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Legacy of Ancient Rome
Uncover Rome's ancient order and modern legacy with experts and explorers
Trips starting from
$
5,490
See Trip Dates"Only in Rome is it possible to understand Rome" - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Upgrade your world view through Rome, Pompei & Naples
On this trip, we've crafted a comprehensive narrative of Rome from its inception through its transition to Christianity.
You will journey from Rome to Pompeii and Naples, delving into the Roman political system, the influence of religion, and the everyday lives of both commoners and the elite. Accompanied by archaeologists, art historians, and political experts, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of life in the Roman Empire, how it was governed, and the global order of the era.
That said, however, our primary goal is to help you cultivate meaningful conversations among your fellow travelers, building relationships and enhancing your worldview with shared insights and experiences. We can't wait to welcome you on the trip. Onwards!
Upgrade your world view through Rome, Pompei & Naples
Dr. Billows, one of the world's leading thinkers on the ancient world, has crafted a punchy primer for you to brush up your Roman history.
On each day you’ll be accompanied by expert archaeologists and art historians to experience Rome’s political, economic and cultural legacy.
Along our journey we stop for rest and restoration at a renovated Roman Bath that blends modern comforts with ancient wisdom.
We meet with local political journalists, and pundits over dinner to explore Rome's legacy on modern politics and culture.
On this trip, we've crafted a comprehensive narrative of Rome from its inception through its transition to Christianity.
You will journey from Rome to Pompeii and Naples, delving into the Roman political system, the influence of religion, and the everyday lives of both commoners and the elite. Accompanied by archaeologists, art historians, and political experts, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of life in the Roman Empire, how it was governed, and the global order of the era.
That said, however, our primary goal is to help you cultivate meaningful conversations among your fellow travelers, building relationships and enhancing your worldview with shared insights and experiences. We can't wait to welcome you on the trip. Onwards!
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.
Enjoy a leisurely morning with a late check-out arranged for your convenience. Savour your breakfast at the hotel, taking the time to reflect on the memories created during your stay. Please remember, you are free to use the facilities throughout the day.
Course Creator & Lecturer
Dr. Billows has masterfully crafted a pre-trip lecture series including the following themes and videos:
Overview
Roman Governance, Warfare, and Religion
Roman Social and Cultural Life
Roman Economic Life
Our expert guides and host will guide you through all the experiences included in the itinerary:
7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 happy hours, 3 dinner, inclusive of:
We will encounter local insiders to discuss the key topics presented in the itinerary, including:
Day at the Spa in a modern recreated roman terme.
Course Creator & Lecturer
Dr. Billows has masterfully crafted a pre-trip lecture series including the following themes and videos:
Overview
Roman Governance, Warfare, and Religion
Roman Social and Cultural Life
Roman Economic Life
Our expert guides and host will guide you through all the experiences included in the itinerary:
7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 happy hours, 3 dinner, inclusive of:
We will encounter local insiders to discuss the key topics presented in the itinerary, including:
Day at the Spa in a modern recreated roman terme.
Enjoy the good company of your expert local guides who will breath life into the Roman Empire's story!
Archeologist
Ivan Variale, a Naples native, holds degrees in Conservation of Cultural Heritage and in Classical Archaeology. Ivan is the co-editor of four books and author of 14+ academic papers on archeology and has actively contributed to excavations at sites like Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Naples. Currently, Ivan leads the Venus Pompeiana Project and is Vice-President of the International Research Institute for Archaeology and Ethnology (I.R.I.A.E.).
Classical Art Historian & Expert Guide
Dr. Corrado is a classical archaeologist specialized in Roman art. She curated classical art for the RISD Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and the Vatican Museums. She received a BA in Classical Studies and a MA in Art History at the University of Chicago, followed by a PhD in Classical Archaeology at Brown University.
Archeologist & Expert Guide, Co-Creator of "Rise & Fall of Rome" Trip
Dr. Gardelli is an archaeologist with 20+ years' experience leading digs in Pompeii, Castellammare di Stabia, and Greece. His expertise includes building archaeology, wall paintings, mosaics, and Roman social history. Holding degrees in Cultural Heritage and Classical Archaeology, he earned his PhD at Ludwig Maximilians Universität in Munich, Germany.
Archaeologist
Roberto, is an archaeologist with a Bachelor's Degree in Cultural Heritage, a Master's Degree in Classical Archaeology, he has extensive experience working across the Mediterranean, including sites in Italy, France, and Greece and he's been a licensed guide for over 12 years. When not on digs or site visits, Roberto collaborates with Italy's Slow Food Association to promote Italian culinary traditions.
Reserve your place with just a fully refundable 10% deposit.
Full refund for reservations canceled 60 days before the trip.
Your payments are insured by ABTOT in accordance with The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018. See our Terms & Conditions for full details.
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