Italy
Rediscovering Rome: Local Culture, Ancient Legacy & Modern Life
Program No. 22620RJ
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Rediscovering Rome: Local Culture, Ancient Legacy & Modern Life
Rediscovering Rome: Local Culture, Ancient Legacy & Modern Life
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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.
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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
Included
13 meals (
7B, 3L, 3D
)
3 expert-led lectures
9 expert-led field trips
1 hands-on experience
An experienced Group Leader
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Rome
Rediscovering Rome: Local Culture, Ancient Legacy & Modern Life
Sep 27 - Oct 5, 2027
Program Number
22620
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
Arrive Rome, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Rome
Meals:
D
Stay:
Hotel Smeraldo
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m. Transfer from Rome Fiumicino Airport to the hotel is about 20 miles (45-minute ride, longer in heavy traffic). 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).
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.
Day
3
Colosseum, Forum, Free Time, Roman History
Location:
Rome
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Hotel Smeraldo
Activity Note
Getting on and off a bus. Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day, with extended periods of standing during site visits; uneven paths, cobblestones, loose gravel, and dirt paths. An elevator is available in the Colosseum. Unavoidable stairs at sites. Timed entry at the Colosseum/Roman Forum, so punctuality is important. Limited shade in the Roman Forum. Airport-style security screening at entry. The extent of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board a bus or van that will transport us to the nearest drop-off point by the Roman Forum, where a local expert will guide us in visualizing the now-ruined buildings. Our field trip will continue to the Colosseum, where we will learn about Roman entertainment practices from centuries past. Constructed in 80 CE and officially named the Flavian Amphitheater, the Colosseum was the largest structure in the Roman Empire. Measuring 620 by 513 feet, it accommodated over 50,000 spectators. The construction techniques used to achieve its architectural feats remain subjects of study for architects and researchers. Historically and in contemporary culture, the Colosseum is recognized as a symbol of gladiatorial combat and the suffering experienced by enslaved people, prisoners of war, condemned criminals, and animals from across the empire. Those who wish may ascend the 10-foot-high steps to the upper level.
At the end of our visit, those who wish to continue exploring independently may do so, while others may opt to take a taxi back to the hotel at their own pace.
Please note that crowded conditions may occur during our visit.
For further information, consult the "Program Notes" section of your Information Packet.
At the end of our visit, those who wish to continue exploring independently may do so, while others may opt to take a taxi back to the hotel at their own pace.
Please note that crowded conditions may occur during our visit.
For further information, consult the "Program Notes" section of your Information Packet.
Lunch:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions. You can also consult your list of suggested restaurants in your program materials.
Afternoon:
Free time. Take this opportunity for independent personal exploration to see and do what interests you most. You can also consult the suggested free-time activities list in your program materials. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
We will convene in the hotel's designated meeting room. Here, 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 convene in the hotel's designated meeting room. Here, 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.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Private Visit of the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's, Free Time
Location:
Rome
Meals:
B
Stay:
Hotel Smeraldo
Activity Note
Getting on and off bus or vans. Early morning departure. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day with extended periods of standing during site visits; cobblestones, marble flooring, and urban stone sidewalks. Unavoidable stairs in the museums. Airport-style security screening at entry. A strict dress code applies: shoulders and knees must be covered. Large bags and backpacks are not permitted. The extent of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
We'll begin our day with an early light breakfast featuring coffee, fruit, and pastries. After this, we'll head to the Vatican Museums for our exclusive private visit before the public hours. Following our early access visit, we'll enjoy an American-style breakfast in the picturesque Pigna Courtyard of the Vatican around 8:45 a.m.
Morning:
Next on our itinerary is an early private visit to the Vatican Museums. We depart around 6:15 a.m. by van or bus and enter before the public. With our local expert, we follow a set two-hour route that includes the Gallery of Maps, the Hall of Tapestries, the Raphael Rooms, and the Sistine Chapel. In the Chapel, we study Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes and Last Judgment, with time to focus on works like The Creation of Adam and to discuss the Chapel’s role in papal conclaves.
After the Museums, we continue with an expert-led visit of St. Peter’s Basilica. We cover key works and spaces, including Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s Baldacchino and nave. We plan to return to the hotel by taxi late morning, approximately 11:00 a.m.
