We conclude our course in Rome, where the imposing remains of classical antiquity blend with the magnificent churches, palaces, fountains and piazzas of the Renaissance and Baroque popes and cardinals. Our visit to Rome includes the special privilege of a private visit to the Vatican Museums, to include Raphael's Stanze and the Sistine Chapel - an unforgettable experience and the Villa Borghese Galleries, with masterpieces by Bernini, Caravaggio, Raphael and Titian.
On-site visits - Nigel McGilchrist
Walk around the historic centre of Rome introducing its main landmarks and monuments to include Campo de Fiori area and end in Piazza Navona.
An Introduction to Rome by coach to include the Tiber and the Isola Tiberina, Castel S.Angelo, St.Peter's, the Janiculum Hill, the 'Fontanone', Bramante's Tempietto,S.Pietro in Montorio, the Pyramid of Cestius & the Protestant Cemetery, the Baths of Caracalla, the Circus Maximus; the Via Appia Antica and the tomb of Cecilia Metella, and S. Giovanni in Porta Latina, S.Maria degli Angeli, Santa Constanza, S. Agnese fuori le Mura.
Following days - visits to include:
Classical Rome and the Classical Survival in later epochs from the Capitol Hill into the Roman and Imperial Fora; the Colosseum; the Arch of Constantine, the church of SS.Cosman & Damian; Trajan's Markets and Column
The Heart of Rome: The Pantheon; Borromini's Church of Sant' Ivo alla Sapienza, The Caravaggio chapels in S. Luigi de' Francesi and Sant' Agostino, and the Piazza di Spagna area.
Private visits to the Borghese Collection (The Bernini sculptures and the paintings collection at the Villa Borghese), Villa Aurora and to the Keats and Shelley Memorial House.
Independent visit to the interior of St Peter's Basilica, Private visit to The Vatican Collections, including Cortile Ottagonale, Antiquities Collections, the Chapel of Nicholas V, the Raphael Rooms and Sistine Chapel.
Visit outside Rome
- Villa d'Este and Temple of Sibilla at Tivoli and lunch at the Ristorante Sibilla.