According to legend, Rome was founded in 753 B.C. by the twins Romulus and Remus, found in a basket on the Tiber and raised by a wolf. To visit the former capital of the Roman Empire is to return to the "roots" of our modern civilization. Consequently, the eternal city is one of the most visited cities in the world. Rome owes this not only to its rich cultural heritage, but also to the dwarf state of Vatican City, which attracts thousands of believers every year.
Day 1: Soak up the atmosphere and explore the heart of the city.
Today you'll explore the heart of the city at your pace. You start at Piazza del Popolo, a 19th-century square with two identical churches and an Egyptian obelisk. Through the elegant shopping street Via del Babuino you reach the Piazza di Spagna, the meeting place par excellence and better known as the Spanish Steps. Via the Trevi Fountain, world-famous and the largest in Rome, you continue to the Pantheon. This building was originally a temple to all the gods, later a church, and today one of the best preserved Roman buildings in the world! A stone's throw away is Piazza Navona, one of the city's most beautiful squares. The elongated piazza was built in 86 AD by Emperor Domitian as a stadium for athletic competitions with stands for 20,000 spectators. If you still have time, you can briefly cross the Tiber to Castel Sant'Angelo. This imposing Angel Castle was built in the 2nd century as a mausoleum for Emperor Hardrian.
DAY 2: The Colosseum and the Roman Forum
Your day starts with exploring the Colosseum, the largest amphitheater in Roman history and one of the 7 Wonders of the World. You visit the Roman Forum, which was the political, legal and commercial center of the city in the glory days of the Roman Empire. A passionate Dutch-speaking guide will take you in a small group, so you avoid lengthy queues. He tells the stories behind the facts, brings the ruins to life and shows you things you would miss on your own. How did the Romans live, what did they eat, what did a weekday look like? Or, what about the brave gladiators, lion fights, sea battles and executions? You'll find out all about it.
DAY 3: The Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica
Today our Dutch-speaking guide will take you to the Vatican Museums, including the carriage gallery, home of the Popemobile, Momo's Staircase, the Laocoong Group and Nero's Bath. The highlight is the Sistine Chapel where you will admire the breathtaking Creation story and The Last Judgment by Michelangelo. Thanks to the guide, who knows every secret of the chapel, you will get to know Michelangelo as if you were there yourself. The tour ends in St. Peter's Square with a word about the basilica that you are free to visit. Had enough culture? Then you can grab a terrace or go shopping in one of the many shopping streets. Definitely enter La Rinascente in Via del Tritone. This iconic shopping center has been selling luxury goods, fashion and accessories since 1865. On floor -1 you can see remnants of an Aqueduct from 19 B.C. and upstairs at the Maio Restaurant & Rooftop you have an enchanting view of the city skyline.
Day 4: Back home
Unfortunately, your city trip is over. Would you rather stay a few nights longer? Or would you like to combine this city trip with another Italian region? We would be happy to help you further.
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