Christmas in Rome

Check-in and settle in. At 4:30 p.m., we gather in the meeting room for an Orientation session. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Breakfasts will be buffets. Other included meals will be plated and served from a set menu unless indicated otherwise; water is included, other beverages will be available for purchase. Evenings at leisure offer opportunities to make the program more meaningful and memorable through personal independent exploration, attending performances or other events, or simply relaxing and making new friends among fellow participants. The Group Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions. Transportation will be provided primarily by motorcoach and vans. Periods in the schedule designated as "Free time" and "At leisure" offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times might change due to local circumstances/conditions. We will alert you as quickly as possible in the event of changes. Thank you for being so understanding. Next, we will join our Group Leader in a welcome cocktail (or fruit juice).

At a local restaurant.

At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

At the hotel.

We board a bus or vans to take us to Piazza del Colosseo, where we will be joined by our local expert, who will captivate our imagination as we envision the now-ruined buildings. Our field trip will then proceed to the Colosseum, where intriguing anecdotes about Roman entertainment from centuries past will be shared. Constructed in 80 CE and officially named the Flavian Amphitheater, the Colosseum stood as the grandest structure in the Roman Empire. Spanning an impressive 620 by 513 feet, it had a seating capacity of over 50,000 spectators. The methods employed to create the numerous wonders within its walls continue to mystify architects and researchers today. Throughout history and even in contemporary popular culture, it has become an iconic symbol of gladiatorial combat and the tragic fate endured by countless enslaved people, prisoners of war, condemned criminals, and animals from across the empire. Those with the energy and stamina are welcome to climb the 10-foot-high steps to reach the upper level. Kindly note that we may encounter crowded conditions during our visit.

At a local restaurant.

After our lunch, we will walk to the Church of Saints Cosma and Damiano, a hidden gem tucked away amidst the bustling streets of Rome, which is a testament to the city's rich history and artistic heritage. Inside the church, visitors are treated to awe-inspiring mosaics that adorn the apse, dating back to the 6th century. These intricate mosaics depict scenes from the lives of Saints Cosma and Damiano, showcasing a mesmerizing blend of colors. During Christmas, the Church of Saints Cosma and Damiano takes on an even more enchanting allure as it celebrates the Nativity. The church comes alive with festive decorations and a stunning Nativity scene that captures the essence of the holiday spirit. The Nativity scene, crafted with meticulous care, serves as a powerful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas, inviting visitors to reflect on the story of the birth of Jesus. We will return to our hotel by taxi. After a short break, we will convene in the hotel's designated meeting room to be joined by a local history professor whose expertise will guide us in unraveling the intricate layers of Roman history. This engaging session will be an introduction, setting the stage for our upcoming explorations and deepening our understanding of this remarkable city's past. We will walk to a renowned culinary school and cooking experience provider in the heart of Rome, where we will learn how to make a typical Italian dish and dessert. Our passionate and experienced chef provides a hands-on, immersive, and enjoyable way to teach us how to make an authentic Italian dish and dessert.

At the cooking school.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

We will gather in the meeting room, where an esteemed art historian will join us. Their expertise will be invaluable as they offer insightful background information on the artistic treasures housed within the Vatican Museums, serving as an excellent preparation for our upcoming field trip. After a short break, we board a bus or vans that will drop us at our restaurant near the Vatican Museums.

At a local restaurant.

Accompanied by a knowledgeable museum docent, we will explore some of the extensive collections of the Vatican Museums, comprising 70 galleries brimming with masterpieces of painting, sculpture, and various artistic works amassed over centuries. It is important to note that unforeseen closures of specific galleries may occur; however, our docent will optimize our time by focusing on the most significant and accessible works. Continuing our enriching experience, we will proceed to the renowned Sistine Chapel, an architectural marvel renowned worldwide. Within its sacred walls, Michelangelo's awe-inspiring frescoes depicting scenes from the book of Genesis on the ceiling, as well as the Last Judgment behind the main altar, await our admiration. Descending through a hidden back staircase, expertly guided by our docent, we will arrive at the majestic Basilica of St. Peter. We will behold Michelangelo's renowned early masterpiece, the Pietà—the only artwork he ever signed within a side chapel, now protected by glass. Above the altar stands Bernini's colossal bronze canopy, known as the baldacchino, soaring more than 100 feet in height. Stepping out onto the grand front porch, we will marvel at Bernini's magnificent colonnade, symbolizing the embracing arms of the Church. Our expert guide will provide fascinating insights throughout our journey, allowing us to appreciate the artistic and architectural wonders that grace the Vatican's esteemed grounds. We will board a bus back to our hotel following our visit. Kindly note that the significant volume of visitors may present difficulties in obtaining an unobstructed view of the most renowned works; anticipate encountering crowded conditions during our visit.

