are several paintings by Raphael, Titian and Caravaggio.

After touring the gallery, you'll take a walk through the gardens to reach Piazza del Popolo. Here you'll tour the Church of Santa Maria del Popolo, with two of Caravaggio's most famous compositions. You'll be able to compare the order and harmony of Raphael's Renaissance Chigi Chapel with the emotional and sensual strength of Caravaggio's Baroque artworks.

This in-depth private tour of Rome's Baroque art and architecture is hosted by a professional guide specializing in art history. Please list any special interests you have (art, architecture, history, culture) at the time of booking to alert your guide, so they can prepare for your private tour.

Your private walking tour starts at the Arch of Constantine by the Colosseum. Before entering the famous amphitheater and Forum for a privately guided tour, you will take a closer look at the impressive arch dedicated to Emperor Constantine. Every roman general or emperor who rode in triumph through the Forum along the Via Sacra (the road you will walk along) had to pass under this arch.

Your personalized tour then proceeds up to the Capitoline Hill, restructured by Michelangelo and featuring a copy of the bronze equestrian statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, the emperor philosopher. From there you will have a wonderful view of Trajan's markets, the famous Trajan Column and his Imperial Forum.

This in-depth private tour of Imperial Rome is hosted by a professional guide specializing in art history. Please list any special interests you have (art, architecture, history, culture) at the time of booking to alert your guide, so they can prepare for your private tour.

On your morning or afternoon guided walking tour of Christian Rome's most inspirational sites, you'll explore the world's smallest country, its largest church and an impressive collection of fine art. A highlight of the tour is the famous Sistine Chapel and its collection of frescoes begun in 1508 by Michelangelo. You'll see the master's best known fresco, the Last Judgment, covering one entire wall of the chapel.

However, the Vatican is not all gold, pomp and stateliness - it has a history full of dark tales of deceit and even lust! A world of discovery awaits you as your expert guide brings the Vatican and its stories alive.

Note that entrance fees to the Vatican Museums are NOT included. A supplement of approx. 21 euros (adult) is payable direct.

You'll stop at scenic viewpoints as you travel along the stunning coastline to reach Positano, one of the most famous charming old fishing towns along the Amalfi coast. After a walking tour and some free time in Positano, you will travel on to Amalfi.

Amalfi is a labyrinth of narrow lanes and alleyways and features typical Mediterranean village architecture. Here you can sample the local Limoncello liqueur or visit the celebrated Moorish-style Paradise Cloister, dating back to the 13th century. You'll also enjoy lunch at Amalfi (additional expense), then follow the road uphill away from the coast for a last glimpse of this enchanting part of Italy before continuing on to Pompeii.

At the amazing ruins of Pompeii you will take a two-hour guided walking tour conducted by a local expert guide. You'll discover the everyday life of Rome's Imperial age as you walk through the ancient ruins which were buried in ashes after Mount Vesuvius erupted almost 2000 years ago. You will visit the homes of Pompeii's wealthier citizens and ancient street cafes where locals dined, hear numerous anecdotes about daily life in Pompeii, and see graffiti dating back to Roman times.

Take time out on this three-day excursion from Rome and see the highlights of some of Italy's most popular cities: Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento and Capri. You'll combine a love of food, history and coastal delights on this fascinating multi-day trip, and your friendly and knowledgeable guide will ensure you get a local feel for this engaging region.

Departing Rome, you will travel to Naples, UNESCO Heritage Listed and famous for delivering the humble pizza to the rest of the world. It is a brazen yet vibrant city and the capital of the Campania region.

Next, you'll visit another fascinating UNESCO Heritage Listed site at Pompeii. You will have the opportunity to delve into the now restored Pompeii to discover traces of ancient Roman daily life. Due to a lack of air or water, amazing frescoes and objects buried from Mt. Vesuvius' volcanic eruption have remained intact for almost two thousand years.

Overlooking the bay of Naples, Sorrento's sea cliffs are lined by luxury hotels and a tangle of lemon trees. Perhaps that's the secret to their locally produced lemoncello, an alcoholic aperitif and the locals' drink of choice.

And how can one go past the Isle of Capri? A resort since the rule of the Roman Empire, Capri lures yearly crowds to its Blue Grotto, so named for the azure limestone glow beneath its waters.

Hotel pickup is available, please click on 'View Map' below for full list of hotels included.

The Catacombs of the early Christians, underground fountains and crypts filled with literally thousands of bones are just a few of the wonders awaiting you on this incredible experience. You will see the most interesting and mystifying sites of Rome's underground sights on this small group walking tour. Highlights include:

• The Capuchin Crypt: chapels decorated entirely by human bones - this tour skips the line and you can enjoy a private, exclusive viewing of the chapels
• Domitilla Catacombs: ancient Christian burial ground
• Church of San Clemente: built over an ancient 4th-century church, which in turn was built over an older Roman house containing Christian artifacts and a pagan temple

As you descend into the Eternal City's subterranean burial chambers, winding catacombs and ancient crypts, you'll discover the secrets of imperial and early Christian Rome. You'll travel to a time when Christianity was considered a cult, and whose members were executed as pagans and buried as martyrs.

Leaving Rome, you'll head north to cross the Tiber valley to Cortona. This town has changed little since the Middle Ages, and was most recently depicted in the Oscar-winning film La Vita e Bella and described by American novelist Frances Mayes in her book Under the Tuscan Sun. As a result, Cortona is enjoying renewed popularity. Stroll through the historic center, absorbing the atmosphere of this picturesque town.

Next you'll drive along the shores of Lake Trasimeno, where you will stop to taste, and perhaps purchase, some of the local products (olive oil, cheeses, salami and ham). Lunch will be served in a typical country restaurant.

