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Italy

Rediscovering Rome: Local Culture, Ancient Legacy & Modern Life

Program No. 22620RJ
Become an expert on the Eternal City on an adventure combining local scholarly insight with a flexible schedule and city-center lodging ideal for self-directed discovery.
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Start
Small GroupCity Discoveries
Length
9 days
Rating (4.63)
Activity Level
Starts at
4,249
Flights start at
1,050
Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
9 days
8 nights
What's Included
11 meals ( 7B, 1L, 3D )
3 expert-led lectures
7 expert-led field trips
1 hands-on experience
An experienced Group Leader
7 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 12:00 p.m. Transfer from Rome Fiumicino Airport to hotel is 20 miles (50-minute ride). Walking approximately 1 mile.
Afternoon:
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 bus and regional train. 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).
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus or vans. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day with extended periods of standing during site visits; marble and/or tile flooring, uneven paths, cobblestones, loose gravel, and dirt paths. Unavoidable stairs at sites. The extent of walking and other activities during free time is according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Before departure, coffee and pastries will be served at the hotel to start the day. After we visit the Vatican Museums, we’ll enjoy an American-style buffet in the beautiful Cortile della Pigna, offering a delicious variety of hot breakfast options to fuel us for the rest of the day.
Morning:
Next on our itinerary is one of the most anticipated highlights of our program. We’ll be transported by vans or a bus to the Vatican Museums for an exclusive private visit before regular opening hours. This privileged visit will allow us to appreciate select museum collections and the world-renowned Sistine Chapel, recognized as one of humanity’s most significant artistic accomplishments. The Sistine Chapel, located within the Vatican City, is one of the most iconic masterpieces of High Renaissance art. Commissioned by Pope Julius II and painted by the renowned artist Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512, its vaulted ceiling showcases a stunning series of frescoes depicting biblical scenes. Among these, the most famous is The Creation of Adam, where God and Adam reach toward each other with outstretched arms. On the altar wall, Michelangelo’s The Last Judgment, painted between 1536 and 1541, vividly portrays the Apocalypse. The Sistine Chapel is a notable attraction and the site where the Papal Conclave meets to elect new popes, adding to its historical and religious importance. The fascinating tales of Michelangelo’s conflicts with Pope Paul III, who commissioned him, have been immortalized in countless books and films. Through his unparalleled skills and resilience, Michelangelo birthed what has been termed a “sanctuary of the theology of the human body.” Please note: Our visit is limited to two hours, following a predetermined path that features the Gallery of Maps, the Hall of Tapestries, and the Stanze di Raffaello (Raphael Rooms) adorned with splendid frescoes. We will return to the hotel by bus or vans. The Vatican Museums consist of 26 sections. If you wish to explore further, consider planning a visit during your free time. Please note that this after-hours visit does not include entry to St. Peter's Basilica.
Lunch:
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.
Afternoon:
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. You can also consult your list of suggested free time activities in your program materials. In a classroom session at the hotel led by our Group Leader, we will delve into the intricate tapestry of Italian society, exploring its regional nuances and the profound influence of national institutions that continue to shape the lives of its residents with a lecture on Italy today.
Dinner:
On your own to sample the local fare.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus or vans. Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day with extended periods of standing during site visits; uneven paths, cobblestones, loose gravel, and dirt paths. Unavoidable stairs at sites. The extent of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will convene in the hotel's meeting room where we will 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 a captivating introduction, setting the stage for our upcoming explorations and deepening our understanding of this remarkable city's past. We will board a bus or vans that will take us to the nearest drop-off point near the Roman Forum, where a local expert will captivate our imagination as we envision the now-ruined buildings. Our field trip will then proceed to the exterior of 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. Kindly note that we may encounter crowded conditions during our visit. Please refer to your Information Packet's "Program Notes" section for additional details on this visit.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon:
Free time. Take this opportunity for independent personal exploration to see and do what interests you most. You can also consult your suggested free time activities list in your program materials. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Later in the afternoon, we will gather in the hotel bar for a drink and a conversation with our Group Leader.
