Rome Sightseeing: a day trip to Rome
What to do?
To really visit and know Rome takes more than a few hours, days, months or even years. I stand to sound cliché but Rome truly wasn’t built in one day. In fact, it’s several eras of history sandwiched together, and every day I find something I haven’t seen before or knew existed. It’s impossible to see even a fraction. But what is feasible is to immerse yourself in Roman culture, classical to modern, so that you come out soaked with history. And hopefully, some of it will be retained.
Arrival It’s important to know what time you arrive in Rome because your visit is always dictated by time. Churches (except for Saint Peter’s) are always open from 7.30 am to 12.30 pm and then from 3.30/4/4.30 pm until 7.30 pm. The Vatican Museums’ doors open at 8.20 am and close at 1.20 pm (in the fall and winter) and 3.20 pm (in the spring and fall. The museums themselves stay open approximately 1 hour after doors closed. In addition, the museums’ doors close at 12.20 pm on Saturdays. The Museums are only opened one Sunday a month following Saturday hours. It can get confusing but every hotel and guidebook provides the schedule.
How To Get Around Do you want to walk? Are your shoes sensible or fashionable? Should you take the bus or a taxi? Walking is the best answer as everything is truly within walking distance, but sometimes my feet hurt, the weather is bad and I am too lazy so I’ll take a taxi. They are affordable and tipping is at a minimum. Example: A ride of €4.50 can be rounded up to €5.
What To Do The obvious choices are Ancient Rome (The Forum and Colosseum), The Vatican (St. Peter’s Cathedral and The Vatican Museums), and the beautiful piazzas made famous in Roman Holiday and The Lizzie Maguire Movie.
But you have less than 48 hours to do all of this. And in some cases, less than 24.
If you have two days in Rome, take the first morning to visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill. The Colosseum is a beautiful amphitheatre from 80AD where gladiators fought man and beast for four centuries. Your ticket for the Colosseum gives you entrance into the Palatine Hill, a palatial expanse where the first inhabitants of Rome lived, along with several emperors, philosophers and noble families until the 1800s. From the Flavian palace, 1st century AD, is a view of the Circus Maximus, 1st century BC. Walk through the remains of the palace towards the Farnese summer home (17th century), which rests atop the remnants of Tiberius’ palace. The Farnese home has beautiful renaissance gardens which remain intact and are excellent spots for a picnic lunch, quiet and relaxing. Finish this section of ancient Rome by walking around the forum to find Julius Caesar’s tomb. If you follow the Via Sacra (one of the oldest roads in Rome) out of the Forum, you will walk up a staircase and find yourself behind the Campidoglio (Capitoline Hill). Take a photo of the Forum from here, the view is beautiful.
The Campidoglio consists of three former senatorial buildings from the Renaissance and designed by Michaelangelo. Now the buildings house two museums and the mayor’s office, and from the piazza there is a beautiful view of Rome as a modern city. It’s at this point that I need a gelato (Italian ice cream), so I head to the Pantheon, my favorite building in all of Rome. The Pantheon is a classic Roman temple from 27 BC, with a round dome. The piazza itself is relaxing with many cafés and restaurants facing the Pantheon, great place for respite. There is also a McDonald’s in this piazza, which is very attractive to those craving a cheeseburger.
Time now to see a glimpse of the Baroque, disguising some ancient Roman architecture as well. Walk towards the river (Tiber, Tevere) and next to the Pantheon you will find Piazza Navona, an oblong rectangle with three fountains. The center fountain is the infamous Four Rivers by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, where each four rivers (Nile, Ganges, Danube and Rio del Platas) make distinct gestures to the church in front of them. The rectangle shape of Piazza Navona has its own history. It takes its shape from the Stadium of Domitian, 86 AD—a racetrack whose remains are under the piazza.
By this time, it should be mid-afternoon, the perfect time to people watch (and shop) in Piazza di Spagna, a piazza built in the late Renaissance, famous for its beautiful staircase which has created the misnomer The Spanish Steps. Bernini’s father designed my favorite fountain in the center, which looks like a sinking ship, complete with water trickling out the bow. This is a shopper’s paradise with Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Cartier and Bulgari on via Condotti, the main street, but walk the side streets and you will find Chanel, Gucci (another!), YSL, Valentino, Ungaro et al. There is some shopping for the younger generation with stores like Patrizia Pepe and Gente on Via Frattina and Fornarina (also on via Condotti).
Exhausted and ready for a nice glass of wine? There are several wine bars on the side streets, like Cesaretto and Antica Enoteca, via Mario di Fiore and via della Croce. But don’t go straight back to the hotel, walk over to the Trevi Fountain, exiting right on Piazza di Spagna (if you are facing the steps) by via Due Macelli. Cross via Tritone and follow the sounds of water where you will find the Trevi Fountain by Nicola Salvi, 1735 and perhaps even more well known for Anita Ekberg’s bathing scene in La Dolce Vita. Toss a corner over your shoulder and make it a wish, guaranteeing your return to Rome.
Day Two: enjoy a cappuccino at Caffe San’Eustachio, in Piazza San’Eustachio, behind the Pantheon and treat yourself to an espresso or cappuccino. Some consider Caffe San’Eustachio the best café and coffee in all of Rome. It’s pre-sugared so you do not need to add any more. This will give you enough energy to visit all the rooms at the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. The museums were built and furnished over six hundred years so there is a lot of artwork to see. Over 7 ½ miles of hallways are filled with artwork collected from around the world. Sometimes it’s easiest to choose what you like—painting versus sculpture, Renaissance versus Egyptian, etc. What you can’t bypass is the Sistine Chapel, built in 1474 and painting almost entirely by Michaelangelo in the first half of the sixteenth century. Exit the Chapel by the rear right door, which will lead you down a staircase towards the Cathedral.
**My advice is to arrive at the Museums at 2 1/2 hours before the entrance closes (11am in winter, noon or so in summer) that you can (almost) avoid the notorious lines which often circumscribe the Vatican walls—in other words, hours of waiting.
**If any day of your visit falls on a Wednesday, go to Saint Peter’s Square by 9.45 am and watch Pope John Paul II give his weekly service. And then visit the city in the reverse of my suggestions.
Saint Peter’s Cathedral is the largest Catholic church in the world. Well over one hundred years of design and building went into the structure, along with thousands of works of art. If you stay until 5 pm, you will be in time to listen to a vespers mass.