In the afternoon, you'll drive through the hills of the Chianti region to reach the hilltop town of Montepulciano. The ruby-red Vino Nobile wine of this town is famous the world over. You'll visit one of the oldest wine cellars, discover the winemakers' secrets and taste the final result!

Hotel pickup is available, please click on 'View Map' below for full list of hotels included.

Perfect for first-time visitors, this guided walking tour is the ideal introduction to Rome's famous sights, leaving you with time in the day free to explore the city at your leisure. The afternoon walking tour (held in the morning on Sundays) visits Rome's best known ancient sights, including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Capitoline Hill, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona. Several major sites are covered in a short period of time, and you'll receive enlightening insights into the city's millennia of history as you stroll.

While your local guide is trained to educate you in history, politics and architecture, they will also make the daily life and times of ancient Rome come to life with enthusiasm and humor. In three hours you'll relive life in ancient Rome as a gladiator, emperor, slave, Vestal Virgin, senator, merchant and goddess!

The tour includes inside visits of the Colosseum and Roman Forum. However, the entrance fee is NOT included in the tour price, so a supplement of approximately 15 euros per person will be payable direct on the day of travel.

During your two-hour lesson, your gladiator instructor will teach you how to fight with authentic weapons used by the gladiators of ancient Rome. Lessons are organized and led by members of the Historic Group of Rome who specialize in the re-enactment of Roman life and gladiatorial combat.

Don't miss this opportunity to re-create Roman history and life as a gladiator. Dressed in a traditional gladiator tunic, belt, leather protective glove and rudis (training sword), you can let your imagination run wild as you play like Spartacus for a day, fighting off ferocious lions and sword-wielding warriors!

Next, learn the basic techniques of gladiatorial sword fighting and take part in an optional gladiatorial tournament, with the winner receiving a victory prize. All participants receive a certificate of accomplishment.

If you're fascinated by Roman Gladiators but not sure if you're up for it, you can choose to watch friends or family free of charge. There's a great viewing platform.

Are you up to the challenge of this truly Roman experience combining culture, sport and ancient legends!

Seeing the Vatican's galleries when they are closed to the general public is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Tickets are limited and each group will consist of 20 people maximum with your own guide - and are only available through Viator.

The Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums are notorious for the crowds of people passing through during the day. With this exclusive two-hour tour you will have a unique chance to escape the crowds and, once the Vatican Museums close to the public, explore the artistic and architectural treasures.

All entrance fees are included in the tour price. Book your spot on this exclusive tour (instant confirmation!) and see the official residence of the Pope, in Vatican City. The evening is hosted by an English-speaking guide/art historian specializing in the Italian Renaissance. Please list any special interests you have (art, architecture, history, culture) at time of booking to alert our guide, so that he or she can better prepare for your private tour.

Why is this tour so unique? The fact that we are renting the entire Sistine Chapel (which costs upwards of $3,000 per tour!) means that we have exclusive access to the Sistine Chapel during our tour. Our group will be the only people in the Sistine Chapel during our visit, except for Vatican security staff.

Not traveling to Rome on one of these days? That's OK, we plan to offer additional dates for this exclusive private tour of the Vatican and Sistine Chapel. Please keep checking back as new dates are added.

The walking tour begins in Piazza del Popolo, which traditionally marks the northern "door to Rome". The piazza's church Santa Maria del Popolo was often the first church that visitors would see upon entering Rome's city's gates.

You'll then proceed to the Spanish Steps, with their lively atmosphere and stunning views down into the winding alleys of the heart of the historic center. Next you will encounter one of Rome's most dramatic monuments, the beautiful Trevi Fountain.

Your stroll through Rome continues with a stop at Piazza Colonna, which contains the column erected by Marcus Aurelius and is considered by Romans to be the very center of the city. Stop at the Pantheon, with its impressive concrete dome and open oculus, which never fails to impress. Nearby you will explore Piazza Navona, with Bernini's famous "Fountain of the Four Rivers" triumphantly marking its center.

Finally, Campo de' Fiori gives you a taste of one of the liveliest and famous traditional Roman piazzas.

On this afternoon tour from Rome you'll visit a tranquil hillside villa encircled by vineyards and olive groves in the Frascati countryside. Your expert guide will tell you about the local wine-producing methods, from antiquity to modern day techniques. You'll learn that Imperial Rome was the cradle of wine culture, where wine drinking was transformed from a status symbol of the elite to a pleasure enjoyed by all.This enticing voyage of the senses concludes with a guided tasting of a special selection of wines and freshly pressed olive oils at the famous Pallavicini estate, owned by one of Italy's oldest and most distinguished noble families. Tastings are led by a professional sommelier

The evening walking tour visits Rome's best known sights, including the Colosseum (exterior visit only), Capitoline Hill, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Piazza Navona. It also includes an overview of the Forum area, including the Imperial Forums. Several major sites are covered in a short period of time, and you'll receive enlightening insights into the city's millennia of history as you stroll.

You'll experience the romance and beauty of Rome as the sun sets and the city lights are illuminated on this special walking tour. All tour guides are native English-speakers or Roman archaeologist, hold university degrees in teaching and the humanities, and adhere to the highest standards of education.

Combining coach and travel on foot, your morning guided tour takes you beyond the city walls and along the rustic Appian Way. You will make three stops along the way, giving you an opportunity to take a walk in the Roman countryside, explore the underground Catacombs, and examine the masterful construction of Rome's remaining ancient aqueducts.

Ostia was Rome's flourishing trade and business center, until the port was abandoned following the Barbarian invasions. The archaeological excavations undertaken at the beginning of the 14th century have brought the ancient city back to life. During your walk through the ruins your guide will provide enlightening insights into the cultural and social life of this historic settlement.

