Inside Rome (with a Connoisseur)

Embark on an exploration of ancient Rome today. Enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the Roman old town from Capitoline Hill, the city's highest point. With your tour guide, delve into the history of the Roman Republic and Imperial period at the Roman Forum. Continue to the lesser-known side of the hill to discover ancient temples, harbors, and the Circus Maximus, an ancient Roman racecourse.

Travel along the ancient road 'Via Ostiense' to visit the early Christian basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. Take a short break before hopping on a suburban train to Ostia Antica, the sprawling ancient seaport city. Here, you'll get a glimpse of ancient Roman everyday life, exploring trading places, warehouses, thermal baths, theaters, and more. You may choose to continue to the seaside by train to end your day.

The theme of the day is 'Science versus the Doctrine of Faith'. Visit the seat of the Papal University of Sapienza and encounter sites of the Inquisition and the trial of Galileo Galilei. Afterwards, explore the Risorgimento Museum, which brings the end of the Papal States to life. Enjoy a free afternoon strolling through the old town and taking a Roman siesta. As evening falls, join your tour guide for a stroll through the famous squares of the old town, learning about the life stories of famous Roman women.

Start your day in Piazza del Popolo and enter the city through Porta del Popolo. Here on the ancient Campo Marzio, in the former artists' and tourists' quarter at the foot of the Spanish Steps, you'll encounter studio and memorial houses as well as imposing buildings of antiquity. Conclude your visit to Rome in the eight-hectare Villa Medici gardens, offering a panoramic view of the old Roman city. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner one last time at your monastery hotel.