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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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  • Ancient columns and ruins of the Roman Forum in Rome, Italy, are visited by tourists under a partly cloudy sky.
  • A detailed ceiling fresco in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, Italy, depicting classical figures and angels surrounded by ornate gold molding.
  • Two women stand on a cobblestone street in Rome, Italy, as one smiles and looks toward the sky.
  • A crowd of tourists gathers outside the stone arches of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy, on a partly cloudy day.
  • A wide-angle view of the ancient stone ruins inside the Colosseum in Italy, showing the tiered seating and the exposed underground chambers.
  • A group of smiling participants in red aprons enjoy a hands-on cooking class together at a long table in Italy.
  • The bustling Piazza Navona in Rome, Italy, filled with people surrounding the central fountain and obelisk under a cloudy sky.
  • A crowd of people gathers in a cobblestone square in front of the Pantheon in Rome, Italy, next to a large ornate fountain.
  • The ornate, cavernous interior of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, Italy, with its high, gilded ceilings and massive marble columns.
  • The large, white marble Altar of the Fatherland monument in Rome, Italy, with Italian flags flying and a parking lot in the foreground.
Small GroupCity Discoveries
Length
9 days
Rating (4.63)
Activity Level
Starts at
4,799
Flights start at
1,000
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
13 meals ( 7B, 3L, 3D )
3 expert-led lectures
8 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 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 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 interior 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:
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.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting in/out of taxis. Walking up to 3 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:
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, we travel by van to the Vatican Museums for a private visit before the museum opens to the public. This early access allows us to experience key galleries with fewer crowds, including the Gallery of Maps, the Hall of Tapestries, and the Raphael Rooms. We conclude in the Sistine Chapel, where we examine Michelangelo’s ceiling (1508–1512), including The Creation of Adam, and the altar wall fresco of The Last Judgment (1536–1541). The chapel also serves as the site of the papal conclave. Following the museums, we continue to St. Peter's Basilica for a visit to the interior of one of the most significant churches in the Catholic world. We review its Renaissance and Baroque architecture, major works of art, and its role as a center of pilgrimage. Afterward, those who wish to return to the hotel may take a van back. Others may remain in the area to explore independently and return later on their own. The Vatican Museums consist of 26 sections. If you wish to explore further, consider planning a visit during your free time.
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.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus or van. 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. Stairs to the 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 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.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will walk from our restaurant to the Galleria Borghese for our timed entry. The 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 masterpieces, including works by 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 exploration of the area 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 the taking of any photographs or videos.
Dinner:
On your own to sample the local fare.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
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:
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.
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.
Dinner:
On your own to sample the local fare.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
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:
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.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant that features Jewish Roman Cuisine.
Afternoon:
After lunch, 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. 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.
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 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:
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.
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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