Your visit to Ostia Antica (ancient Ostia) starts at Via delle Tombe, which leads you to the Porta Romana, one of the city's three gates. This is the beginning of the Decumanus Maximus, the main thoroughfare that crosses the city from north-east to south-west.

You will then arrive at the Terme di Nettuno, where you can admire the beautiful black and white mosaics representing Neptune and Amphitrite, the theatre built by Agrippa, and the Forum which formed the center of the city. Here you will discover the main public buildings, Il Capitolium, the temple of Rome and Augustus, the Basilica and the large thermal baths.

Near the Forum square you will also find the House of Diana and the Thermopolium, an ancient Roman bar with a marble counter and a fresco depicting the fruit and foodstuffs that were sold there. At the end of Via dei Dipinti, a museum displays some of the ancient sculptures unearthed at Ostia.

Hotel pickup is available, please click on 'View Map' below for full list of hotels included.

Leaving Rome, you will pass the enormous ruins of the Terme di Caracalla before taking the ancient Appian Way and passing the Chapel of Domine Quo Vadis.

Your tour will then proceed through the hills to the south of Rome. The area known as the 'Colli Albani' is home to many picturesque villages such as Frascati, Nemi, Genzano and Ariccia, and the splendid Villa Aldobrandini.

The Pope's summer residence is very near the volcanic lake of Albano. The Papal Blessing takes place in the square facing the Papal Palace of Castelgandolfo.

Hotel pickup is available, please click on 'View Map' below for full list of hotels included.

Despite wars waged on its soils, assaults by earthquakes and a volcano eruption 19 centuries ago, Pompeii remains a vibrant, well-preserved and accessible destination. As you wander from mosaic to monument, and temple to theater, you'll step back in time and imagine daily life in this legendary city. To help you navigate your way around the site, remember that all paths begin and end with beautiful frescoes depicting scenes from daily life in ancient Pompeii.

The trip from Rome to Pompeii takes three and a half hours. Note, you'll board the shuttle for your return journey at 3:30pm, arriving back in Rome at around 7pm.

Your journey begins by heading south along the Highway of the Sun, crossing the fertile Roman countryside and the area known as Castelli Romani dotted with enchanting medieval villages.

Arriving in Naples, you will board a jet boat for the 45-minute crossing to Marina Grande, the port of Capri. Here you will have the option (fees payable direct) of boarding a motorboat to reach the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra), where sunlight passes into an underwater cavity and shines through the seawater, creating a magical blue reflection that illuminates the cavern. The boat trip is subject to weather and sea conditions.

On your return to the port, you'll board a minibus for a scenic drive to Anacapri, 918 feet (280 meters) above sea level. You will see wonderful views of the Bay of Naples, before continuing to a local restaurant for lunch. After lunch you can take advantage of some free time to explore Capri at your leisure. Don't forget to bring your camera!

You'll then return to Marina Grande and board the boat transfer to Naples. As you enter the port, you'll see Naples' splendid Castel Nuovo (a 12th-century fortress) and Royal Palace. Next, board the coach for your return three hour journey to Rome.

Hotel pickup is available, please click on 'View Map' below for full list of hotels included.

After skipping the line, you can explore the Vatican Museums at your leisure, including the famous Sistine Chapel and Raphael's Rooms. When you are finished exploring, head over to St Peter's Basilica which you can enter directly from the Museums, thereby skipping the line there as well.

By pre-booking this Vatican Museums ticket you can avoid the long lines (which can take more than two hours!) to enter the Museums. Please note that all visitors must pass through metal detectors at the security check point, so please expect to wait 20-30 minutes to clear security. These special Vatican tickets include the standard ticket price plus fast-track access fee.

To start your morning tour of the Vatican Museums, you'll take a coach tour across Rome. Your city tour includes a live commentary and offers a brief introduction to Rome as you travel by bus to Vatican City. Highlights en route include Piazza della Repubblica, following the ancient Aurelian Walls, the famous Villa Borghese gardens and the northern gate of Rome leading into Piazza del Popolo.

Upon arrival, your guide will lead you into the museums. You'll see the beautiful spiral stairway and continue through the Gallery of Tapestries and Gallery of Geographical Maps, before arriving at the famous Sistine Chapel with its magnificent fresco of the Last Judgment by Michelangelo.

After your tour, you also have the option to indulge in an Italian lunch (drinks not included) before taking a guided tour of Christian Rome in the afternoon. Highlights include the Basilicas of Santa Maria Maggiore and Saint John in Lateran, and traveling along the ancient Appian Way to see Rome's Catacombs.

Hotel pickup is available, please click on 'View Map' below for full list of hotels included.

Take time out to tour four of Italy's most popular cities - Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento and Capri - on a two-day excursion from Rome. You'll visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites and discover the rich history of Pompeii and beautiful Sorrento and Capri.

Departing from Rome, you will travel to Naples, famous for delivering the humble pizza to the rest of the world! It is a brazen yet vibrant city and the capital of the Campania region. Naples was first inhabited by the ancient Greeks, who gave it the name Neapolis or "new city".

Next, immerse yourself in the forgotten city of Pompeii. Buried under the ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 B.C., the now preserved site gives historical insights into life during the Roman Empire.

Overlooking the bay of Naples, Sorrento is both a seaside resort town and a rich source of agricultural production. Take your pick of cafe-lined plazas and feast on locally harvested citrus fruit, wine, nuts and olives.

Before returning to Rome, you won't want to miss the Isle of Capri. Ever the crowd pleaser, it lures crowds to its Blue Grotto, so named for the azure limestone glow beneath its waters.

Hotel pickup is available, please click on 'View Map' below for full list of hotels included.

Leaving Rome, you'll travel in a northerly direction and drive along the Tiber Valley to reach the marvelous medieval hilltop town of Orvieto, whose origins go back to Etruscan times. You'll stop here to admire Orvieto's magnificent 14th-century cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture.