You’ve walked and seen a lot. The afternoon is yours. If you aren’t tired but want to relax, visit the Ghetto and Campo de’ Fiori. The Ghetto is the historic Jewish neighborhood, filled with beautiful medieval and renaissance buildings and located next to the Teatro di Marcello, 1st century BC—the theatre that was the model for the Colosseum. Campo de’ Fiori is a centuries old market place where fruit, meat, fish, vegetables, shoes, clothing and of course flowers are sold from the early morning until 1 pm. After 4.30 pm, Campo is one of the main meeting points for the afternoon drink (aperitif) as cafés perimeter the square. Ideal for unwinding and people watching.
If only one day in Rome, have coffee at Caffe San’Eustachio in the piazza behind the Pantheon and the visit the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. By 11 am, arrive at the Vatican Museums entrance and visit the museums and Sistine Chapel (2 to 3 hours), exiting the far right door towards Saint Peter’s Cathedral. Walk around the Cathedral (1 hour) and head out into the Piazza to catch a cab (you don’t have much time, remember!) to the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Forum. From there, you can walk out of the Campidoglio towards the Trevi Fountain. It should be about 4 pm, just in time to make a wish, walk to Piazza di Spagna, do a little shopping and catch a cab back to the train station, hotel or meeting point.
Eating Rome has hundreds, nay, thousands of excellent restaurants, delicious cafés, pizzerias, and ice cream shops. It’s more important to know what you want to eat and what kind of atmosphere before you go. Outdoors, indoors, traditional, nouvelle cuisine, chic, simple—Rome has it all. The more “traditional” Roman restaurants are in the Trastevere neighborhood, where as the center has some of the best pizza places and some very good Italian restaurants. Little Black Book Rome is an excellent and in depth guidebook to the best restaurants, cafés, and nightspots in Rome.
Advice Avoid carrying anything in your pockets. Wallets, etc, should be well hidden from pickpockets or firmly secured to your belt. Purses should be carried across the chest, with your arm protecting it.
RomeInsight.com offer best tours in and around Rome
Walking Tours
ANCIENT ROME DISCOVERY
Capitoline Hill Roman Forum Colosseum
suitable for children
2 to 3 hours guided walking tour through Rome important archaeological sites.
Start with Capitoline hill for a breath taking panoramic view of the Forum. In the Roman Forum stroll by the Temple of Saturn, visit the Curia, Senate of ancient Rome,. see imposing basilicas, and Caesar’s cremation site. Along the Via Sacra, where legions once marched, see the temple of Vesta, the vestal virgins home, the Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine, and Arch of Titus. The monumental Arch of Constantine introduces ancient Rome most outstanding landmark, the Colosseum, site of spectacular gladiatorial combats and gruesome executions. An in-depth visit of the amphitheatre will be the day’s highlight.
private walking sightseeing tour of archaeological Rome.
Price
1 to 4: € 120,00
additional person: € 30.00
admission to Colosseums: € 10,00
VATICAN DISCOVERY
2 to 3 hours tour through Vatican palaces, the Sistine Chapel, St Peter.
See the Pinecone Courtyard. Visit the Candelabras Gallery with its many sculptures of roman and greek times and the 16th and17th centuries exhibits in the Tapestries Gallery and Geographical Maps Gallery with its spectacular ceiling and wall paintings. See the Sobieski Room with 19th century paintings and the Immaculate Conception hall with imposing frescoed walls. Admire Michelangelo’s monumental masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel: the amazing ceiling with the “Creation” and dramatic “Judgement’s Day” above the altar wall. Enjoy the “Stories of Moses and Christ” by the great masters of 1400, Perugino, Pinturicchio, Botticelli, Ghirlandaio and Rosselli, magnificently decorating the side walls of the Sistine chapel contributing to its unique atmosphere. Visit St Peter’s Vatican basilica and see Michelangelo’s Pieta and Bernini’s spectacular baroque monuments. At the end of your tour see spectacular St Peter’s Square, overlooked by Michelangelo’s imposing dome and embraced by Bernini’s 284 pillars elegant colonnade.
private walking sightseeing tour of Vatican City’s major sights:
Price: 1 to 4: € 120,00
additional person: € 30,00
admissions to Vatican Museums: € 12.00 p.p.
JEWISH ROME
3 hours tour of the Jewish district and of medieval and renaissance Rome most popular areas.
See 1st century BC Teatro Marcello and the ruins of Octavia’s Portico, ancient Rome popular market area and center of Rome Jewish community life. A Jewish community is first recorded in Rome in 139 BC, oldest in Europe. Retrace its development since the time when Jewish traders from Israel first settled in the district of Trastevere to 1555 when they were moved to the area that became Rome Jewish ghetto for 300 years. See narrow alleys and a few dwellings that still tell of the miserable living conditions in the old ghetto. Visit the beautiful 1905 Synagogue and its museums of the Rome Jewish Community. From the old ghetto walk to nearby medieval and renaissance Rome: see the open air market of “Campo de’ Fiori” with picturesque stalls, Palazzo Spada with Borromini’s amazing trompe l’oeil gallery and Piazza Farnese with Michelangelo’s magnificent palace. Stroll along colourful backstreets, lined by antique stores and craftsman workshops, to breathtaking Piazza Navona with Bernini’s fountains, sidewalk artists and outdoor cafés.
Rome Jewish ghetto and private walking sightseeing tour of medieval distict
Price: 1 to 4: € 150,00
additional person: € 30
admission to Rome Jewish Community museum: € 7,50
BAROQUE DISCOVERY
Bernini's "Ecstasy" - St Andrea - St Carlino - Trevi Fountain - Spanish Steps
3 hours tour of baroque Rome covering the eternal city’s historic center.
See Bernini’s St. Teresa’s Ecstasy in Santa Maria della Vittoria, and St. Susanna, Rome American community church, See San Carlino’s with its amazing cloister, visit Bernini’s St Andrea al Quirinale with its magnificent dome, walk by the Quirinale palace, residence of Italy’s President.
See the Barberini palace, home to the National Gallery of Art and Bernini’s Api and Triton fountains. Visit St Andrea delle Fratte and see Bernini’s beautiful Angels. Next to the Spanish Steps and see Rome most exclusive designers and jewellers glittering windows along the Via Condotti, on your way to the Trevi fountain to toss the traditional coin.
private walking sightseeing tour of baroque Rome
Price: 1 to 4: € 150.00
additional person: € 30
Doria Pamphili Gallery – St Luigi dei Francesi - St Agostino - Santa Maria del Popolo
3 hours walking tour through Rome 17th century colourful historical centre with memories of Caravaggio.