Dinner:
On your own to sample the local cuisine.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus or van. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day with extended periods of standing during site visits; uneven paths, some inclined roads, cobblestones, loose gravel, dirt paths, uneven urban cobblestone or paving stone sidewalks, and marble and/or tile flooring. Unavoidable stairs/steps. Stairs to second-floor picture gallery; small elevator available. The extent of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
In the hotel conference room, we will be treated to a lecture on the life and works of the sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598–1680) and other Baroque artists. The lecture provided a preview of the artistic genius we will encounter at the Galleria Borghese, including the Apollo and Daphne, with its depiction of transformation frozen in marble, and the passionate intensity of The Rape of Proserpina. The first destination of the day will be the 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 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, those who wish to return to the hotel by taxi are welcome to do so, or you are welcome to continue your explorations independently. 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. The Borghese implements a strict daily visitor cap and limits group visits to a maximum of two hours. Additionally, the museum prohibits taking photographs or videos of any kind.
Lunch:
On your own to sample the local fare.
Afternoon:
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. You can also consult your list of suggested free time activities in your program materials. Later in the afternoon, we will walk to a local culinary school in the heart of Rome for a hands-on cooking experience. An experienced chef will teach us how to prepare a classic Italian dish and dessert, giving us practical skills while introducing the flavors and traditions of Italian cuisine.
Dinner:
At the cooking school.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off bus or vans. Walking up to 4 miles throughout the day with extended periods of standing during site visits; uneven paths, some inclined roads, cobblestones, uneven urban cobblestone or paving stone sidewalks, and marble and/or tile flooring. Unavoidable stairs/steps. The extent of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Our day begins with boarding our bus or vans, heading north of the city center, and crossing the Tiber to reach the renowned Foro Italico. Originally commissioned by Mussolini for the planned 1940 Summer Olympic Games, it showcases distinctive fascist architecture and design. To enrich our visit, a local historian and sports enthusiast will join us as our guide, leading us on a walking field trip through the Foro and its iconic Stadio di Marmi. We board our bus or vans and take a short ride back across the Tiber to the MAXXI (Museo nazionale delle arti del XXI secolo), a museum dedicated to modern art and architecture. Upon arrival, a local expert will lead us through the world of contemporary art, sharing insights and interpretations as we visit the exhibitions and explore modern artistic expression.
Lunch:
On your own to sample the local fare.
Afternoon:
We board our bus or vans to return to the city center. 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. You can also consult your list of suggested free time activities in your program materials.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off bus or vans. Walking up to 5 miles throughout the day with extended periods of standing during site visits; uneven paths, some inclined roads, cobblestones, uneven urban cobblestone or paving stone sidewalks, and marble and/or tile flooring. Unavoidable stairs/steps. The extent of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will take a bus or vans to the gate of the Jewish Quarter, where we will meet a local historian who will lead us on an expert-led visit through what was once the Jewish Ghetto, spanning the 16th to 19th centuries. Rome had a Jewish community even before the Diaspora. Still, the Ghetto was established in 1555 during the Catholic Counter-Reformation, at the order of the Pope. Within a seven-acre area near the Tiber River, the Jewish community was required to reside and faced significant restrictions on their rights and freedoms. This arrangement persisted until the unification of Italy in 1870, when citizenship was restored under a secular government. Today, the neighborhood is home to the Jewish Museum of Rome, the Great Synagogue, and restaurants that highlight the traditions of Roman Jewish cuisine.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant that features Jewish Roman Cuisine.
Afternoon:
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. You can also consult your list of suggested free time activities in your program materials.
Dinner:
On your own to sample the local cuisine.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day with extended periods of standing during site visits; marble and/or tile flooring, uneven paths, cobblestones, loose gravel, and dirt paths. Unavoidable stairs at sites. The extent of walking and other activities during free time is according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will embark on a walking field trip with a local expert to explore three landmarks in the center of Rome: Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, and Campo de' Fiori. Our first stop is the Pantheon, one of the best-preserved monuments of ancient Rome. Historical accounts credit Emperor Hadrian with commissioning the building between 118 and 125 CE, though recent studies suggest an earlier origin. The building's design and original function continue to be subjects of study for archaeologists, architects, and historians. Inside, the oculus in the ceiling allows natural light to illuminate the niches along the interior perimeter. We will then continue to Piazza Navona, initially built by Emperor Domitian between 81 and 96 CE as a venue for athletic competitions. The oval shape reflects the footprint of the ancient stadium's bleachers. At its center is Gian Lorenzo Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers, and on the west side is Francesco Borromini's church of St. Agnes. Our final stop is Campo de' Fiori, a square that has served as a marketplace since the Middle Ages. Today, it remains an active market and gathering place. Please note that some sites may be crowded during our visit.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon:
Free time continues.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out 11:00 a.m. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
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.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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