Your tour continues into Tuscany's green hills covered in olive groves and vineyards. This is the land of some of Italy's best known D.O.C. (quality controlled) wines, which include Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. You'll stop to taste some local wines and other typical Umbrian and Tuscan products.

After a lunch of traditional local dishes, you'll drive along the shores of Lake Trasimeno to arrive in Assisi, built at the foot of Mount Subasio. During a guided stroll through the alleys of this historic town you will see the Church of St Claire, St Francis' birthplace, his childhood home and Town Hall Square with its

People's Palace and Roman temple dedicated to Minerva. You'll also pay a visit to St Francis' Basilica, close to the ancient city walls, with its magnificent frescoes painted between the 12th and 14th centuries.

Leaving Assisi, you will stop at the town of Santa Maria degli Angeli, named after the church where St Francis died in 1226.

Hotel pickup is available, please click on 'View Map' below for full list of hotels included.

The audience takes place in either St Peter's Square, St Peter's Basilica or the Audience Hall, depending on seasonal conditions and the number of pilgrims visiting on each particular day. Your guide will provide details of when and where to meet the bus at the end of the Papal Audience.

You'll begin this special day with a relaxing coach tour across Rome. Your city tour includes a live commentary and offers a brief introduction to Rome as you travel by bus to the Vatican City. Highlights en route include Piazza della Repubblica, following the ancient Aurelian Walls, the famous Villa Borghese gardens and the northern gate of Rome leading into Piazza del Popolo, where you will glimpse an Egyptian obelisk dating back to the time of Ramses II. Upon arrival at St Peter's Square you will pass the impressive Castel Sant'Angelo, the ancient tomb of Emperor Hadrian.

Hotel pickup is available, please click on 'View Map' below for full list of hotels included.

You also have the option to indulge in an authentic Italian lunch (drinks not included) at a restaurant near Stazione Termini or the Vatican, and take the Imperial Rome tour in the afternoon.

Your morning tour of Classical Rome begins with a pleasant stroll through Rome's historical center with your local guide. Along the way, you'll admire such sights as Piazza della Repubblica, Fountain of the Naiads, the Trevi Fountain, Column of Marcus Aurelius, Bernini's Palazzo di Montecitorio, the Pantheon (visit inside), Palazzo Madama and Piazza Navona.

You'll also pass the riverside Castel Sant'Angelo to reach the Basilica of St Peter, which you'll visit except when religious celebrations are taking place. Don't miss Michelangelo's magnificent Pieta, to the right of the main entrance.

If you take the Imperial Rome tour in the afternoon, you'll also visit:

• Piazza del Campidoglio, re-designed by Michelangelo, with fantastic views over the Roman Forum
• Circus Maximus and Pyramid of Caius Cestius
• Basilica of St Paul, the largest patriarchal basilica in Rome after St Peter's, built over the burial place of St Paul the Apostle

Your guide will bring the Eternal City's most enthralling historical and supernatural mysteries to life in a highly entertaining and informative tour that is unlike any other. This hour-long stroll through Rome's dark heart takes you along winding lanes in the city's historic center to discover fascinating legends and mysteries, ghostly tales and curiosities that form part of a lesser-known history of the Eternal City.

Sites visited on your Ghost and Mystery Walking Tour of Rome include:

• Corso Vittorio Emanuele II
• Campo de Fiori
• Piazza Farnese
• Via Giulia
• Via del Governo Vecchio
• Castel Sant'Angelo

Begin with meeting the guide near St. Peter's Square. You will be provided with headsets and taken to the allocated seats. Once seated, your guide will explain the origin of the Papacy from the first Christians through Constantine's era and up to the current wonder of the Holy See. You will discover the history of St. Peter's Square created by Bernini in the 17th century as you become familiar with the smallest sovereign state in the world. The presentation unveils the fascinating history of the Papacy and the artists that contributed to the marvel of Vatican City.

Next, witness the audience at Vatican City. Experience the awe and wonder which occurs at the Papal Audience as Cardinals read in various languages reaching out to pilgrims and visitors from the far corners of the world. Then hear the Pope's weekly message as he enters the central stage. Feel free to sing along with the spiritual leaders of the Church and pray with the Pope, the head of State of Vatican City or just sit back and observe this amazing tradition taking place.

After meeting a representative and exchanging your voucher, gain quick access to the Borghese Gallery and Museum, one of the world's most incredible art collections in which you get to see the art in its original setting. The Borghese Gardens are amongst the most famous and beautiful in Italy and offers stunning views over Piazza del Popolo to complete your experience. Skip the Line: Borghese Gallery Tickets include the standard ticket price plus fast-track access fee.

Borghese Gallery in Rome includes but is not limited to:

• The Caravaggio Room (St. Jerome, David with the Head of Goliath)
• Bernini sculptures (Apollo and Daphne, David)
• Canova sculpture (Pauline Bonaparte)
• Works by Raphael (The Deposition, Lady with Unicorn)
• Perugino (Madonna and Child)
• Rubens (The Deposition)
• Titian (Sacred and Profane Love)

Escape Rome's crowds to explore parts of the historic center that most tourists don't get to visit. You'll enjoy a leisurely stroll through the fascinating Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere area, Rome's more traditional districts, accompanied by your knowledgeable guide.

Your guided tour of Rome's little-known jewels Trastevere and the Jewish Ghetto starts at Largo Argentina and the Senate House, where Julius Caesar was murdered. Your tour concludes three hours later at lovely Campo de'Fiori, the site of executions during the Inquisition and today one of Rome's liveliest piazzas.

On this entertaining and enlightening walking tour you will get a chance to see parts of the ancient city hidden below the modern street level. Rome certainly wasn't built in a day, so you'll see other periods in between, from Medieval to Renaissance and Baroque.

