Itinerary

1. 

   Travel to Rome

   Fly from Bristol to Rome Fiumicino. On arrival we will be met by our English-speaking tour manager and transfer to our accommodation for a five night-stay. This evening dinner is included.

2. 

   THE BASILICA OF ST PETER AND THE MEDIEVAL QUARTER

   After breakfast, we transfer to St. Peter’s Square, the symbolic heart of the Catholic Church. Here, we begin a guided tour of the Basilica of St. Peter, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the world and a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Inside, we’ll admire Michelangelo’s Pietà, the stunning artwork of Bernini, and visit the tombs of several popes, including St. John Paul II. We’ll also have time to pause at the high altar and beneath the dome that dominates the skyline of Rome. After a break for lunch (at own cost), we transfer to the medieval quarter of central Rome for a walking tour through some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Stroll through the elegant Piazza Navona, admire the grandeur of the Pantheon and experience the charm and tradition of the Trevi Fountain, where a coin tossed over the shoulder is said to ensure your return to the Eternal City. Return to the hotel for Compline followed by dinner and an overnight stay

3. 

   BASILICA OF SAN CLEMENTE AND CLASSICAL ROME

   This morning, we visit the Basilica of San Clemente, a remarkable site built over layers of Christian and pre-Christian history. We begin in the 12^th century basilica, admired for its magnificent mosaics. From there, we descend to the 4th century church below, once a Titular Church in early Christianity. Finally, we reach the lowest level, a 1st century Roman house that includes a Mithraic temple, offering a vivid insight into the religious transitions of Rome across the centuries. Afterwards, we transfer to explore the grandeur of ancient Rome, beginning with the iconic Coliseum, where gladiators once fought for the entertainment of emperors and crowds. We then walk through the Roman Forum, once the heart of Roman public life and filled with evocative ruins of temples, basilicas and arches. We finish the afternoon at Piazza Campidoglio, the elegant square on Capitoline Hill, beautifully redesigned by Michelangelo, offering stunning views over the city and a final moment to reflection the layers of history we’ve uncovered. Return to the hotel for Compline followed by dinner.

4. 

   THE CATACOMBS, THE BASILICA OF ST PAUL OUTSIDE AND OSTIA ANTICA THE WALLS

   After breakfast, we drive along the historic Via Appia Antica, one of the oldest roads of ancient Rome, famed for its ruins, aqueducts and beautiful countryside views. Our first stop is the Catacombs of St. Sebastian, an early Christian burial site named after the martyr believed to be buried here. On a guided tour, we explore the underground tunnels, chapels and frescoes that reveal the hidden life and faith of the early Church. We then continue to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, built over the tomb of St. Paul the Apostle. This grand and peaceful basilica is one of the four major papal churches of Rome. This afternoon, we will transfer to the city that became Rome’s main seaport during the Roman Empire, Ostia Antica. We visit the archeological area which still houses the remains of most ancient city’s building, magnificent frescoes and impressive mosaics. Return to the hotel in the early evening for Compline followed by dinner.

5. 

   ST MARY MAJOR AND THE CATHEDRAL OF ROME

   We transfer by coach to visit two of Rome’s Major Basilicas. First, we explore the Basilica of St. Mary Major, also known as Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the four major papal basilicas and the largest church in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Admire its rich mosaics, stunning ceilings and ancient relics as we learn about its important place in Christian history. Next, we continue to the Cathedral of Rome - the Arch basilica of St John Lateran, the oldest and highest-ranking church in the city, often called the ‘Mother and Head’ of all churches worldwide. Just across the road, we visit the Scala Santa, or Holy Stairs, which tradition holds were brought from Jerusalem by Empress Helena in the 4th century and are said to be the very steps Christ ascended on his way to Pilate. Many pilgrims choose to ascend these stairs on their knees as an act of devotion. Return to the hotel for Compline followed by dinner.

6. 

   HOME

   We join our coach and transfer to Rome Fiumicino Airport for our return flight to Bristol.

Essential Information

Practical information

Dates