Arrival in Rome

Upon your arrival in Rome you check into the historic Hotel Piranesi, which occupies the 19th-century Palazzo Nainer designed by Roman architect Giuseppe Valadier. Within walking distance of many of Rome’s main sites and attractions, the hotel’s elegant street, Via del Babuino, is replete with art and antique galleries and is also near the Spanish Steps and the Piazza del Popolo. There are no scheduled activities this afternoon, leaving you time to settle in and begin to enjoy Roman life.

From the settlements of the early Etruscan civilization in the region, Rome grew to rule a vast empire and, of course later, the city became the center of the Christian world. Artists and architects flocking to work for the popes and their families, notably in the Renaissance and Baroque periods, created some of the city’s most magnificent buildings and monuments. The legacy of this uninterrupted millennial history can be seen all over the city and the surrounding area.

Dinner is on your own this evening in one of Rome’s many fine restaurants or trattorias. A list of recommended restaurants is available for dining ideas.

Rome walking tour; 3 hours, easy

After enjoying breakfast in your hotel, your expert local guide joins you to lead you on a walking tour through the beautiful Campo Marzio. A perfect welcome and introduction to exploring the highlights and atmosphere of Rome, some of the sites and stops on this walking itinerary are: the Spanish steps, Fountain of the Barcaccia, Building of the Propaganda Fide, the Trevi Fountain, and the Virgo Water Aqueduct. You continue onto the Via del Corso (Rome’s longest road), reaching the political center of Italy with the Palazzo Montecitorio, the House of the Deputies, Palazzo Chigi (the office of the Prime Minister), the famous Obelisk used inside the Pantheon, which is the best preserved Roman temple. The tour concludes in Piazza Navona, at the baroque Fountain of the Four Rivers of Gianlorenzo Bernini, and a perfect spot for an aperitivo and lunch at one of the square’s many open air bars, restaurants, and pizzerias.

You are free to continue your exploration of Rome on your own this afternoon and evening. You may choose to visit Vatican City, the world capital of Catholicism and the world’s smallest state. Occupying 106 acres within high walls watched over by the Vatican Swiss Guards, it was the site where St. Peter was martyred (~AD 64) and buried, which then became the residence of the popes who succeeded him. The papal palaces, next to the great St. Peter’s Basilica, are home to the Sistine Chapel and the eclectic collections of the Vatican Museums, as well as being the residence of the Pope.

Chauffered Vespa tour of Rome

This morning, after breakfast in your hotel, you set off on the ultimate Roman experience—a four-hour tour of the city on an authentic vintage Vespa. Don’t worry, you’re not driving! Your driver/navigator is experienced, drives with maximum attention to safety, and doesn’t exceed a speed of 30 kilometers per hour (~19 miles per hour), and you both wear helmets equipped with earphones and microphone for communicating. On the real life set of your own “Roman Holiday” you discover the hidden Rome—along the lesser known routes to the small squares and quiet streets beloved by Romans themselves. Highlights may include the Basilica San Giovanni, the Giardino degli Aranci, Piazza San Pietro, and Piazza Gianicolo.

There are no scheduled activities for the remainder of the afternoon and evening.

Departure

Following breakfast in the hotel, you check out and depart at your leisure.