Rome ~ An Insider's Perspective

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From $2,595  per person based on double occupancy, air and VAT not included
Operated by Alumni Holidays International (AHI)

Overview
In ancient times, Rome was the center of a vast empire; today, it is Italy’s historic, artistic and cultural heart. Travel back in time with a walk through the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Delve into unexpected Rome with a special visit to Studio Cassio, which has restored ancient mosaics for over 100 years. Marvel at the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel, and at the stunning paintings and sculptures at the Borghese Galleria. Travel to Orvieto for a cooking class and the chance to explore this vibrant hill town. In addition, journey to the ancient port of Ostia to view its impressive shrines and temples, all remarkably well-preserved. A unique program of planned excursions and free time, plus centrally-located accommodations for a seven-night stay, gives you the opportunity to discover the Eternal City’s treasure trove of must-see sights at a relaxed pace.

Itinerary

Day 1 :  In Transit from North America

• Air Program travelers will depart their gateway city for Rome, Italy. The AHI Travel Group Air Program offers advanced seat assignments on most airlines; an air price guarantee that includes all fuel surcharges, airport and airline taxes; arrival and departure transfers, including baggage handling; and many other benefits.

Day 2 :  Rome

• Arrive at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport. After passing through immigration and customs, AHI Group Air Program passengers will be met by an AHI Travel representative in the arrivals hall. AHI Independent Air Program passengers who are able to join the group transfer and Land Program passengers who have purchased an AHI transfer should proceed to the group flight arrivals hall to meet the AHI representative.
• Transfer to the Hotel Victoria Roma, just a short stroll from the Via Veneto and renowned landmarks such as the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain.
• At your hotel, room keys will be distributed and your luggage delivered directly to your room. Your AHI Travel Director will be with you throughout your journey to handle all program logistics. There will be a Hospitality Desk available daily to assist with sightseeing arrangements, dinner reservations, shopping suggestions and any other assistance you may require.
• This evening, join your fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception at the hotel. A Welcome Dinner follows in the hotel.

Day 3 :  Rome

• Educational Focus: Rome, the Eternal City
  This morning, enjoy an enlightening overview of Rome. Learn how this city, founded more than 2,700 years ago, grew to rule a vast empire that stretched from northern England to North Africa and became the center of the Christian world.
• Excursion: Unexpected Rome
  Take a leisurely stroll through the Monti Quarter, a neighborhood filled with art galleries, artisan workshops, boutiques and cafés. This ancient neighborhood was one of the first Roman communities. Over the centuries, it has counted artists such as Michelangelo and Bernini as residents. The emperor Trajan built a forum here, and Nero, dressed as a common man, often mingled with the locals. Walk the Via Urbana, explore the Piazza degli Zingari and continue to the Suburra, whose most famous son must be Julius Caesar.
  Pay an exclusive visit to Studio Cassio, workshop of some of Italy’s best mosaic artists and restorers, to meet these remarkable artists and see a demonstration of their work.
  Wander through the quarter’s lively open-air produce market where neighborhood families shop, and stop for coffee and a pastry at a café. Continue your walk up the Capitoline Hill for a spectacular view.
• Local Flavor: Enjoy a delicious lunch at a specially selected restaurant.
• Excursion: Imperial Rome
  Step inside the Colosseum with a knowledgeable guide and see where gladiators and wild beasts fought to the death to entertain emperors and roaring crowds. Next door, wander through the ruins of the Forum, the heart of ancient Rome. Here, orators addressed crowds; vendors peddled food, clothing and other wares; and supplicants prayed to the gods at the many temples.

Day 4 :  Rome/ Castel Gandolfo

• Excursion: Castles and Vineyards
  Overlooking Lake Albano near the outskirts of Rome is Castel Gandolfo, the traditional summer residence of popes. Admire its elaborate Roman architecture including the luxurious facade of the papal palace. Continue on through the verdant forests of Grottaferrata and arrive in Frascati. Just northeast of Frascati is Cantine Santa Bendetta, the oldest family-owned and -operated winery in the region. Since 1650, the Benedetti family has cultivated the vines and produced high-quality wines using traditional methods. Tour the vineyards and winery followed by a cooking demonstration of regional fare.
• Local Flavor: Enjoy a delicious lunch and wine tasting at Cantine Santa Bendetta.

