Italy

Christmas in Rome

Program No. 19115RJ
When in Rome, celebrate Christmas as the locals do. Enjoy the Christmas markets, marvel at the Sistine Chapel, and explore the grand monuments of the city's past and present.

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At a Glance

The Eternal City of Rome has a certain feeling and energy during Christmas. From your program site hotel, it is a 20-minute walk to the lively Piazza Navona, where numerous stalls selling confections, handicrafts, and toys line the Baroque square. Families converge there, children fill out their wish lists, and many churches arrange beautiful nativity scenes. Come discover the many ways Romans celebrate this special time of the year. Experience the culture and history of Rome and learn about some of the world’s most famous artistic masterpieces, including an expert-led field trip to the Vatican Museums and the Basilica of St. Peter. An opportunity is given to attend a midnight mass at a church near the hotel.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to five miles a day. Extended standing during site visits with limited or no public seating. Uneven terrain, limited public handrails, unavoidable stairs, marble and terracotta flooring, cobblestones, inclines, loose gravel. Elevator use is limited or restricted in historic sites. Expect crowded conditions in pedestrian centers and museums. Program-related travel and transfers will be via bus and minivan.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Experience reserved entrance to the Vatican Museums (Sistine Chapel) and the Galleria Borghese to minimize wait time.
  • Through an on-site lecture in the Capitoline Museums, learn about Roman history, art, and fashion before exploring the Jewish Synagogue and Museum in the Ghetto with a docent.
  • Learn to make an Italian dish and dessert at a cooking school in the heart of Rome.

General Notes

Give us a call to combine select dates of this learning adventure with, "New Year's In Florence" (#19221) or "New Year's in Sorrento" (#22188) for even more learning in Italy! We'll even transfer you for free between locations.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Rachel Potts
Rachel Potts is a licensed excursion leader in Rome. She graduated from Manchester University with a bachelor's in Philosophy and French, and later studied garden design at the London Gardening School. Having grown up in Rome, she chose to return to Italy and share her knowledge and love of Rome and the surrounding areas.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Paolo Alei
Paolo Alei View biography
Dr. Paolo Alei is an art historian specializing in and publishing works on Renaissance and Baroque art in Rome and Venice; however, he considers Classical art one of his passions. He earned his M.A. in art history and archaeology from Columbia University. Paolo teaches full-time at the University of California System Rome program and enjoys Italian cinema from the Neorealism period through the 1970s.
Profile Image of Rachel Potts
Rachel Potts View biography
Rachel Potts is a licensed excursion leader in Rome. She graduated from Manchester University with a bachelor's in Philosophy and French, and later studied garden design at the London Gardening School. Having grown up in Rome, she chose to return to Italy and share her knowledge and love of Rome and the surrounding areas.
Profile Image of Giulietta Seme
Giulietta Seme View biography
Julieta is a passionate student of history, specializing in the history and culture of her native city of Rome. She studied at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Roma with a concentration in painting before earning a degree in classical archaeology and art history from the Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza." Outside of history, Julieta enjoys hiking beautiful nature trails by the seaside or in the mountains of Italy.
Profile Image of Alessio Rosoldi
Alessio Rosoldi View biography
Alessio Rosoldi is a native of Rome and a true lifelong learner. He graduated from the Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza" with a degree in foreign languages and literature and an MA in intercultural communication. Alessio went on to work for the World Food Program, a United Nations entity based out of Rome. Recently, he earned a second MA, this time in Italian studies from the University of Washington.
Profile Image of Bruna Baravelli
Bruna Baravelli View biography
Bruna Baravelli is from Forlì, on the northeastern coast of Italy. After graduating from Liceo Classico, she earned her Ph.D. in English literature at the Università di Bologna. Before retiring, Bruna taught English literature and held administrative positions in the local school district. She has dedicated her time to public service as a member of the Forlì city council and the National Council for Equal Opportunity. She is passionate about the merits of travel and has fostered educational exchanges in Europe and the United States.
Profile Image of Richard Bowen
Richard Bowen View biography
Richard Bowen, a native of London, has lived in Rome for most of his adult life. He was awarded a BA in humanities from Middlesex University and an MA in history from University College in London. As a young graduate, he worked as an archaeologist for the Museum of London. Richard is a licensed group leader for the Province of Rome and has led groups in Italy and other parts of Europe. He has a keen interest in political, social, and art history.
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Meals
16 Meals
7 Breakfasts
4 Lunches
5 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Gluten Free
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Dec 20, 2024 - Dec 28, 2024
  • Dec 20, 2024 - Dec 28, 2024
  • Dec 13, 2024 - Dec 21, 2024
  • Dec 19, 2024 - Dec 27, 2024
  • Dec 20, 2024 - Dec 28, 2024
  • Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 21, 2025
  • Dec 19, 2025 - Dec 27, 2025
  • Dec 20, 2025 - Dec 28, 2025
7 nights
Rome
The Hotel dei Mellini in Rome is a luxurious and stylish accommodation that embodies the essence of Italian hospitality. Situated in the heart of the Prati neighborhood, near the famous Piazza del Popolo and the Tiber River, the hotel offers a prime location for exploring Rome's iconic landmarks. The elegant rooms and suites are designed with a contemporary flair, providing guests with a comfortable and relaxing retreat. The hotel boasts a range of amenities, including a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city, a fitness center, and a restaurant.
7 nights
Rome
The Pace Helvezia in Rome is a charming and centrally located hotel that provides guests with a comfortable and convenient stay in the Eternal City. The hotel is situated near the iconic Piazza Venezia, surrounded by Rome's rich history and cultural attractions. Housed in a historic building, the hotel blends traditional elegance with modern amenities. The Hotel Pace Helvezia also features a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Rome's rooftops and landmarks, providing a perfect spot to relax and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
7 nights
Rome
The Hotel dei Mellini in Rome is a luxurious and stylish accommodation that embodies the essence of Italian hospitality. Situated in the heart of the Prati neighborhood, near the famous Piazza del Popolo and the Tiber River, the hotel offers a prime location for exploring Rome's iconic landmarks. The elegant rooms and suites are designed with a contemporary flair, providing guests with a comfortable and relaxing retreat. The hotel boasts a range of amenities, including a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city, a fitness center, and a restaurant.
7 nights
Rome
The Hotel dei Mellini in Rome is a luxurious and stylish accommodation that embodies the essence of Italian hospitality. Situated in the heart of the Prati neighborhood, near the famous Piazza del Popolo and the Tiber River, the hotel offers a prime location for exploring Rome's iconic landmarks. The elegant rooms and suites are designed with a contemporary flair, providing guests with a comfortable and relaxing retreat. The hotel boasts a range of amenities, including a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city, a fitness center, and a restaurant.
7 nights
Rome
The Hotel Diana Roof Garden in Rome is a delightful and welcoming hotel that offers a memorable stay in the heart of the Eternal City. The hotel is near Piazza della Repubblica and the city's famous Termini Station. It provides easy access to Rome's iconic attractions and cultural sites, whether by high-speed or regional train, bus, or Metro. The hotel's highlight is its charming rooftop garden, where guests can unwind and enjoy breathtaking views of the city's skyline, including the magnificent dome of St. Peter's Basilica.
7 nights
Rome
The Pace Helvezia in Rome is a charming and centrally located hotel that provides guests with a comfortable and convenient stay in the Eternal City. The hotel is situated near the iconic Piazza Venezia, surrounded by Rome's rich history and cultural attractions. Housed in a historic building, the hotel blends traditional elegance with modern amenities. The Hotel Pace Helvezia also features a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Rome's rooftops and landmarks, providing a perfect spot to relax and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.





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