See St Ignazio and Andrea Pozzo’s spectacular ceiling frescoes, visit the princely Doria Pamphili family palace and its private gallery with Caravaggio’s “Flight into Egypt” and “Repentant Magdalene” and masterpieces by Velasquez, Raphael, Titian, Bernini. See Piazza della Minerva with Bernini’s charming elephant and Santa Maria sopra Minerva with Lippi’s St Catherine Chapel and Michelangelo’s Christ. Visit the Pantheon, St Louis of France with Caravaggio’s “Stories of St Matthew”, St Agostino with Raphael’s “I Profeti” and Caravaggio’s dramatic “ Madonna of the Pilgrims”.
See Augustus’ mausoleum and the Piazza del Popolo once busy city gate and supposed site of Nero’s tomb. Visit Santa Maria del Popolo with its treasures: Raphael’s Chigi Chapel, Caravaggio “Crucifixion of St Peter” and “Conversion of St Paul”, Bernini’s angels and main altar. Stroll along the Via del Babuino, with its antiques stores end elegant shops, leading to the Spanish Steps and the conclusion of your tour
Price: 1 to 4: € 200,00
additional person: € 30,00
MAGIC OF ANCIENT ROME
Pantheon Capitol Hill Roman Forum Titus Portal Palatine Hill Colosseum
4/5 hours in depth tour through Rome important archaeological sites.
Visit the Pantheon, oldest building of ancient time, see the site of Caesar’s assassination and the old Jewish ghetto, Climb Campidoglio, most sacred of Rome’s seven hills, for a breath taking panoramic view of the Forum. In the Roman Forum walk by the Temple of Saturn and visit the Curia, Senate of ancient Rome. See imposing basilicas, stop by Caesar’s cremation site. Stroll along the Via Sacra, where legions once marched. See the temple of Vesta, the vestal virgins home and the massive ruins of the Basilica of Maxentius and Hadrian’s temple of Venus and Rome. Stop by the Arch of Titus and view its relieves depicting triumphal processions. Climb Palatine hill to its imperial memories. See the Domus Flavia,the Domus Augustana, a huge stadium and Circus Maximus, Visit the Palatine Antiquarium museums with fine exhibits of Roman and Greek art and a plastic model reconstruction of 11th century bc dwellings. Pass by the Arch of Constantine opposite ancient Rome most outstanding landmark, the Colosseum. Enter this amazing site of spectacular gladiators combats and gruesome executions for an extensive visit of both ground and upper structures.
private walking sightseeing tour of archaeological Rome
Price: 1 to 4: € 200,00
additional person: € 50.00
admission to Colosseums: € 10,00
PRICELESS VATICAN TREASURES
Vatican Museums Laocoon Raphaeal' s Stanze Sistine Chapel Saint Peter
4/5 hours tour through the Vatican palaces.
Start your visit with the old masters gallery’s collections: Giotto, Fra’ Angelico, Raphael, Da Vinci, Caravaggio, Perugino, Pinturicchio, Titian and primitive to neoclassic art. Cross the Pinecone courtyard and see masterpieces of Greek art the Apoxemionos, Laocoon, Belvedere Apollo. In the Muses cabinet see the stunning Belvedere Torso and the impressive mosaic floor of the Rotonda. See the Candelabras Gallery with its many sculptures of roman and Greek times. View 16th and 17th centuries exhibits in the Tapestries Gallery and in the Geographical Maps Gallery with its spectacular 450 ft ceiling. In Julius the 2nd’ apartment admire Raphael’s magnificent “School of Athens” mural. Spend time appreciating Michelangelo’s monumental paintings in the Sistine Chapel: the spectacular ceiling with the “Creation” and the gigantic altarpiece with “Judgement’s Day.” View Stories of Moses and Christ by Perugino Pinturicchio Botticelli Ghirlandaio and Rosselli decorating the side walls of the papal chapel. Visit the world largest church, St Peter, seeing Michelangelo’s Pieta and Bernini’s spectacular baroque monuments. See St Peter’s Square, overlooked by Michelangelo’s imposing dome and embraced by Bernini’s elegant 284 pillars colonnade.
private walking sightseeing tour of Vatican City’s major sights:
Price: 1 to 4: € 200,00
additional person: € 30,00
per person admission to Vatican Museums: EURO 12,00
Renaissance Rome – Raphael’s Rome
Pantheon Trastevere Villa Farnesina
3 hours tour through some of the city’s most colourful sections.
Stroll along colorful backstreets lined with craftsman workshops, antiques and curiosities shops and typical “trattorias”. Visit the Pantheon, ancient Rome most famous temple, and see the tomb of Raphael. In St. Augustin, church of bankers and courtesans of renaissance Rome, see Caravaggio’s dramatic “Madonna dei Pellegrini” and Raphael’s “I Profeti” inspired by Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel monumental figures. See the house of Fiammetta, famous courtesan of Borgia’s time, Stroll along the Via dei Coronari, once pilgrims path to St. Peter and today’s Rome antiques center. Visit Pietro da Cortona’s Santa Maria della Pace with Raphael’s “Sybille”. See colourful stalls in Campo de’ Fiori open air market, Michelangelo’s Farnese palace and Via Giulia with patrician renaissance palaces. Cross the Tiber to picturesque Trastevere. Visit Villa Farnesina, splendid residence of renaissance banker and art patron Agostino Chigi, with spectacular frescoes by Peruzzi and Raphael’s magnificent “Triumph of Galatea” and gracious lodge of “Amore and Psyche”. Stroll along Trastevere lively backstreets to Raphael’s and his “Fornarina”’ love’s nest and close by Santa Maria and its splendid medieval mosaics.
Price: 1 to 4: € 150,00
additional person: € 30,00
THE AGE OF BAROQUE
St Ignazio St Ivo alla Sapienza St Luigi dei Francesi St Maria del Popolo
Piazza Navona Spanish Steps
3 hours walking tour through Rome historical centre, and its fascinating baroque masterpieces.
Visit St Ignazio and Andrea Pozzo’s spectacular ceiling, see Borromini’s St Ivo alla Sapienza, and Piazza Navona with its fountains, sidewalk artists, outdoor cafès. Visit St Louis of France for Caravaggio’s St Matthew’s stories and St Agostino with Raphael’s “I Profeti” and Caravaggio’s “Madonna of the Pilgrims”. Stroll by the “Cembalo”, princely palace of the Borghese family with its elegant courtyard, overlooking antiquarian bookstalls in the piazzetta and by mausoleum of Augustus . See Piazza del Popolo, with its once busy city gate and supposed site of Nero’s tomb, visit Santa Maria del Popolo with Raphael’s Chigi Chapel, Caravaggio’s Crucifixion of St Peter and Conversion of St Paul and Bernini’s angels and main altar. A stroll along the Via del Babuino, with its antiques stores and elegant designers showrooms leads to popular Spanish Steps at the end of the your tour.
