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The Roman State Apparatus
Explore Roman governance, warfare, and religion and their connections to our modern era.
Trips starting from
€
1,369
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Trip Details
"Only in Rome is it possible to understand Rome" - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
4 days, 3 nights
Upgrade Your World View
On this trip, we've designed a narrative that focuses solely on the evolution of Roman governance and power structures.
You will delve deep into the intricacies of the Roman political system, exploring significant landmarks and historical sites where key political actions and decisions took place. Accompanied by archaeologists, art historians, and political experts, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of how governance in Rome influenced its rise to global prominence.
That said our primary aim is not just to educate but to facilitate meaningful conversations among your fellow travelers. This journey is an opportunity to build relationships and enhance your worldview through shared insights and experiences
4 days, 3 nights
Upgrade Your World View
Exclusive Videos by Dr. Billows
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.
Explore Rome with Experts
You’ll be accompanied by expert archaeologists and art historians to experience Rome’s political and social legacy.
Connect with Political Insiders
You will meet with local political journalists and pundits over dinner to explore Rome's legacy on modern politics and culture.
On this trip, we've designed a narrative that focuses solely on the evolution of Roman governance and power structures.
You will delve deep into the intricacies of the Roman political system, exploring significant landmarks and historical sites where key political actions and decisions took place. Accompanied by archaeologists, art historians, and political experts, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of how governance in Rome influenced its rise to global prominence.
That said our primary aim is not just to educate but to facilitate meaningful conversations among your fellow travelers. This journey is an opportunity to build relationships and enhance your worldview through shared insights and experiences
Dr. Richard Billows
Historian
Columbia UniversityRichard A. Billows, a Professor at Columbia University, specializes in Ancient Greek and Roman History and has authored several books on topics ranging from Julius Caesar's role in the decline of the Roman republic to the development of classical Greek city-states.
Dr. Ben Kolbeck
Historian
Cambridge UniversityDr. Ben Kolbeck is a Roman historian and author specialised in Roman imperialism and early christianity. He's published widely on topics like ancient fire fighting, Roman imperialism and Pontes Pilates, the man who killed Jesus. He's earned history degrees from Durham and Oxford and a PhD from the Kings College London.
Dr. Paolo Gardelli
Archeologist
Ludwig-Maximilians University, MunichDr. Gardelli is a dedicated archaeologist and author based in Rome, known for his extensive research, fieldwork, and expertise in Roman history, art, and architecture, particularly focused on Rome and the Bay of Naples region.
Dr. Lorenzo Curatella
Medieval Archeologist
University of Rome, La SapienzaLorenzo Curatella specializes in religious and funerary culture in medieval Rome, with a strong background in archaeology and a range of excavation and research experience in Italy and Israel. He has a PhD from the University of Rome, La Sapienza.
Travel Itinerary
Each day we explore a different aspect of the Roman story.
1
Day 1 - Arrival to Rome
Benvenuti a Roma!
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!
2
Day 2 - Palatine Hill
Roman Political Order
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.
3
Day 3 - Central Rome
Art & Transformation
Today, 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.
4
Day 5 - Departure from Rome
Arrivederci, Roma!
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.
What’s included?
Online Course
Dr. Richard Billows
Course Creator & Lecturer
Dr. Billows has masterfully crafted a pre-trip lecture series including the following themes and videos:
Overview
- A timeline of Roman history from the foundation to Christianity
- What can we learn from Rome and its fall?
Roman Governance, Warfare, and Religion
- The Roman governing system
- The end of the Republic and the assassination of Caesar
- What makes a good or bad emperor?
- The transition from aggressive expansion to policing secure borders
- Roman imperial road building
- The crisis of the empire in the 3rd century CE, and Roman fortification
- Roman religion in public and private life
Guided Tours
Our expert guides and host will guide you through all the experiences included in the itinerary:
- Archeological site tours
- Museum visits
- City walking tours
Accommodations
- 3 nights in a 4* hotel
- Double twin rooms
- Single occupancy available at an extra cost
Food Experiences
4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 happy hours, 1 dinner, inclusive of:
- Welcome drinks
- Private Dinner
- Italian Aperitivo
- Lunch at a local trattoria
Transport
- Car transfer from Airport to your hotel in Rome
- Private van transfer Rome to Naples
- Private van tour Naples to Pompei
Special Guests
We will encounter local insiders to discuss the key topics presented in the itinerary. On this trip we will have dinner with an Roman political journalist that will help us uncover
- Italian politics today
- Role of the church in an increasingly secular world
- Social and systemic issues in Italian Society today
- The political legacy left by ancient rome
Online Course
Dr. Richard Billows
Course Creator & Lecturer
Dr. Billows has masterfully crafted a pre-trip lecture series including the following themes and videos:
Overview
- A timeline of Roman history from the foundation to Christianity
- What can we learn from Rome and its fall?
