Roman Encounters

Welcome to Rome! Upon your arrival, we’ll have a car waiting to take you to the hotel. Our hotels are always boutique and centrally located. You can expect to check in between 2 and 5 PM. Around 6 PM, we’ll welcome you in the bar with a welcome drink to meet your trip mates in person. Your trip leaders will deliver a short welcome presentation to get you inducted and ready for the journey before we all head to our rooms to rest up for the big week ahead!

We kick off the day on Palatine Hill, the area Roman nobles called home, spanning over 131 acres of green space above the city. We’ll take some time to enjoy the views before descending to the Roman Forum, where key political, religious, and social activities took place. Here, you will start to piece together the story of Roman governance and understand how the senate, priests, military, and even the legal system functioned. We’ll then climb up to explore the Campidoglio, a beautiful Renaissance-era piazza designed by Michelangelo that has been home to Rome’s city council and the site of the Musei Capitolini, one of the world’s preeminent archaeological museums. Due to its vast collection and architectural beauty, it has hosted many state visits. The EU was itself conceived in one of its halls, which you will have the opportunity to visit. We’ll conclude the day by heading down to Rome’s famed Jewish Quarter to take an aperitivo with a special guest prepared to explain Italy’s political history.

On this day you’ll trace Christianity’s evolution from a marginalized sect to the empire’s official religion, beginning at the Vatican where we’ll reflect on the missionary story of Peter. This sets the stage for visits to key sites from the era of Christian persecution. Along the way, you’ll explore ancient pagan temples, gaining insights into Rome’s diverse religious landscape and its profound impact on the empire. You’ll also discover some of Rome’s oldest churches, originally hidden and used secretly during times of persecution. In contrast, you’ll visit the principal administrative churches of the Roman Catholic Church that predate the Vatican, immersing yourself in their Byzantine art and heritage. The day will conclude with a cozy dinner in Trastevere, featuring a special guest who will discuss the church’s role in today’s secular world and share personal experiences from working inside Vatican City.

On this day, you’ll experience firsthand the transformation of Rome, as we guide you through its evolution from ancient times to the modern era. As we traverse the city’s backstreets, you’ll discover how layers of history are woven into the very fabric of Rome. We’ll visit sites that epitomize this transformation, from ancient relics and ruins beneath Renaissance churches to iconic artworks and vibrant gardens that trace the city’s journey through time. Our exploration will provide a deep understanding of how Rome has reinvented itself over millennia, showcasing its unique ability to blend the old with the new. After enjoying a sumptuous lunch at one of Rome’s finest trattorias, your evening will be free to wander and get lost in the city’s enchanting streets. This is the perfect opportunity to reflect on the day’s discoveries and feel the pulse of Rome at your own pace.

Today we are taking the day off. After breakfast we will head to a fully recreated Roman Thermal bath hidden beneath an old Renaissance Villa on a lush green property located on the Lago di Traiano. After we’ve fully relaxed and let go of the sores from walking in the days ahead we’ll head south towards Naples. On our way down we’ll make a stop at Caserta to dine at the world’s #1 rated pizzeria, Pizzeria i Masanielli—a culinary experience you won’t want to miss. 

Today, you’ll journey to Pompeii, an ancient Roman town that was home to between 10,000 and 20,000 people over 2,000 years ago. Remarkably preserved by the eruption of nearby Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, Pompeii offers a vivid glimpse into Roman life at the time. As you explore ancient storefronts, markets, and even brothels, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of daily life in a Roman town. You’ll also visit beautifully tiled ancient bathing sites to appreciate the bathing culture of the empire, and explore aristocratic villas like the Casa dei Vetti, revealing insights into noble culture. In the afternoon, we’ll return to Naples, where the stunning sea views set the backdrop for an engaging evening. You’ll have the unique opportunity to discuss with a local Neapolitan crime expert. He’ll share his personal experiences of growing up in the city, explore the chaotic legacy left by the ancients, and demystify what the mafia really is.

In Naples you’ll explore the city’s unique character, which at times resembles a city in North Africa or the Middle East more than one in Italy. You’ll come to understand why as you wander through Naples’ historic streets, immersing yourself in the vibrant lifestyle of the Neapolitans. Your first stop is the Church of San Lorenzo, where you’ll explore the underground Roman ruins beneath this renowned Renaissance church. As you indulge in celebrated Neapolitan street food and sample local culinary delights, you’ll continue to the Museo Lapis, discovering an ancient quarry that evolved into a Roman aqueduct and later a WWII bunker. In the afternoon, a stroll to the Archaeological Museum of Naples (MAAN) awaits, home to the world’s premier collection of Roman and Greek artifacts. Your day concludes with a quiet dinner, offering a moment to reflect on how Naples’ layered history influences its contemporary chaos and charm.