Private walking tour of baroque Rome outstanding monuments
Price: 1 to 4: € 200,00
additional person: €30,00
PICTURESQUE TRASTEVERE
Jewish areas Tiber Island St Maria in Trastevere Villa Farnesina
discover Rome popular heart .
Stroll along lively backstreets, colourful homes, spacious piazzas, typical trattorias, outdoor cafés, music bars. Listen to people speaking languages from the all over the world. Enjoy a unique bohemians gathering spot. Start with the Jewish ghetto its square and typical streets. See picturesque Tiber Island, and across the river, in the heart of Trastevere, the ancient Jewish section, with the building of a medieval Synagogue. Visit amazing remains of ancient roman residences with beautifully preserved mosaic floors under the early Christian church of St. Cecilia with Piero Cavallini’s early 14th century frescoes. See Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere, and visit its basilica, Rome’s oldest church with priceless works of art: fluted columns from ancient Rome, spectacular gilded ceilings, baroque architectures and magnificent early 14th century mosaics by Piero Cavallini. Stroll along backstreets and see colourful stretched across festoons of hanging laundry. Walk by the home of “Fornarina”, Raphael’s lover, the botanical garden and the impressive palace of the Corsini family. Visit “Villa Farnesina”, amazing residence of renaissance banker Agostino Chigi ,with its “Triumph of Galatea” and “Amore e Psyche” two of Raphael’s most celebrated masterpieces .
Price: 1 to 4: € 150,00
additional person: € 30,00
admission to Jewish Museum: € 7,50
THEME TOURS
tours designed for the discerning traveller significant sites ignored by fast moving run of the mill tours.Basilicas, Rome early Christian churches, ancient Rome monuments, golden mosaics, patrician palaces. Raphael, Caravaggio, Titian, Velasquez, Rubens, Correggio, Bernini, and great masters of the past exibited in Rome impressive galleries.
Art historians and archaeologists will share with you their Rome insight.
HIGHLIGHTS OF ROME
Capitol – Forum – Colosseum – Circus Maximus - Trevi Fountain – Spanish Steps Pantheon - Piazza Navona - Vatican – Sistine Chapel – St Peter
a private chauffeured 7 hours tour of Rome designed for visitors with limited time in the city.
Start with Campidoglio for a breath-taking panoramic view of the Roman Forum. See Victor Emmanuel memorial and the Avenue of the Imperial Fora. Tour the Colosseum, site of gladiatorial combats and gruesome executions, for an extended visit. Via Circus Maximus and ruins of imperial palaces, drive to renaissance and baroque Rome seeing piazzas and fountains. Toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain, see the Spanish Steps and exclusive designers boutiques. Visit the Pantheon, world most ancient standing temple and stroll around Piazza Navona and its fountains, sidewalk artists and outdoor cafés. After a break visit the Vatican. See galleries of ancient Roman and Greek art, 16th century tapestries and spectacular frescoed ceilings. Admire Michelangelo’s breathtaking ceiling and monumental altar piece in the Sistine Chapel. See Botticelli, Perugino, Ghirlandaio’s “Stories of Moses and Christ”. Visit the Basilica of St Peter with Michelangelo’s “Pieta” and Bernini’s magnificent bronze “Baldacchino” and multicoloured marbles. See St Peter square with its 284 columns, the papal residence in the Apostolic Palace, guarded by colourful Swiss Guards.
tour incudes:
transportation by private airclimatized vehicle - English speaking guide lecturer - all admission fees
private guided limousine tour of Rome outstanding monuments
THE GREAT GALLERIES
Borghese Gallery – Palazzo Barberini - Doria Pamphili Gallery Palazzo Spada
7 hours tour visiting Rome important galleries. Start with the National Gallery of Antique Art in the 17th century Palazzo Barberini and see Raphael’s “Fornarina”, Caravaggio’s “Narcisus” and “Judith and Holophernes” and Pietro da Cortona’s magnificent ceiling frescoe. View spectacular decoration and priceless collections in the Borghese Gallery. Masterpieces by Rapahel, Perugino, Botticelli, Correggio, Domenichino, Bellini, Titian, Rubens, and Italian and Flemish masters from the 15th to the 18th centuries. Ancient Roman mosaics and statuary introduce Canova’s sensual “Venus”, portrait of princess Paolina Bonaparte Borghese, Bernini’s “David”, “Apollo and Daphne”, “Pluto and Proserpina”.and Caravaggio’s “Boy with a basket of fruit”, “Bacchino malato”, “David and Goliath”, St Jerome” and dramatic “Palafrenieri Madonna”.Next the Doria Pamphili palace and a great private collection. Velasquez, Titian, Raphael, Flemish masters, Bernini, Algardi and Caravaggio’s “Flight into Egypt” and “Repentant Magdalene”, exhibited in the sumptuous rooms of a princely residence. Visit the Palazzo Spada gallery and see Rubens, Reni, Guercino, Solimena, Orazio and Artemisia Gentileschi paintings exhibited together with original 17th century furniture. and an amazing jewel of baroque architecture, Borromini’s trompe l’oeil gallery.
CRISTIAN ROME
Santa Croce - St John Lateran – Catacombes – St Paul - St Mary Major – St Peter
In the 4th century church of Santa Croce in Jerusalem see splendid mosaic in St Helen's Chapel and relics of the Holy Cross . Next visit St John in Lateran, Rome’s Cathedral. See a Giotto’s rare papal portrait, statues of the apostles and a magnificent 16th century organ. Next visit the Catacombs with memories of countless martyrs. See Three Fountains Abbey site of St Paul’s execution and where over 10,000 Christian legionaries were executed by order of the Emeperor Domitian. See St Paul’s chapel, site of the apostle’s martyrdom.. Close by, visit St Paul’s Basilica with its majestic columns, gilded ceiling, beautiful mosaics, and magnificent cloister. See the tomb of the Apostle below the 14th century high altar and the Easter Candlestick, remarkable example of medieval art. Passing by the city’s ancient walls and the pyramid of Caius Cestius see the Colosseum on your way to St Mary Major with its relics of the Bethlehem’s manger. Across the Tiber visit the Basilica of St Peter, world’s largest church. See Michelangelo’s “Pietà”, Bernini’s ”Baldacchino”, the Papal altar and Michelangelo’s dome. Gilded ceilings and mosaics enhance the tomb of St Peter at the site of his martyrdom.