Your Rome-ophile guide will share their enthusiasm for these hidden parts of the city, entertaining you with the legends and secrets of Rome's most authentic neighborhoods and their cafés, synagogues and churches. You'll broaden your experience of Rome with a visit to areas most tourists don't visit, and be able to ask questions right on the spot about their history and significance.

All tour guides are native English-speakers or Roman archaeologist, hold university degrees in teaching and the humanities, and adhere to the highest standards of education.

Your afternoon tour of Imperial Rome includes the following highlights:

• Piazza del Campidoglio, designed by Michelangelo, with fantastic views over the Roman Forum
• Circus Maximus and Pyramid of Caius Cestius
• Inside visit of the Basilica of St Paul, the largest patriarchal basilica in Rome after St Peter's, built over the burial place of St Paul the Apostle and one of the five great ancient basilicas of Rome

Skip The Lines! Book your dinner at the Rome Hard Rock Cafe ahead of time to take advantage of jumping the queue. Don't waste time waiting in lines on vacation!

The Hard Rock Cafe Rome has an upbeat modern feel, super cool Hard Rock merchandise and a veritable colosseum of rock 'n' roll memorabilia. Enjoy some fine dining at our world-class restaurant, where you'll find not just amazing meals to fit every appetite, but also wide windows to watch the passers by. So when in Rome, whether improving your wardrobe or seeking out la dolce vita, visit the Hard Rock Cafe Rome for everything an emperor would desire (chariot not included).

From classic statues and marble floors, to paintings and frescoes, each artwork has been carefully preserved and accumulated over the 23 generations in which the Colonna family inhabited the Palazzo.

Your expert art history guide will lead you through the gallery rooms elaborately decorated with antiques, tapestries and furniture dating back to the 17th century. Notice too an abundance of paintings and frescoes lining the palace walls; all original masterpieces by the likes of Pintoricchio, Veronese, Carracci, Tempesta and Dughet to name a few. The galleries were used as the setting for the grand palace scenes in "Roman Holiday" with Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn.

Following your palace tour, accompany your guide through Rome's historic streets to the monumental Trevi Fountain, famous for Anita Ekberg's night walk during her "Dolce Vita" hours, where your guide will give you a further description of this beautiful setting. There your walking tour concludes.

On your full-day tour from Rome you'll travel along the Highway of the Sun, crossing the area known as Castelli Romani dotted with enchanting medieval villages. During the journey you will pass the ruined Abbey of Monte Cassino, destroyed during the Second World War.

After a photo stop at Naples' impressive Castel dell'Ovo (Egg Castle), you'll continue across Naples' historic center. You'll pass Naples' historic sights, including the Royal Palace, Basilica of San Francesco di Paola, San Carlo Opera House, Gallery of Umberto I and imposing Castel Nuovo.

Leaving Naples, you will cross the valley of Mount Vesuvius, passing through the villages of Ercolano (Herculaneum), Torre del Greco and Torre Annunziata before arriving in Pompeii for lunch.

After lunch, you will take a two-hour walking tour of the ancient city of Pompeii with a local guide. A thrilling archaeological journey unfolds as you walk through the ancient ruins which were buried in ashes after Mount Vesuvius erupted almost 2000 years ago. You'll discover the everyday life of Rome's Imperial age at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, and imagine the panic felt by the people in those last few minutes before the city was so disastrously buried.

On the trip back to Rome (approximately three hours), you'll stop at a coral and cameo factory, where you will have the opportunity to purchase examples of this ancient craft that dates back to the Greek period.

Hotel pickup is available, please click on 'View Map' below for full list of hotels included.

The buses are equipped with a personalized throwaway audio system which functions in 6 different languages, providing recorded commentary throughout the tour. There is also an English and Italian speaking host onboard each bus to assist with any queries. You will be provided with a set of earphones which you keep and use for the duration of your ticket.

The double decker green bus departs Termini Station every 15 to 20 minutes giving you plenty of opportunities to explore each stop in detail. If you were to stay on the bus for the entire loop, it would take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Seasonal, April to October. If you purchase the 48 hour bus ticket, you also have the option to add a 24 hour hop-on hop-off Rome cruise. It's a great way to enjoy Rome and move effortlessly around the city, especially in high season. The combined ticket offers a perfectly planned route of Rome's major sites coupled with the absolute freedom to alight and re-board the bus or boat as you wish. 24hr-cruise is available for purchase with the 48-hr bus ticket only. Also, if you pre-book this cruise option, the total price represents 10% saving!

On your full-day trip from Rome to Florence, you'll travel in a northerly direction to cross the green valley of the Tevere and the slopes of the Apennines covered with olive groves and vineyards. You'll also cross the famous wine-growing valley of Chianti before arriving in Florence.

Your Florence city tour begins with a guided visit to the Accademia Gallery (Gallerie dell'Accademia) to see the original statue of Michelangelo's David. You will continue on a walking tour with a local guide to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (outside visit) to admire the beautiful dome by Brunelleschi. You'll see other treasures, such as the Baptistery and Giotto's Bell Tower, before arriving at Piazza della Signoria, the heart of Florence.

After lunch in a typical Florentine restaurant, you will continue to the church of Santa Croce, where great artists like Michelangelo are buried. Finally, you will have the opportunity to visit one of Florence's leather schools and discover other ancient crafts such as mosaics and goldsmiths. The coach will depart Florence at approximately 5pm for the return journey to Rome.

Hotel pickup is available, please click on 'View Map' below for full list of hotels included.

Your night-time tour includes two stops: Piazza Navona, to discover Bernini's beautiful Fountain of the Four Rivers, and the Trevi Fountain, where you can continue the tradition of throwing coins into the impressive Baroque fountain to ensure you return to Rome in the future.