At a local restaurant.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

Embarking on a walking field trip conducted by a local expert to explore three iconic landmarks nestled in the heart of Rome: Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, and the magnificent Baroque Trevi Fountain. Our first destination is the Pantheon, a remarkable testament to ancient Rome's architectural prowess and the best-preserved monument of its kind. While historical accounts credit Emperor Hadrian for its commission in 118-125 CE, recent studies propose an earlier origin. The Pantheon's design achievements and original purpose continue to bewilder archaeologists, architects, and historians. Stepping inside, we will see the play of natural light through the ceiling's oculus, illuminating the niches along the interior perimeter. Continuing our journey, we will find ourselves at the Fontana di Trevi, a grand masterpiece and the largest fountain in Rome, completed in 1743. This magnificent structure replaced previous versions that marked the terminus of one of the city's aqueducts. Our final stop will be the vibrant Piazza Navona, which holds an amazing history. This long oval piazza has since evolved into the quintessential Baroque setting, initially built by Emperor Domitian between 81-96 CE as a venue for track and field games. The buildings lining the perimeter mimic the footprint of ancient bleachers. Within this lively square, artists and performers bring life to its charming atmosphere. We will encounter Gian Lorenzo Bernini's awe-inspiring Fountain of the Four Rivers at its center and admire Francesco Borromini's architectural masterpiece, the church of St. Agnes, on the west side. Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that there is a possibility of encountering crowded conditions during our visits.

At a local restaurant.

Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. You can also consult your list of suggested restaurants in your program materials.

We will board a bus or vans from the hotel to a local church for an opera concert. Immerse yourself in the heartwarming melodies and tunes that fill the air during these extraordinary concerts, evoking the spirit of Christmas in the historic city. With talented musicians and skilled vocalists showcasing a repertoire of timeless classics and cherished carols, the Christmas concerts offer a unique opportunity to revel in the holiday spirit while surrounded by the city's iconic landmarks. Feel free to consider attending a Midnight Mass on your own (this is not a group activity) at nearby churches within walking distance of the hotel. The Group Leader will provide you with details regarding the service times at the churches in the vicinity. Moreover, if you are interested in experiencing the Mass at St. Peter's Basilica, you can enjoy it on jumbo screens set up in St. Peter's Square. This event is free and open to the public, drawing thousands of attendees. While tickets for standing inside the Basilica or on chairs in St. Peter's Square are free, they can be quite challenging to obtain. Contact your local parish for assistance, or visit www.vatican.va for more information.

At the hotel.

Buon Natale! For those interested, we have some time this morning to attend a Christmas service at a local church. We will board a bus or vans and head to a gate of the Jewish Quarter. Our Group Leader will guide us through the historic Jewish Ghetto, which existed from the 16th to 19th centuries. Although Rome had a Jewish population before the Diaspora, the Ghetto was established by the pope in 1555 during the Catholic Counter-Reformation. Spanning a mere seven acres and confined within a wall, all Jews were compelled to reside in the Tiber River's flood zone, with many of their rights and privileges stripped away. This situation persisted until Italy's unification under a secular government in 1870, which saw the restoration of their citizenship. Today, the neighborhood exudes vibrancy and liveliness. Apart from the fascinating Jewish Museum of Rome and the magnificent Great Synagogue, visitors can explore excellent restaurants that serve traditional Roman Jewish cuisine.

At a local restaurant.

Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

At a local restaurant.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

In the hotel conference room, the Group Leader will conduct a lecture on Christmas and holiday traditions, illuminating the unique customs and enchanting rituals that make the festive season in Italy genuinely magical. From the cherished traditions of Christmas Eve dinners and the importance of family gatherings to the lively festivities of La Befana, we will enrich our understanding of the holiday season. Our first destination of the day will be the renowned Galleria Borghese, an opulent palace that once served as the private pleasure and reception residence of Cardinal Scipio Borghese (1577-1633), a notable art collector, patron of the young Bernini and nephew of Pope Paul V. Accompanied by a local expert, we will enter the gallery at our scheduled time to embark on an enlightening exploration. Within the gallery's walls, we will encounter an impressive array of significant artworks, including paintings by masters such as Caravaggio, Raphael, Botticelli, and Titian. However, the collection's true highlight lies in Bernini's emotionally charged sculptures, which eloquently capture the essence of the Baroque era. After our visit, we will make our way to the designated bus pick-up point, concluding our field trip and heading into the centro storico. Kindly note that the significant volume of visitors may present difficulties in obtaining an unobstructed view of the most renowned works; anticipate encountering crowded conditions during our visit.

On your own to sample the local fare.

Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

On your own to enjoy what you like.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

We'll board a bus or vans to the Capitoline Museums, situated atop the ancient Capitoline Hill, where a local expert will illustrate highlights of the museum's treasure trove of art, history, and culture spanning thousands of years. As one of the world's oldest public museums, the Capitoline Museums boast an extensive collection of ancient sculptures, impressive Roman artifacts, and renowned classical masterpieces. The museums are home to iconic works such as the Dying Gaul, the famous equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, and the Capitoline Wolf, symbolizing the legendary founding of Rome. Beyond the breathtaking art, the museums offer visitors a chance to explore the fascinating history of Rome, with exhibits shedding light on the city's ancient origins and evolution over time.

On your own to enjoy what you like.

Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.

At the hotel restaurant; for those with early departures, the hotel will prepare a bagged breakfast with a fruit, a roll or pastry, fruit juice, and water to take with you. This concludes our program.

If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!