full day private tour includes:
transportation by airclimatized vehicle - English speaking guide lecturer - admissions fees to Catacombes
price per person:
GREAT ROMAN MOSAICS
St Agnese – St Costanza – St Pudenziana - St Prassede – St Maria in Trastevere
Visit St Agnes, important monument of early Christian Rome. Bold columns with their Corinthian capitals design the 3 naves overlooked by the magnificent 7th century Byzantine mosaic of the apse. Visit a significant monument of paleochristian art, The Mausoleum of St Costanza. Its elegant and bold circular architecture supports a vaulted gallery where 4th century mosaics, the most ancient in Rome, refined and bright, offer the visitor an unique experience. In the paleochristian 4th century church St Pudenziana, site of a probable residence of St Peter, see rich marbles, frescoes, statues, stuccos and the splendid 4th century mosaic in the apse showing the “Blessing Christ with the Apostles”. Visit the Basilica of St Mary Major, and see its magnificent mosaics. On both sides of its central nave, above 40 impressive ionic columns, admire the 5th century tiles with stories of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses and Joshua, exceptional example of early medieval art. See the triumphal arch with mid 5th century mosaics dedicated to the coming and the infancy of Christ, and Jacopo Torriti’s magnificent 13th century apse mosaic depicting “Triumph of Mary”. Following a break in the colourful district of Trastevere, visit Rome oldest church, Santa Maria in Trastevere with its many treasures. Ancient columns, a rare cosmatesque mosaic floor, a gilded ceiling and 12th and 13th century mosaics, including Piero Cavallini’s 6 panels with the “Stories of the Virgin”, Behind the Colosseum visit St Clemente, with its underground levels going back to the 1st century and Nero’s time. In the church upper level see the Chapel of St Catherine” with early renaissance works by Masaccio and Masolino da Panigale and, in the apse, the 11th century mosaic “Triumph of the Cross”. On the site of an early Christian place of worship, visit the 4th century St Prassede and see 11th century mosaics on the triumphal arch and the Chapel of St Zenone with some of the most important Byzantine mosaics in Italy.
Tour includes:
HALF DAY TRIPS FROM ROME
enlightening relaxing half day tours exploring the roman countryside, exciting archaeological sites, picturesque medieval villages, vineyards, spectacular fountains
TIVOLI
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Imperial Hadrian's Villa and The Fountains of the Villa d' Este
suitable for children - some steep paths and stairs climbing involved
Heading east from Rome drive to the ancient hilltop medieval town of Tivoli. Visit Hadrian’s villa, outstanding roman archaeological site, with impressive ruins of emperor Hadrian favourite residence that appear to be rather those of a city than of a villa. Enter through the “Poikile”, reconstruction of a portico in ancient Athens. See the charming monumental “ Marine Theatre”, miniature island surrounded by a moat and beautiful ionic marble columns. Walk past the ruins of great libraries to the Hospitalia, charming guest house with nicely preserved mosaic floors. See the Heliocaminus, amazing thermal bath. Centuries old olive trees line your path to the huge ruins of the imperial palace and the Golden Square with its gardens and nympheus. Next see the Small and Large Baths, with beautifully preserved “calidarium” steam rooms and stucco decorated frigidarium”. Walk to the villa’s spectacular highlight, the “Canopus”, Hadrian’s reproduction of a sacred site in Egyptian city of Canopus. The long fish pond facing the temple recalls the canal connecting the Nile to Alexandria. A short drive takes you to world famous Villa d’Este. Visit the magnificent renaissance home of Cardinal d’Este, 16th century great art patron. See beautifully frescoed rooms in the state apartment and the spectacular park with countless breathtaking fountains, centuries old trees and impressive panoramic views. On the way back to the car, stroll through a picturesque street market with colourful souvenirs stalls.
Tour includes:
chauffeur driven airclimatized limousine transportation - English speaking guide lecturer - admissions
price per person
2
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175
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109
85
OSTIA ANTICA
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Ostia Antica is a beautifully preserved example of an ancient city. Founded in the 4th century B.C., grew to become the empire prominent port. Shaded by pine trees and evergreens, see remains of temples, thermal baths, fishmongers, taverns, apartment blocks. Step on the ancient paving of the city main street lined by warehouses and store premises. See beautifully preserved mosaics in the Baths of Neptune. Visit the market square overlooked by the 2nd century theatre and see the sites of merchants premises with interesting store front mosaics. See the huge thermal baths with amazing examples of ancient hydraulic engineering and be amused by a nicely preserved public latrine and its efficient plumbing. See the city’s Forum and its temples, basilica and city hall. Climb to the top of a residential block and enjoy a roof top view of the city center. See a tavern with original counter, benches and outdoor garden and stroll along side streets visiting the interior of a bakery with original mill stones and ovens. Visiting the small archaeological museum, whith sculptures, mosaics and ornaments you will grasp the lifestyle of Ostia Antica’s inhabitants.
tour includes: chauffeur driven airclimatized transportation - English speaking guide lecturer - admissions
price per person
ROMAN CASTLES
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Frascati Castel Gandolfo Papal Summer Residence Nemi Vineyards and Lakes
an half day relaxing scenic tour to the roman hills, the lake district, the Papal summer residence and charming hilltops medieval villages.
suitable for children
Drive along part of the Ancient Appian Way as we pass catacombs, patrician tombs and ruins of emperors’ villas. See contemporary residences of famous movie stars, typical umbrella pine trees and arches of ancient aqueducts . Climb vine-covered hills, to the old world atmosphere of medieval villages. Visit Nemi with its lake and a most picturesque prosciutto and sausage shop, delight of gourmands and photographers alike. See Marino with its wine fountain and visit the 11th century Abbey of St Nilo at Grottaferrata. See the Pope’s summer residence at Castel Gandolfo overlooking Lake Albano. Drive to Frascati and enjoy a breath-taking panoramic view of Rome, perhaps while tasting a glass of its world famous wine.
tour includes:
chauffeur driven air-climatized limousine transportation - English speaking guide lecturer
price per person
2
3
4 to 6
7 to 14
159
105
89
FULL DAY TRIPS FROM ROME
explore ever changing beautiful Italian landscapes and the many facets of Italy’s lively countryside. Green Umbria with mistic Assisi with its amazing medieval aspect and it franciscan memories. Tuscany with its hilltop towns, vineyards and its open air museum, Florence, cradle of the Renaissance. The bay of Naples with Italy’s most musical city, smokecapped Vesuvius, blue Mediterranean waters and the marvels of ancient Pompei
ASSISI
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suitable for children - some steep backstreets in the historical center
A Franciscan experience. A drive through the green dales and hills of beautiful Umbria.
