Go into Colosseum in Rome
In the morning, to escape the Rome sun, you will be picked up to discover the mysterious underground Rome, unveil its ancestral past, and explore the city’s largest and oldest catacombs. Be ready for some thrilling spectacle! The first stop is the Crypt of the Capuchins, a small space composed of five alcoves hidden under a church. As you walk through a long corridor, a wall decorated with skeletons and skulls just comes into your view, most of which are from about 4,000 long-dead monks and are placed regularly to form exquisite and artistic religious patterns. Then we will head to the Catacomb of Domitilla, the only catacomb in Rome where you can find an underground Basilica. Built in the 4th century, the maze-like catacomb spreads out over 17 km (11 mi) though not all are accessible. Following your private guide, be amazed at the Christian burial ground’s tunnels filled with frescoes and learn about its fascinating history of the pre-Christian era. Later, we will head up to St. Clement’s Church. What makes it so special is that several churches of different eras have been built on the site successively. You will be guided to appreciate its opulent sculptures, gold mosaics, and medieval frescoes, and wander underground to uncover Rome’s layered past and concealed stories through evident remains in the ruins.
In the afternoon, embark on a unique golf cart tour, and you are in for a treat to explore architectural wonders. The tour starts from Rome’s largest city square, Piazza Venezia, a central hub where some main roads meet, surrounded by majestic buildings and impressive sculptures like the monument of King Vittorio Emmanuele II. Continue down the way through Piazza Navona, another beautiful Baroque-style square, which is thronged with some of the most talented street artists, as well as tricky con men and hucksters who try to place their bracelets on your hand and ask for money. Be aware of that!
Within a 5-minute walk, you will be guided to stand in front of the Pantheon, discovering how ancient Romans finished its iconic dome with a diameter of 43.3 meters (142 ft.) using pure concrete, without any other support structures. Amazingly, the height from the dome to the floor is also about 43 meters, nearly the same as its diameter, which means that a ball could be fitted inside the Pantheon perfectly. Gaze up the 7.8-meter-wide (25-foot) oculus at the dome top, considered the opening to the heavens, and you will be surprised by ancient Romans’ intelligence again. At noon on April 21st, the founding date of the city, a beam of light enters from the oculus, shines through the darkness, and aligns perfectly with the entryway, creating a magical light play to celebrate the city’s birthday. How can you leave Rome without throwing a coin into the Trevi Fountain? You will then be transferred there to partake in the old tradition and witness its gorgeous sculptures of mythologies. After that, let Rome’s best sunset experience find you in Piazza di Spagna with Spanish Steps, where you may recreate the classic movie scene of Roman Holiday, enjoying a gelato standing on the steps like Audrey Hepburn, as sitting is not allowed now.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: HOTEL ATLANTE STAR (4 stars) or similar
Ancient Rome
Piazza Navona, Rome
