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We begin our 2 in 1 tour with Rome's greatest engineering accomplishment; the Colosseum. Wander across the arena floor and hear about the life and times of Romans in a brutal age, defined by bloody and violent games which took place just yards away from where you'll be standing. Learn about the making of a gladiator and be proffered a thorough understanding of what the games meant to onlookers as well as participants. How do we know so much about what happened in the Colosseum? You'll find out on this tour! We then leave the arena behind and walk up ancient Via Sacra into the Roman Forum. Rich in history, archaeology, and mythology, overbuilding in antiquity requires careful explanation today. We study the main basilicas, temples and ruins in the forum area, and consider the role and influence of Julius Caesar in ancient Rome. Understand how the Roman Empire became so powerful, and listen closely as we examine the complex chain of events which led to it's decline and fall.
The Colosseum and Roman Forum segment finishes at approximately 11:15 AM, and you will be required to be at our office for the Vatican section at 14:30 PM. This means that you will be able to do as you please in the centre of ancient Rome between 11:15 AM and your Vatican tour. The cost of a taxi to our office from the city centre is between 8-10 euros and journey time is 15 minutes, or you can take the 492 bus from Largo Argentina to the corner of Viale Vaticano, our office is nearby on Via Santamaura 21. Journey time by bus is 30 minutes.
In the afternoon we visit the famous Vatican Museums and see all the major galleries including the Belvedere Courtyard, which houses the ancient and classical pieces which so many artists took their inspiration from, Pio-Clementine Museum, Room of the Muses, Round Room, Greek Cross Room, Gallery of Tapestries, Gallery of Maps and Raphael Rooms, before culminating our visit inside the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel. Prior to entering the chapel, you will hear all about Michelangelo and his struggle to accept and complete the work which became what is arguably the single most recognized piece of art in the world.
We then head to St. Peter's Square and cover the history of the Vatican City State. We discuss the obelisk and the Swiss Guard. At this point, the tour ends. You can visit the Basilica to see Michelangelo's beautiful Pieta', Dome, Baldacchino, and other monuments of artistic importance.
This tour can be broken up over two (2) days, however, please note that the Colosseum and Ancient Rome segment is offered on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays only. The Vatican tour segment is offered daily except on Sundays. To set the tour on two (2) different days, please specify this when you book.