Medieval hilltop towns, Todi, Deruta and its colourful chinaware, Perugia, Trevi, Spoleto, Charleston sister city, with its 2 Worlds festival, and the many villages of Italy’s greenest region. Everywhere one feels St Francis misticism. Assisi medieval steep, narrow, cobble-stoned streets lead to the impressive St Francis basilica. Giotto and Simone Martini’s incredibly beautiful frescoes with St Francis stories introduce visitors to the saint’s humble tomb, in the basilica’s crypt. At St Claire, St Damian, Porziuncola visitors retrace Francis of Assisi’s path to holiness.
tour includes:
transportation by airclimatized vehicle - English speaking driver -English speaking guide in Assisi - entries
price per person
2
3
4 to 6
7 to 14
275
205
150
125
Private Full Day Excursions from Rome
NAPLES & POMPEI
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Heading south a scenic drive through vineyards, Apennines hills, old villages, seeing the medieval Abbey of Montecassino, gets you to Naples, pearl of the Mediterranean, overlooked by smoke-capped Vesuvius. Drive to Mergellina where fisherman sell their morning catch, and along the seafront promenade see glamorous hotels, club houses and the fountain and harbour of St Lucia, inspiration of world famous melody. See the harmonious architecture of Royal Palace square, and the San Carlo Opera House, with its Caruso memories. Drive past mighty Maschio Angioino, and see cruise ships, huge cargoes and massive air carriers in the busy harbour. Drive along the bustling commercial streets of the colourful old city and join the coastal highway to Pompei. Once a thriving city, this exciting ancient times playground was devastated by Vesuvius eruption in 79 AD when 30 ft of volcanic ashes and lava buried it underground. Ironically one of the ancient world major disasters preserved time in Pompei where present times visitors experience life as it was lived in 79 AD. Enjoy a breath-taking look through the centuries as you step back into antiquity. See the Forum surrounded by imposing temples and gorgeous residences and begin to grasp the lifestyle of the inhabitants. See theatres, villas, shops, public baths where people relaxed and socialized and even plaster cast of some residents in their last moments. Admire countless wall paintings in wealthy patrician mansions and be amused by some naughty inscriptions. See pavements on both sides of streets and stepping stones ensuring pedestrians safety at intersections.
tour includes:
airclimatized vehicle transportation - English speaking driver - English speaking guide in Pompei
Naples orientation drive - admission fees - driver’s lunch
price per person
2
3
4 to 6
7 to 14
279
210
169
135
GEMS OF TUSCANY
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The Maremma - Montalcino - Pienza - Montepulciano - Orvieto
Heading north along Mediterranean landscapes, and through rolling hills of the Maremma see Grosseto, the Ombrone valley and colourful hilltowns on your way to Montalcino the city of Brunello, Italy most renowned wine. Climb gentle vine covered slopes leading to the town center. See the Abbey of St Antimo founded by Charlemagne. Stroll along quaint back streets and from the medieval fortress enjoy views of the Apennines and of peaceful countryside. Visit the Barbi winery and its cellars, home to a great “Brunello di Montalcino” label and sample different vintages. Next to Pienza, unique example of Renaissance ideals. See the Piccolomini palace and gardens with great views of the Amiata mountain range, and the splendid cathedral. Try the local tasty “pecorino” cheese. Next Montepulciano with steep backstreets, the Piazza Grande, renaissance palaces, panoramic views and old world cafés, home to the “Vino Nobile di Montepulciano” a wine lovers experience. Try some at a local winery together with some tasty Tuscan snacks. Orvieto and its great cathedral a glory of Italian early renaissance architecture. See Fra Angelico and Luca Signorelli dramatic “Judgement Day” wall painting, possible inspiration to Michelangelo’s spectacular Sistine Chapel altar piece.
tour includes:
air-climatized transportation - English speaking tour guide - winery visits and wine tasting - admissions
price per person
2
3
4 to6
7 to 14
395
265
209
147
FLORENCE
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Hilltop Towns Michelangelo's David Duomo Golden Gates Old Bridge
suitable for children
group size: the size of your party
Heading north along Italy’s principal highway drive to Florence cradle of the Italian renaissance, home to poets, artists, bankers, explorers. Drive through Umbria and Tuscany’s gentle countryside, bypassing Orvieto, Lake Trasimeno, colourful hilltop villages, vineyards and rolling hills. Enter Florence from Michelangelo’s Square. Enjoy a unique panoramic view of the city situated on both banks of the Arno river and against a spectacular amphitheatre of Appenine hills. See the city’s major sights: Giotto’s belltower, the beautiful white and green marble Cathedral, the Baptistery with it “golden” doors, the Signoria Squre and Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio with glittering jewellers’ windows. Visit the Accademia Gallery of Fine Arts and admire Michelangelo’s David. Ample time to stroll along colorful backstreets lined with typical “trattoria” leather, linen and silversmith work shops before heading back to Rome.
tour includes: air-conditioned transportation - English speaking driver -English speaking guide in Florence
advance reservations for the Academy of Fine Arts - admission fees - driver’s lunch
private full day guided limousine excursion to Florence
price per person
2
3
4 to6
7 to 14
329
245
215
165
THE AMALFI DRIVE
Naples - Vesuvius - Sorrento - Positano - Amalfi . Ravello
Heading south passing vineyards, Apennines hills, old world villages, the medieval Abbey of Montecassino reach Naples for an orientation drive. See the waterfront promenade and Santa Lucia Fountain, inspiration to world famous melody, the Royal Palace, San Carlo Opera House, mighty Maschio Angioino castle and the busy harbour. Via the coastal highway past Vesuvius and Pompei drive towards Sorrento seeing dolomitic cliffs towering straight up out of the sea and the typical villages of the Bay of Naples. Sorrento affords stunning views of its marina and of the Bay of Naples. Take a stroll around the main square and colourful back streets lined with shops showing typical inlaid wood handicrafts. Rocky inlets, cliff-hanging villas, terraced gardens and the Amalfi drive seems fantasy more than reality. Positano where a picture postcard comes to life with whitewashed and pastel houses tumbling down the cliffs to a beach dotted with brightly painted fishing boats. An art colony, long attracting sophisticated world travellers. Time to explore elegant designer boutiques or to enjoy a “limoncello” at a beach front cafè. At the mouth of a gorge find Amalfi a picturesque seaside resort, once great seafaring republic rival of Venice and Genoa. Through colourful backstreets reach the cathedral square with the imposing 13th century Duomo with its beautiful black and white marble façade. On to romantic Ravello hideout of poets and musicians and present home of American writer Gore Vidal. See beautiful villas and gardens and enjoy superb view of the Bays of Naples and Salerno.