Note that this visit may also take place in the evening. The time of day of our visit will be noted in your Final Information Packet. The Vatican Museums consist of 26 sections. If you wish to explore further, consider a return visit during free time. Photography and videography are not permitted in the Sistine Chapel.
For additional details, consult the "Program Notes" section of your Information Packet.
After the Museums, we continue with an expert-led visit of St. Peter’s Basilica. We cover key works and spaces, including Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s Baldacchino and nave. We plan to return to the hotel by taxi late morning, approximately 11:00 a.m.
Note that this visit may also take place in the evening. The time of day of our visit will be noted in your Final Information Packet. The Vatican Museums consist of 26 sections. If you wish to explore further, consider a return visit during free time. Photography and videography are not permitted in the Sistine Chapel.
For additional details, consult the "Program Notes" section of your Information Packet.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
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 fare.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Baroque Sculpture, Piazza Walk, Pantheon, Galleria Borghese
Location:
Rome
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Smeraldo
Activity Note
Getting on and off a bus or van. Walking up to 4 miles throughout the day, with extended periods of standing during site visits; uneven paths, cobblestones, loose gravel, and dirt paths. An elevator is available in the Galleria Borghese. Unavoidable stairs at sites. Timed entry at the Galleria Borghese, so punctuality is important. Airport-style security screening at entry. At the Galleria Borghese, all bags must be checked before entry.
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 and other Baroque artists. The lecture provided a preview of the artistic genius we will encounter at the Galleria Borghese, including the exquisite Apollo and Daphne, with its remarkable depiction of transformation frozen in marble, and the passionate intensity of The Rape of Proserpina.
After our lecture, we will embark on a walking field trip with a local expert to explore three iconic landmarks nestled in the heart of Rome: Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, and the magnificent Campo de' Fiori.
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 witness the play of natural light through the ceiling's oculus, illuminating the niches along the interior perimeter.
We will stop in the vibrant Piazza Navona, which holds a captivating history. This long oval piazza has since evolved into the quintessential Baroque setting, initially built by Emperor Domitian between 81 and 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.
Please note that there is a possibility of encountering crowded conditions during our visits.
After our lecture, we will embark on a walking field trip with a local expert to explore three iconic landmarks nestled in the heart of Rome: Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, and the magnificent Campo de' Fiori.
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 witness the play of natural light through the ceiling's oculus, illuminating the niches along the interior perimeter.
We will stop in the vibrant Piazza Navona, which holds a captivating history. This long oval piazza has since evolved into the quintessential Baroque setting, initially built by Emperor Domitian between 81 and 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.
Please note that there is a possibility of encountering crowded conditions during our visits.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will walk from our restaurant to the Galleria Borghese for our timed entry. This opulent palace formerly served as the private residence and reception venue of Cardinal Scipione Borghese (1577–1633), a prominent art collector, patron of Bernini, and nephew of Pope Paul V. With a local expert, we enter the gallery at our scheduled time for an in-depth exploration. Inside, we will view significant artworks, including paintings by Caravaggio, Raphael, Botticelli, and Titian. The collection's highlight is Bernini's sculptures, which exemplify 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 exploration of the area independently.
Please be aware that high visitor volume may limit clear views of the most renowned works; crowded conditions are likely. The Borghese enforces a strict daily visitor cap and restricts group visits to two hours. Photography and videography are not permitted in the museum.
For additional details, consult the "Program Notes" section of your Information Packet.
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 exploration of the area independently.
Please be aware that high visitor volume may limit clear views of the most renowned works; crowded conditions are likely. The Borghese enforces a strict daily visitor cap and restricts group visits to two hours. Photography and videography are not permitted in the museum.
For additional details, consult the "Program Notes" section of your Information Packet.
Dinner:
On your own to sample the local fare.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
6
Trastevere, Cooking Class, Free Time
Location:
Rome
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Smeraldo
Activity Note
Getting on and off a van. Walking up to 4 miles throughout the day with extended periods of standing during site visits; cobblestones, uneven stone lanes, and sidewalks. Unavoidable steps at the churches. Crossing a bridge over the Tiber on foot. Dress code at the churches: shoulders and knees must be covered. Standing and hands-on work during the cooking class. The extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time is according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We travel by van to Piazza di Santa Cecilia, where we begin our expert-led walk through Trastevere. Trastevere developed in Antiquity on the west bank of the Tiber as a working-class and immigrant quarter. Over time, it retained a distinct identity, with narrow lanes, medieval houses, and a strong local character that still defines the neighborhood.