Highlights on your nocturnal tour of Rome's famous illuminated sights include:

• Piazza Venezia with its tomb to the unknown soldier
• Capitoline Hill
• Imperial Rome's Forum, Colosseum, Arch of Constantine and Circus Maximus
• The Jewish Quarter on the banks of the River Tiber
• Imposing Castel Sant'Angelo,
• St Peter's Basilica
• The ancient Aurelian Walls framing the Villa Borghese park

Rome's beautiful gateways: Porta Flaminia, through which you can admire the Piazza del Popolo, and Porta Pinciana, which leads to the famous Via Veneto, symbol of 'la dolce vita' (the sweet life) in Rome.

Your first stop is the evocative ruins of the famous villa built by Emperor Hadrian (Villa Adriana in Italian). The villa was built in the 2nd century A.D. by Hadrian to remind him of the monuments he'd admired during his travels in Greece and Egypt. The villa is now in ruins, and can only hint at its original grandeur and beauty, but the landscaped pools and grottoes have influenced subsequent garden design over the centuries.

Your journey into the past continues to the magnificent Villa d'Este at Tivoli, one of the most beautiful residences of the late Renaissance. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a masterpiece of Italian architecture and especially garden design, inspired by Hadrian' Villa. You'll discover how Villa d'Este's countless fountains create a graceful symphony of carved stone, shade, sunlight and water as you take a walk around the villa's magnificent formal gardens.

Hotel pickup is available, please click on 'View Map' below for full list of hotels included.

Your three-hour afternoon guided tour of Christian Rome begins with the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore on the Esquiline Hill, where your guide will show you some of the treasures inside. You'll then see the Holy Staircase and make an inside visit of the Basilica of St John in Lateran, the cathedral of Rome.

Next, you'll proceed along the ancient Appian Way, passing the Chapel of Domine Quo Vadis before arriving at the Catacombs, the ancient underground cemeteries and hiding places of the Christians. A visit will be made to either the Catacombs of San Callisto, Santa Domitilla or San Sebastiano, depending on seasonal conditions. The tour ends with a spectacular view of the Baths of Emperor Caracalla.

Hotel pickup is available, please click on 'View Map' below for full list of hotels included.

You will experience a simulated ride where you will travel through the rich history of Rome. Starting with its foundation, through the glorious days of the ancient Roman empire, the Renaissance with its masterpieces of architecture and art, the events of the 20th century, culminating in an aerial flight over the Rome of today.

Your flight simulator has 3 panoramic screens, seats on special moving platforms, individual surround sound headsets (available in English, Italian, French, German, Spanish, Russian), for you to feel part of the action while listening to Brutus plotting to kill Caesar

Time Elevator Rome is created as a Time Machine that allows you to travel back to the 773 B.C. and to return to modern age through time.

This rare opportunity to ask an expert about camera techniques in a city bursting with dramatic settings. Discover the Eternal City's hidden treasures though the eyes of a genuine photographer.

You will learn to use perspective to your advantage and play with light and shadow. You'll get tips on how to use color, contrast, and detail to create captivating images. Watch the early morning light give way to the brilliance of the noonday sun, snap colorful piazzas bathed in the warm radiance of the afternoon light, or see ancient monuments artfully lit up in twilight and into the night. Just don't forget your camerawhether digital or film.

Your Rome Photography Walking Tour ends at St. Peter's Square.

Some of the things you will learn from your photographer guide:

• How to incorporate lighting conditions to create dramatic photos
• How to capture the atmosphere of a particular scene
• How to compose a photograph to get the maximum effect

Your private walking tour starts with a visit to the National Gallery of Ancient Art in Palazzo Barberini, a wonderful collection of masterpieces by Raphael, Caravaggio, Titian and Guido Reni. The impressive collection is housed in the imposing palace built by Bernini for Pope Urban VIII in 1632, with frescoes by Pietro da Cortona.

Next, you will visit two very famous Baroque churches, San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane, built by Borromini in 1638, and Sant'Andrea al Quirinale, built by Bernini in 1658. During this special visit you will be able to compare the two most important masters of Baroque architecture.

The tour continues to the Quirinale Square in front of the residence of the President of the Italian Republic. From here, you will descend to the Trevi Fountain, whose Baroque design is one of Rome's most unforgettable images, immortalized in Fellini's film La Dolce Vita.

This in-depth private tour of Rome's Baroque art and architecture is hosted by a professional guide specializing in art history. Please list any special interests you have (art, architecture, history, culture) at the time of booking to alert your guide, so they can prepare for your private tour.

The guided Rome by Night Tour begins by passing down Via Cavour, and you will see the Roman Forum and Colosseum, before passing through Piazza Venezia to see the monument in honour of Vittorio Enmanuele II.

Continue towards the river Tiber passing the Circus Maximus and the Temple of Vesta before arriving at the Tiberina and driving alongside the Jewish quarter with the large bronze-roofed Synagogue.

Your tour then heads towards the magnificent Basilica of St Peter, seen as a backdrop to Bernini's impressive colonnade. Beyond that, drive past Castel Sant'Angelo and the ancient Ara Pacis to see these impressive monuments illuminated in all their glory.

Arriving at Piazzale Flaminio you will see the famous Piazza del Popolo, the ancient northern entrance into Rome. Passing through the beautiful park of Villa Borghese, enter through the ancient Aurelian walls to reach the legendary Via Veneto, the elegant street of 'La Dolce Vita'.

Your tour ends by visiting the Trevi Fountain where you can throw a coin into the fountain to ensure your return to the Eternal City. Afterwards, your guide will take you to a typical local restaurant where you will be served traditional cuisine including a 1/4 liter of wine.

