The Grandeur of Rome

SEVEN NIGHT HOLIDAYS | 27 MARCH & 6 NOVEMBER 2023

The 3rd century AD saw Rome at its Imperial peak, a densely populated city spreading out over its seven hills, a testament to the power and wealth of the vast Roman Empire. Many of the glorious buildings and sites survive today but added to these are the great architectural and artistic achievements of the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Our tour has been planned to show you the very best from its treasure trove, spanning more than two thousand years.

the itinerary

We fly to Rome and transfer to one of our favourite hotels, the 4* Hotel Capo d’Africa, located close to the Colosseum.

We start our visit at the Pantheon, the best preserved building of ancient Rome, and then go to the Church of San Luigi dei Francesi where we see ‘The Life of St. Matthew’ by Caravaggio. There will be some free time to enjoy the delights of the Piazza Navona and in the afternoon we will go to the Campo de’Fiori, admire the exterior of the Palazzo Farnese and see theTheatre of Marcellus and the Piazza del Campidoglio. Our day ends at the Capitoline Museum.

We start at the Ara Pacis – Augustus’s Altar of Peace - and then visit Santa Maria del Popolo with works by Caravaggio and Raphael. In the afternoon we go to the Villa Borghese with its superb picture collection and then to Santa Maria della Vittoria with its masterpiece by Bernini.

Trajan’s Markets, created by the Emperor in the 2nd century AD, the Forum dotted with temples, triumphal arches and basilicas, and the beautiful Palatine Hill and the Colosseum make up our programme this morning. This afternoon is devoted to three of the most ancient and important churches in Rome where the entire history of the city comes to life – San Clemente, Santa Costanza with its 4th century mosaics, and Sant’Agnese.

We spend the day in Tivoli where we visit Hadrian’s Villa and the fabled and fanciful gardens of the Villa d’Este.

The morning is spent at the Galleria Doria Pamphili, one of the greatest art collections still in private hands. The afternoon is spent exploring the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.

We begin at Bramante’s Tempietto, cool and serene on the Janiculum Hill with its wonderful view over Rome. Raphael’s glorious and colourful frescoes in the Villa Farnesina, Santa Maria in Trastevere and a walk through the lively Trastevere district complete the morning. Our last visit will be to the Baths of Caracalla, Rome’s second-largest public baths built between 212 – 217 AD.

Some free time this morning before we depart for the airport and the flight back to London.

the hotel

Roman Forum

Located just five minutes’ walk from the Colosseum and close to the Forum, the Capo d’Africa is truly in the heart of ancient Rome. All 65 bedrooms in this restored 19th century townhouse are furnished with great taste in a very comfortable contemporary style. In the lobby, the attractive bar serves drinks and light snacks throughout the day, whilst a full buffet breakfast is available in the breakfast room on the third floor where you will also find a large summer terrace and solarium. There are several cafés and restaurants in the immediate vicinity.

Capo d’Africa

TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES

DATE PRICE SINGLE SUPP 27 March 6 November £2,795 £498

Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown.

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flights with British Airways: March departure: Depart Heathrow at 12.20, arrive Rome at 15.55 Depart Rome at 15.10, arrive Heathrow at 16.55 November departure: Depart Heathrow 12.45, arrive Rome 16.20 Depart Rome 17.15, arrive Heathrow 19.00 Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return flights • Seven nights’ accommodation with breakfast • Four dinners and one lunch • All sightseeing, entrances fees and gratuities • The services of a Kirker Tour Lecturer