Our walk includes Santa Cecilia in Trastevere, built over the traditional home of the early Christian martyr Cecilia. Inside, we view the notable 13th-century frescoes attributed to Pietro Cavallini and discuss early Christian Rome and medieval artistic renewal.
We also visit Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of the oldest churches in the city, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Its apse mosaics from the 12th and 13th centuries illustrate biblical scenes and reflect Rome's continued role as a religious and artistic center in the Middle Ages.
Once our walk of the Trastevere is complete, we will cross the Tiber to walk to a 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.
Our walk includes Santa Cecilia in Trastevere, built over the traditional home of the early Christian martyr Cecilia. Inside, we view the notable 13th-century frescoes attributed to Pietro Cavallini and discuss early Christian Rome and medieval artistic renewal.
We also visit Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of the oldest churches in the city, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Its apse mosaics from the 12th and 13th centuries illustrate biblical scenes and reflect Rome's continued role as a religious and artistic center in the Middle Ages.
Once our walk of the Trastevere is complete, we will cross the Tiber to walk to a 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.
Lunch:
At the cooking school.
Afternoon:
After our cooking school experience, we will return to the hotel by van.
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.
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 fare.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
7
Tempio Maggiore, Jewish Museum, Free Time, Italy Today
Location:
Rome
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Smeraldo
Activity Note
Walking up to 4 miles throughout the day with extended periods of standing during site visits; cobblestones, uneven stone lanes, and sidewalks. Unavoidable steps at sites. Security screening at the Jewish Museum and Great Synagogue. Synagogue dress code: modest dress is expected, with shoulders covered; men are asked to cover their heads, wear long pants, and closed-toe shoes. The extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time is according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will walk to the gate of the Jewish Quarter, where we will meet a local expert. They will lead us on a field trip through what was once the Jewish Ghetto, spanning the 16th to 19th centuries. While Rome had a Jewish community even before the Diaspora, the establishment of the Ghetto was a result of the Catholic Counter-Reformation in 1555, ordered by the Pope.
Within a small seven-acre area near the Tiber River, the Jewish community was historically required to reside, facing significant restrictions on their rights and freedoms. This arrangement persisted until the unification of Italy under a secular government in 1870, which restored their citizenship. Today, the neighborhood has evolved into a vibrant and thriving community. Visitors can explore the remarkable Jewish Museum of Rome and the stunning Great Synagogue and enjoy exceptional dining that highlights the rich traditions of Roman Jewish cuisine.
Within a small seven-acre area near the Tiber River, the Jewish community was historically required to reside, facing significant restrictions on their rights and freedoms. This arrangement persisted until the unification of Italy under a secular government in 1870, which restored their citizenship. Today, the neighborhood has evolved into a vibrant and thriving community. Visitors can explore the remarkable Jewish Museum of Rome and the stunning Great Synagogue and enjoy exceptional dining that highlights the rich traditions of Roman Jewish cuisine.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant that features Jewish Roman Cuisine.
Afternoon:
After lunch, those who wish to continue exploring independently may do so, while others may opt to walk back to the hotel at their own pace.
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.
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 cuisine.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
8
Palazzo Colonna, Free Time
Location:
Rome
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Hotel Smeraldo
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day with extended periods of standing during the visit; marble flooring, and uneven garden paths. Unavoidable steps and stairs within the palace. Security screening and bag check at entry. The extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time is according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
In the morning, we will embark on a private expert-led visit with a museum docent to the Palazzo Colonna, one of Rome's most magnificent private palaces. Once home to the powerful Colonna family, the palace's rich history provides a glimpse into Roman aristocracy and the city's cultural heritage. As we explore the palazzo, we will admire the stunning Baroque frescoes, intricate stucco work, and impressive marble floors that adorn the rooms. Notable highlights include the majestic Galleria Colonna, a long, opulent hall that houses masterpieces by renowned artists, such as Lorenzo Monaco, Domenico Ghirlandaio, Bronzino, Tintoretto, and the beautiful gardens offering a tranquil escape in the heart of the city.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
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:
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.
Day
9
Program Concludes, In Transit From Program
Location:
In Flight
Meals:
B
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!
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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