tour includes:
air-conditioned transportation - English speaking driver - English speaking guide in the Bay of Naples area
private guided day trip to the Amalfi Drive
price per person
2
3
4 to 6
7 to 14
370
285
225
155
ELITE PRIVATE SHORE EXCURSIONS
LIVORNO CIVITAVECCHIA NAPLES
Florence and Pisa Roman Panorama Pompei Sorrento Positano
Siena San Gimignano Roman Promenade Pompei
Siena Volterra Vatican Treasures Bay of Naples Amalfi Drive
Rome Insight offer at competitive price elite cruise terminal private trips
Rome Insight prices are considerably lower than those offered at ship’s excursion desks for private excursions and are even competitive with those offered on the ship for group bus tours. Conducted in English, Rome Insight shore excursions, operated by sedans and minibuses, enjoy unrestricted access to city centres, where tour buses are not permitted, carrying passengers directly to monuments and sites. No tiring uncomfortable walks from and to distant parking places. In addition, Rome Insight qualified English speaking guides and pre-bookings at museums and galleries ensure admission ahead of time consuming ticket lines.
from the “New York Times” February 20 2005:
cruise lines “offer expensive shore excursions at prices that routinely reach several hundred dollars” Quoting “Econoguide cruises 2005” guidebook, the New York Times continues: “one of the best ways to save is by arranging your own shore excursions” and “in almost every situation whatever the cruise line is offering through the excursion desk you can improve on by making your own arrangements and you can do it for less money” it “can be downright cheap if you are splitting the cost among several people” with “more flexibility than a group tour”.
FLORENCE PISA
Uffizi - Michelangelo’s David - Giotto’s Campanile - Ponte Vecchio
Leaning Tower
A day tour combining a visit to Florence and to the university town of Pisa for a brief stop by the world famous Leaning Tower. Heading east the scenic drive to Florence takes just over an hour. Arriving in Florence, magnificently located on the Arno river, against an amphitheatre of the Apennines hills, a short pause is made at Piazzale Michelangelo for a spectacular view of Florence and its surrounding countryside. See 14th century Ponte Vecchio and its glittering jewellers’ windows, Visit the Uffizi Gallery with its priceless treasures Giotto, Botticelli, Raphael, Da Vinci, Michelangelo. Pause by nearby Palazzo Vecchio, and see Cellini’s dramatic “Perseus” under “the Loggia dei Lanzi” a unique open air museum. A short drive to the Accademia Gallery home to Michelangelo’s David where a brief visit will focus on Michelangelo’s works. See the spectacular Piazza del Duomo with the early 15th century cathedral, with its beautiful green and white marble exterior, stunning dome and Giotto’s bell tower. Facing the cathedral the Baptistery with its magnificent “Gates of Paradise” and golden mosaics. Some free time for shopping may be allocated.
Using limited capacity vehicles and advance booking at galleries and museums, long walks and time consuming waiting lines are avoided
tour includes:
private chauffeur driven airconditioned transport - tour guide on route -English speaking guide in Florence
admission fees at Uffizi and Accademia galleries - advance booking at Uffizi and Accademia Gallery
private full day excursion to Florence and Pisa from Livorno cruise terminal
price per person:
2
3
4 to 6
7 to 14
415
289
235
159
SIENA and SAN GIMIGNANO
private tour designed for visitors who being already familiar with the famous attractions and beauties of Florence and Pisa wish to take in more of Tuscany
group size: the size of your party
Heading east through rolling hills and medieval towns drive to San Gimignano, charming medieval “Town of the fine Towers” so called because of its many majestic towers. Time for a leisurely exploration of this picturesque village. Through gentle countryside clustered with vineyards drive on to the center of the Chianti region and Tuscany’s showpiece: beautiful walled–in Siena. See gothic palaces, glorious churches, medieval gates as your local guides walks you along the steep narrow streets of this medieval jewel to the city’s highlights. Visit beautiful San Domenico, See the Town Hall with its elegant tower punctuating the shell shaped “Piazza del Campo” where the famous “Palio” horse race is held twice a year. Visit the dramatic black and white marble Cathedral and admire its intriguing floor and Pinturicchio’s frescoes in the Piccolomini Library. Grasp the city unique atmosphere strolling along picturesque backstreets, tempting delicatessen and sweet smelling trattorias.
tour includes:
chauffeur driven air-conditioned transportation - English speaking tour guiding on route
English speaking guide lecturer in Siena - admission fees to the Piccolomini Library
private full day shore excursion to Siena and San Gimignano from Livorno cruise terminal
price per person:
2
3
4 to 6
7 to 14
335
235
195
149
SIENA and VOLTERRA
private tour designed for visitors who being already familiar with the famous attractions and beauties of Florence and Pisa wish to take in more of Tuscany
group size: the size of your party
Heading east through landscapes adorned with cypresses, olive groves, vineyards, farmhouses Drive to the center of the Chianti country to Tuscany’s showpiece: beautiful walled-in Siena. See the gothic palaces, glorious churches, medieval gates of this Italian jewel as your local guide walks you through steep narrow streets to the city’s highlights. Visit beautiful San Domenico, see the elegant tower of the Town Hall punctuating the shell shaped “Piazza del Campo” where the famous “Palio” horse race is held twice a year. Visit the dramatic black and white marble Cathedral and admire the intriguing floor and Pinturicchio’s frescoes in the Piccolomini Library. Enjoy the city atmosphere strolling along picturesque backstreets, tempting delicatessen and sweet smelling trattorias. Experience the charm of rural Tuscany as heading west you drive to Volterra set on a high rocky plateau offering uninterrupted views over the surrounding hills. Admire the Piazza dei Priori with its towers and palaces. See the Cathedral, the Baptistery and the ruins of the 1st century Roman Theatre that could seat 2000 people. Time permitting shop for Etruscan and locally crafted alabaster artefacts.
