Historic Rome on Foot
Discover the ancient monuments of the city with this interesting walking exploration. Set off with your knowledgeable guide for the open-air market at Piazza Campo de Fiori with its colorful displays of fruits, vegetables, crafts, and other items. Browse through the market as you take a short break before heading on to bustling Navona Square. Stroll around looking at the fountains, churches, and palaces around the square that are the works of famous artists such as Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Francesco Borromini. Walk on till you come upon the magnificent Pantheon, once a temple devoted to pagan deities that now serves as a Christian basilica. Saunter past Palazzo Madama, the seat of the Italian senate, and the Column of Marcus Aurelius constructed in honor of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius. Leave behind Palazzo Montecitorio, the seat of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, as you make your way to the famous shopping street of Via Condotti with its exclusive boutiques. Amble to the end of the street to the iconic Trevi Fountain made famous by the 1960 movie La Dolce Vita. You could throw a coin into the fountain before heading on to the Spanish Steps with its sloping staircase and the elegant Barcaccia fountain. (Half Day; Time: 0900 hrs; Private Activity & self organized transfer if required; Fitness Level: Moderate. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing appropriate for church visits.)
Tiramisu and Gelato Making Group Class
Learn the art of making authentic tiramisu and artisanal gelato from professional chefs in Rome. Meet at Gelateria Punto Gelato in Via Dei Pettinari – a laboratory of a tiramisu shop where a professional chef will introduce you to the world of tiramisu, and the importance of choosing high quality, fresh, organic ingredients. Wear your apron and follow the chef’s instructions to prepare different versions of the sweet, starting with baking biscuits. Taste your creations, and collect a copy of the recipes, before you set off to one of the best gelaterias of Rome to make gelato. Listen to your professional chef’s introduction of the dessert and how important organic, good quality produce is to the outcome. Follow a step by step process to prepare various samples of artisanal gelato, also learning how about the various types of gelato machines an how they work. Sit down for the tasting, and take home the recipes and some wonderful memories of authentic Italian cooking alongside local connoisseurs. (Duration: 2 hrs; Times: 1530 hrs; Shared Activity: Max 6 guests; Fitness level: Easy; Please note that this activity includes 1-hour tiramisu class with tastings and 1-hour gelato class with tastings. This activity is available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays. Meeting point: Gelateria Punto Gelato in Via Dei Pettinari 43; Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes prior.)
Majestic Vatican Group Tour
Visit the glorious Vatican Museums, an expansive complex that houses the world’s largest private art collection across 54 galleries and two papal palaces. Admire the stunning architecture and the elegant décor as you enter the premises and walk through the corridors. Accompanying passionate expert guides, absorb centuries of history via anecdotes and hidden details that bring the art to life, showcasing the power and politics of the Vatican City. Amid this treasure trove of priceless art including works by master painters and celebrated artists, see magnificent frescoes, rare sculptures, and prized paintings. Navigate the many rooms including favorites such as the Gallery of the Candelabra, Gallery of Tapestries, and the Gallery of the Maps featuring painted topographical maps of Italy. Take a break at the airy Belvedere Courtyard. Stepping inside the Sistine Chapel, marvel at Michelangelo’s masterpiece paintings that adorn the walls and ceilings. Observe scenes from the Old Testament, with hidden symbols of Judaism. Continue further to the ornate St Peter’s Basilica, considered the world’s largest and the most important church, thanks to the crypt that serves as a site of pilgrimage for Catholics. After browsing Bernini’s Baldachin, climb the dome for a close look at the ceiling mosaics, and enjoy the best view of Rome, concluding an experience of a lifetime! (Half Day; Time: 1430 hrs; Please reach the meeting point 15 mins prior; Shared Activity with max group size 12 guests; Self organized transfer; Meeting point: Viale Vaticano close to Hotel Alimandi or Cantina del Duca; Fitness level: Easy; Please wear appropriate clothing – shorts, miniskirts and uncovered shoulders are not allowed in the Basilica – and comfortable walking shoes. If St. Peter’s Basilica is being used for a religious ceremony or function, the tour will continue outside.)