Hotel pickup is available, please click on 'View Map' below for full list of hotels included.

After being welcomed aboard with canapes and a drink, you'll set sail from Ponte Sant'Angelo dock. Your evening dinner cruise takes you toward Tiberina Island then back up to Ponte del Risorgimento, north of the Borghese Gardens, before returning to Sant'Angelo.

One three-course set menu is served on the cruise, and a vegetarian option is available. The dress code is smart casual.

Discover with Giorgio all that Rome has to offer you, from the world famous sites like the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain, to the most hidden sites of past and present in a city that is always amazing. Giorgio will guide you towards the discovery of the well known masterpieces, churches and museums, as well as through hidden places and streets. If you are travelling with kids, Giorgio will show you the best places to take them, so that your visit is both educational and entertaining. He will help you find easy access in the city and show you the favorite places of the Romans so you can really live the city and feel a part of it!

Time Elevator Rome 3-D Movie and Simulated Ride Upgrade (45 minutes):
For the perfect introduction to Rome - combine the fabulous 3-D movie and simulated ride and collect your Self Guided MP3 Audio Tour of Rome at the same time. Time Elevator Rome is a multi-sensory show of the history of Rome with seats on special moving platforms. Thanks to 3 panoramic screens, flight simulators and a state-of-the-art surround sound system, you will be projected into the cinema dimension, a deep jump in time through 2750 years and the most important events in Rome history. It's a must-do when in Rome!

The coach trip (hostess on board) from Rome to Florence takes three and a half hours. When you get to Florence at approximately 11:30am, you can tour the city independently and explore the abundance of art and architecture at your own pace. A city inspired by the Renaissance movement, Florence has original works at every turn, from galleries and museums to piazzas and churches.

Shuttle services depart Rome at 7:15am and hotel pickups are available. Choose between a one-way shuttle to Florence or return trip back to Rome. All return shuttle tickets include a Florence audio city guide upon arrival. If you select a return shuttle back to Rome, entire roundtrip MUST be completed on the same day.

On your afternoon jaunt from Rome, you'll travel past the ruins of the Baths of Caracalla before taking the ancient Appian Way past the Chapel of Domine Quo Vadis. Along the way you'll pass the famous Castelli Romani village of Castelgandolfo, the Pope's summer residence.

Other villages you'll pass en route include Rocca di Papa and Grottaferrata, noted for their culture and gastronomic delicacies. The last stop on your afternoon excursion from Rome is a wine tasting at beautiful Frascati.

Hotel pickup is available, please click on 'View Map' below for full list of hotels included.

Cruise down the River Tiber and see Rome from a different perspective on this hop-on hop-off river cruise. While listening to an entertaining and informative commentary, you'll cruise between Tiberina Island and Cavour Bridge.

As you cruise, you'll discover almost three thousand years of amazing Roman history with the recorded commentary headsets. You can choose to board at either Trastevere or St. Angelo Pier (near Vatican City) where boats depart every 30 minutes. English speaking staff will be waiting to greet you. The loop lasts approximately one hour, and you can stay on or jump off at any stop. It's the ideal way to see the sites of Rome at your own pace.

Departing Rome, you will travel among Tuscany's rolling hills en route to Florence. Once in Florence, you can devour the galleries and museums but don't limit your viewing to paintings and sculptures alone - do as the locals do and people watch as well! Florence has many vibrant public squares where you can relax in a cafe and people watch.

Formerly a maritime town, Pisa's biggest attraction remains its Leaning Tower, but delve deeper to discover more architectural delights all easily accessible on foot.

Next, you will travel to Venice where you can choose to navigate the canals by gondola or simply lose yourself down winding streets. Your tour concludes in Venice.

With the assistance of local guides, you will gain an appreciation for the sights, sounds and smells that each new city brings. You will have plenty of free time to discover your own Tuscan treasures too!

Naples is the region's capital and filled with historic castles and sites. The city was first colonized by the ancient Greeks, who gave it the name Neapolis (new city). Today, Naples' city center is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

A short distance from Naples stands the once lost city of Pompeii. Covered in ash from a volcanic eruption in 79 B.C., the site was only accidentally discovered during renovations some 1,700 years later.

Winding along coastal roads, the rugged town of Amalfi emerges with its colorful terraces perched along steep slopes. In the public squares below, take your pick of restaurants and linger in souvenir shops where red coral jewelry is the signature accessory.

Begin your private tour with a personalized Rome hotel pick up. Your guide will be waiting with a private car. Your journey to see Tivoli, Hadrian's Villa (Villa Adriana) and Villa D'Este begins with a 45-minute drive east to an archaeological park, set in a vast green area at the foot of beautiful green hills. Here, in the 2nd century AD, Emperor Hadrian built his suburban Villa and created the most sublime settings for his Imperial Court of about 15,000 people. The many palaces, lakes, temples, nimphaei, pools adorned with Greek statues and Egyptian beasts were dedicated to Antinoos, Hadrian's handsome lover. A painstaking archaeological recovery has taken place over the last two centuries, yet you can still feel their presence and Hadrian's aesthetic sense and his love for beauty.

Next, enjoy some free time for lunch (not included), before continuing the afternoon tour of Tivoli. Visit Villa d'Este, built for Cardinal Ippolito d'Este, Lucrezia Borgia's son. The Villa, which used to be a convent, was turned into a luxurious Villa d'Otium for the Cardinal who was governor of Tivoli. Built by Pirro Ligorio, most of the hill surrounding it and the town quarter underneath was destroyed to create the most beautiful fountains, well over 100 of which were meant to enact jets d'eau at the sound of the organs and music created by Palestrina. An incredible setting not be missed on your next trip to Rome! Emperor Hadrian would have approved.