Roman Governance, Warfare, and Religion
- The Roman governing system
- The end of the Republic and the assassination of Caesar
- What makes a good or bad emperor?
- The transition from aggressive expansion to policing secure borders
- Roman imperial road building
- The crisis of the empire in the 3rd century CE, and Roman fortification
- Roman religion in public and private life
Guided ToursOur expert guides and host will guide you through all the experiences included in the itinerary:
- Archeological site tours
- Museum visits
- City walking tours
Accommodations- 3 nights in a 4* hotel
- Double twin rooms
- Single occupancy available at an extra cost
Food Experiences4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 happy hours, 1 dinner, inclusive of:
- Welcome drinks
- Private Dinner
- Italian Aperitivo
- Lunch at a local trattoria
Transport- Car transfer from Airport to your hotel in Rome
- Private van transfer Rome to Naples
- Private van tour Naples to Pompei
Special GuestsWe will encounter local insiders to discuss the key topics presented in the itinerary. On this trip we will have dinner with an Roman political journalist that will help us uncover
- Italian politics today
- Role of the church in an increasingly secular world
- Social and systemic issues in Italian Society today
- The political legacy left by ancient rome
Our Guides
Enjoy the good company of your expert local guides who will breath life into the Roman Empire's story!
Dr. Dimosthenis Kosmopoulos
Archeologist
Dr. Kosmopoulos, born in Rome, earned his Ph.D. at the University of Rome "La Sapienza," specializing in Republican-era temple architecture in the Italic peninsula. He has participated in numerous archaeological digs, including the Roman Forum and Mausoleum of Augustus, and collaborates regularly with the Department of Classics and the "Soprintendenza Archeologica." Since 2013, he has been a licensed tour guide, focusing on Ostia Antica and the Roman Forum.
Dr. Crispin Corrado
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.
Dr. Paolo Gardelli
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.
Book with confidence
Reserve with a 10% deposit
Reserve your place with just a fully refundable 10% deposit.
Full refund policy
Full refund for reservations canceled 60 days before the trip.
Financial failure protection
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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Trip Departure Dates
Review the number of travelers, date and total price & deposit
Thursday, 5th September
BOOKINGS OPENDeposit amount: €153.27
Future payments: €1,379.43
Thursday, 19th September
BOOKINGS OPENDeposit amount: €157.60
Future payments: €1,418.39
Thursday, 3rd October
BOOKINGS OPENDeposit amount: €153.27
Future payments: €1,379.43
Thursday, 17th October
BOOKINGS OPENDeposit amount: €153.27
Future payments: €1,379.43
Thursday, 31st October
BOOKINGS OPENDeposit amount: €150.93
Future payments: €1,358.37
Thursday, 14th November
BOOKINGS OPENDeposit amount: €136.89
Future payments: €1,232.01
Key Information
- Guests must provide proof of travel insurance for their adventure’s duration.
- Flights are not included in the price.
- Prices are based on twin room sharing. For a single room preference, please contact our team.
- Before booking, check the required documents, visas, and vaccinations for your destination and make sure you have enough time to take care of any potential requierments
For assistance of any kind, please contact us.
FAQ
You have questions? We've got answers!
Which airports should I use for booking flights?
Arrival: Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO), also known as Leonardo da Vinci International Airport.
Departure: Naples International Airport (NAP)
Departure: Naples International Airport (NAP)
What time should I arrive for the welcome meeting?
Aim to arrive before 12 pm on Day 1 to settle in before the evening dinner with the group.
When should I schedule my departure flight?
You're free to leave at any time on the last day, as there are no planned activities.
Are airport transfers provided?
Airport transfers on Day 1 are included if you arrive on the start date of the tour. For other situations or arrival by different modes of transport, you’ll need to arrange your own transfer. Arrival transfers are grouped by flight times, which may require a short wait.
Can the itinerary change?
The itinerary is subject to change only due to factors outside of our control like weather or availability. We strive to minimize any impact and will inform you of changes. Occasionally, we update itineraries to keep our tours exciting.
Do I need a visa?
Tourists from the EU, UK, USA, Australia, or Canada typically don't need a visa. Check with your local consulate/embassy or our website for specific requirements. From 2024, ETIAS travel authorization will be required for visa-exempt travelers to Europe. More Info: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias/what-etias_en. Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity and you have a return ticket.