tour includes:
chauffeur driven air-conditioned transportation - English speaking guiding on route
English speaking guide lecturer in Siena - admission fees to the Piccolomini Library
private full day shore excursion to Siena and Volterra from Livorno cruise terminal
price per person:
2
3
4 to 6
7 to 14
335
235
195
149
ROMAN PANORAMA
Ancient Rome – Colosseum – Forum - Vatican - Sistine Chapel
St Peter – Spanish Steps -Trevi Fountain – Piazza Navona
Heading south passing coastal villages and rural landscapes drive to Capitol hill and a fascinating panoramic view of the Roman Forum, as an introduction to the Eternal City. See Victor Emmanuel Memorial and the Avenue of the Imperial Fora. Visit the Colosseum, continue to Circus Maximus and views of imperial palaces ruins. Toss a coin in the Trevi fountain, see designers showrooms by the Spanish Steps and visit the Pantheon. See Bernini’s fountains, sidewalk artists, and outdoor cafés in the Piazza Navona. Following a break visit the Vatican Museums. Stunning works of art in the Candelabras, Tapestries and Map galleries introduce Michelangelo’s breath-taking ceiling and altar piece in the Sistine Chapel. Enter the Basilica of St Peter. See Michelangelo’s moving “Pieta” and Bernini’s bronze “Baldacchino” overlooking the papal altar. See St Peter’s Square with its 284 Bernini’s columns, the Papal palace and the colourful Swiss Guards. Time to start on the return journey back to the cruise terminal reached around 6.00 p.m. dress code at the Vatican: no shorts no uncovered knees and bare tops
tour includes:
air conditioned transportation - English speaking guide lecturer - all admission fees
price per person:
2
3
4 to 6
7 to 14
385
269
219
ROME INDIPENDENT DISCOVERY
a private independent exploration of the eternal city
private shore excursion from Civitavecchia - 10 hours go as you please use of chauffeur driven vehicle
Rome, the city that many dream of seeing but not of enduring an in-depth day long sightseeing of its many monuments and venues, favouring instead a leisurely glimpse of one of the world’s most historical metropolitan areas. Here is an ideal opportunity to privately enjoy a small taste of Rome. Heading south along a coastal highway with pleasant views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, drive through the ancient 3rd century ancient city walls and begin to explore. Your English speaking driver familiar with Rome monumental sites is there to help. He will get you to piazzas, fountains, churches and ancient monuments. Perhaps Colosseum, Forum, Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and those picturesque back-streets to catch the city spirit. You set your own pace and decide what to see, where to go, how long to stay. Sightseeing, picture taking, shopping? Do as you please and enjoy your 10 hours indipendent experience
tour includes:
10 hours use of air-climatized latest model vehicle - English speaking driver
(Please note that drivers can not act as guides) - no guided visits to monuments interior
price per person:
2
3
4 to 6
7 to 14
205
145
115
75
VATICAN TREASURES
Vatican Museums – Sistine Chapel – St Peter - Raphael - Michelangelo
private shore excursion to Vatican highlights and Rome orientation drive
Following your journey into the city a short orientation will take you past the ancient city walls, the Colosseum, Circus Maximus, and Piazza Venezia to the Spanish Steps area, heart of the city’s trendy commercial center . Armed with maps and direction from your driver time on your own, approximately 2 hours, to explore the city. At the appointed time return to the meeting point and drive to the Vatican for your tour of the priceless collections. Your private guide will take through the many galleries of the Vatican Museums. See ancient sculptures in the Candelabra gallery, amazing 16th century tapestries designed by Raphael’s and his workshop, the glittering Gallery of Maps with its 450 ft long spectacular ceiling. Enjoy Raphael’s masterpieces , including renowned “School of Athens”. Next Michelangelo’s majestic “Creation” in the Sistine Chapel ceiling and its dramatic “Judgement Day” altar piece.Visit St Peter largest world church with its precious art works including Bernini’s spectacular bronze “Baldacchino” and Michelangelo’s moving “Pietà”. At the end of a meaningful experience rejoin your driver for the drive back to the ship.
tour includes:
chauffeur driven air-climatized private transport - Rome unguided orientation drive
English speaking guide lecturer at the Vatican - admission fees to the Vatican Museums
price per person:
2
3
4 to 6
7 to 14
259 179 140 79
BAY OF NAPLES HIGHLIGHTS
Pompei Sorrento Positano
A tour combining an overview of the spectacular Amalfi Coast and it colourful resorts with Pompei, world most important archaeological site. With private limited capacity vehicles access Positano where tour buses are not permitted and see in the same day the most important highlights of the Bay of Naples. Heading south along a coastal highway drive to ancient Pompei. In this ancient playground devastated by Vesuvius eruption when 30 feet of volcanic ashes and lava covered the city time was somewhat preserved and present day visitors experience life as it was lived in 79 AD. See the Forum, temples, porticos. gorgeous residences of wealthy patricians, beautifully preserved wall paintings and inscriptions. See the raised pavements on both sides of streets and stepping stones ensuring safe crossing at intersections. Next stop is romantic Sorrento, perched on cliffs towering straight out of the sea. From Sorrento enjoy stunning views of the Bay of Naples. Stroll along colourful back streets lined with shops showing beautiful inlaid wood articles. On along the Amalfi coast to Positano, a live picture postcard with vine-covered stairways and back streets tumbling down to the beach dotted with brightly coloured fishing boats. Time to explore this elegant art colony resort with its designer boutiques and waterfront cafés.
tour includes:
private air-conditioned transport - English speaking guide - admission fees to Pompei excavations
private full day shore excursion to Pompei Sorrento Positano from Naples cruise terminal
price per person:
2
3
4 to 6
7 to 14
295
199
175
115
RUINS OF POMPEI
private half day shore excursion to Pomapei from Naples cruise terminal
Heading south along the coastal highway with distant views of Vesuvius and of the Bay of Naples drive to ancient Pompei the world most fascinating archaeological site. Once a thriving city this exciting ancient times playground was devastated by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD when 30 feet of volcanic ashes and lava buried it underground. Ironically one of the ancient world major disasters preserved time in Pompei where present time visitors experiences life as it was lived in 79AD. Enjoy a breathtaking look through the centuries as you step back into antiquity. See the Forum, heart of the ancient city, surrounded by imposing temples and gorgeous residences. Begin to grasp the lifestyle of the inhabitants. See theatres, villas, shops, commercial districts, public baths or thermae where people relaxed and socialized and see even plaster casts of some city residents in their last moments. Admire countless wall paintings decorating wealthy patrician mansions and be amused by some curious naughty inscriptions. See the streets with pavements on both side and the stepping stones that ensured pedestrians safe crossing at intersections. Time may be allocated to visit a cameo carvers workshop where local artisans can be seen at work in their centuries old tradition.
tour includes:
air-conditioned transportation - English speaking guide lecturer - admission fees to Pompei excavations
private half day shore excursion to Pompei from Naples cruise terminal
price per person:
2
3
4 to 6
7 to 14
189
135
115
75