This in-depth private tour is hosted by a professional guide specializing in art history. Please list any special interests (art, architecture, history, culture) at time of booking to alert your guide and better prepare for your private tour.

This rare opportunity to ask an expert about camera techniques in a city bursting with dramatic settings. Discover the Eternal City's hidden treasures though the eyes of a professional photographer.

You will learn to use perspective to your advantage and play with light and shadow. You'll get tips on how to use color, contrast, and detail to create captivating images. Watch the early morning light give way to the brilliance of the noonday sun, snap colorful piazzas bathed in the warm radiance of the afternoon light, or see ancient monuments artfully lit up in twilight and into the night. Just don't forget your camerawhether digital or film.

Your Rome Photography Walking Tour ends at Pantheon.

Some of the things you will learn from your photographer guide:

• How to incorporate lighting conditions to create dramatic photos
• How to capture the atmosphere of a particular scene
• How to compose a photograph to get the maximum effect

Morning Tour (3 hours)
Your morning tour enters the world of Baroque Rome on Isola Tiberina, a little island located on the River Tiber. Shaped like a ship's bow, the island was the original landing place for what is today Rome's city center. You'll enter the Church of San Bartolomeo and discover the legend of the Esculapius ship.

Next, you'll take a walking tour of the Jewish Ghetto with a stop at Piazza Mattei to admire Bernini's magnificent Turtle Fountain before heading to Rome's oldest fruit and vegetable market, Campo de' Fiori.

The morning tour concludes at Piazza Farnese, or you can choose to add the afternoon tour and lunch at a restaurant in the town center (optional).

Afternoon Tour (3 hours)
Your afternoon small group tour begins at 2:30pm at Piazza Navona, the "living room" of Baroque Rome. Over the years it was also the Court of the Pamphilj family and the setting for sculptural wonders by the 17th-century artists Bernini and Borromini.

In the church of San Luigi dei Francesi, you'll observe well-known works by Caravaggio before making your way to the Pantheon. Marvel at the frescoed vault at the Church of Sant'Ignazio di Loyola before strolling to Piazza Colonna. Here, look for the column of Marcus Aurelius which some Romans call Antonine, before lingering at the famous Trevi Fountain.

The afternoon tour concludes at Quirinal Hill, residence of the President of the Republic.

Your private art tour starts in Piazza Navona, originally the stadium of Domitian, the venue for Greek-style games and athletics. It is now an elegant piazza surrounded by cafes and bars. In the center are beautiful fountains and the square is very atmospheric, especially at night.
 
From there we visit Palazzo Altemps, a delightful museum with a wonderful display of Roman sculptures. Nearby is the Pantheon, one of Rome's most stunning monuments and home to the tomb of Raphael. An intact Roman temple dating back to the time of Hadrian (about 120 A.D.), the Pantheon has a beautiful domed roof with a circular opening. If it rains during your visit you'll find it an unforgettable experience!

Leaving the Pantheon, the tour concludes at Largo Argentina, a busy square with the exposed remains of several Roman temples, including the site where Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 B.C.

This in-depth private tour of classical Rome is hosted by a professional guide specializing in art history. Please list any special interests you have (art, architecture, history, culture) at the time of booking to alert your guide, so they can prepare for your private tour.

Your tour of ancient Rome's artworks begins on the Capitoline Hill by the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, with a visit to the famous Capitoline Museums. The renowned collection is displayed in wonderful halls decorated with 16th-century frescoes. Highlights include ancient monumental statues, vases and important monuments like the original statue of Marcus Aurelius, the ruins of the 6th century BC temple of Jupiter on the Capitol and the Tabularium. From here it is possible to have a wonderful view over the Roman Forum, which your private tour guide will describe in detail.

Descending from the Piazza del Campidoglio toward the Forum, you will view Trajan Markets, Trajan's Forum and his marvelously sculpted column, which will also be discussed by your guide.

This in-depth private tour of the artworks of ancient Rome is hosted by a professional guide specializing in art history. Please list any special interests you have (art, architecture, history, culture) at the time of booking to alert your guide, so they can prepare for your private tour.

Your private walking tour starts at Villa Farnesina, the magnificent residence built at the beginning of the 16th century and decorated with frescoes by Raphael, Giulio Romano and Peruzzi. The highlights are Raphael's superb High Renaissance frescoes of the Galatea, the beautiful sea nymph riding across the sea, and the loggia of Cupid and Psyche.

You will then cross the Tiber River to reach the 16th-century Palazzo Spada and admire the famous Perspective conceived by Borromini. The tour continues to Piazza Farnese, where you will see the impressive facade of one of the most famous Renaissance palaces in Rome, designed by Michelangelo and other famous architects.

The tour finishes in the Piazza della Cancelleria, in front of the palace built at the end of the 15th century for Cardinal Raffaele Riario.

This in-depth private tour of Rome’s Renaissance artworks, piazzas and palaces is hosted by an English-speaking guide specializing in art history. Please list any special interests you have (art, architecture, history, culture) at the time of booking to alert your guide, so they can prepare for your private tour.

Your tour starts from the Aventine Hill to visit the ancient church of Santa Sabina, built at the beginning of the 5th century and perfectly reconstructed after a fire. It remains one of Rome's medieval highlights, notable for its famous sculptured door and old cloister. This is one of the most picturesque places in Rome, far from the noise and traffic.

Your tour then descends to the Circus Maximus to reach the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, built in the 6th century on ancient Roman ruins and including medieval construction. Next you will visit the church of San Giorgio in Velabro at the bottom of the Palatine Hill, decorated with a 13th-century fresco attributed to Cavallini, where the tour concludes.

This in-depth private tour of medieval Rome is hosted by a professional guide specializing in art history. Please list any special interests you have (art, architecture, history, culture) at the time of booking to alert your guide, so they can prepare for your private tour.