Day 5 :  Rome

• Educational Focus: The Gifts of the Romans
  From aqueducts, indoor plumbing and highways to laws and branches of government, Romans have been at the forefront of many extraordinary advancements. Hear from a local expert who will examine the monumental contributions made by the great, ancient Roman civilization.
• Excursion: Ancient Port of Ostia Excavations
  Explore this fascinating excavated port town that dates to at least the fourth century B.C. and maybe as early as the seventh century B.C. Located in a meadow just outside of Rome, Ostia is filled with beautiful mosaics, murals and intact ruins. Ostia was once ancient Rome’s most important port. As such, it was a cosmopolitan city, which you will see reflected in the ruins that have been uncovered.
• Local Flavor: Enjoy a delicious lunch at a restaurant during your tour.

Day 6 :  Rome

• Excursion: St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel
  Step inside Vatican City, the world’s smallest sovereign state. Along with an expert guide, examine priceless collections. Catch a few glimpses of the exquisite gardens of the Pope before proceeding to the Sistine Chapel to witness Michelangelo’s world-famous frescoes. Continue on a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica to examine the cathedral’s impressive art collection, which includes Michelangelo’s “Pietà.” Enjoy some time to linger in the square.
• Educational Focus: Italian Food and Wine
  Sharing meals with family and friends has long been an essential part of the Italian way of life. Learn about Italian traditions and the hallmarks of la cucina romana—from antipasti to homemade pasta, secondi, dolci and, of course, vino!
• Local Flavor: Put your newfound knowledge about Italian cuisine to the test! Enjoy dinner at a typical Roman restaurant.

Day 7 :  Rome

• Excursion: Borghese Galleria
  Enjoy a tour of this private palatial museum located in leafy Borghese Park across from our hotel. Under frescoed ceilings, you’ll encounter famous sculptures by Bernini and paintings by Raphel, Rubens, Titian, Caravaggio and more. Cardinal Scipione Borghese started this impressive collection in the 17th century.
• Independent Exploration: Pursue your individual interests during the afternoon at leisure in Rome. Visit a museum or two, shop for chic Italian fashion, compare the flavors of creamy gelato at the city’s many gelaterie or laze the day away at a sidewalk café. The choices are yours.
• This evening, share stories of your Roman holiday with your fellow travelers at a Farewell Reception and Dinner.

Day 8 :  In Transit to North America

• Following breakfast, depart for the airport for your return flight home. Your Travel Director will provide details about your hotel checkout and the airport transfer for AHI Group Air Program passengers and Land Program passengers who have purchased an AHI transfer. AHI Independent Air Program passengers are eligible to join the group transfer.

Note: Itinerary sequence and/or scheduled events may change. Many excursions in this program involve an element of walking.

Accommodations
Six nights in Rome at the deluxe Hotel Victoria Roma:  Built in 1899 and lovingly restored, the Hotel Victoria Roma is a first-class luxurious boutique property overlooking Rome’s famous Villa Borghese Park. An extensive collection of 18th-century artwork surrounds guests, along with modern amenities. Sleep with open windows, sheltered from the sounds of the city by the nearby ancient Aurelian Wall.

Meals

• Enjoy an extensive meal program, Enjoy an extensive meal program, including six breakfasts, three lunches and three dinners in addition to in-flight dining service. Tea or coffee is included with all meals, plus wine with dinner. Take advantage of leisure time to try local cuisine independently.
• Sample authentic regional specialties at featured local restaurants.
• Gather at a Welcome Reception and Dinner at the hotel.
• Attend a Farewell Reception and Dinner.

Your Exciting Travel Program

• Informative programs presented by local experts to enhance your insight into the region.
• Personal VOX listening devices allow you to hear every word from your expert English-speaking guides.
• All excursions:
  -Discover the highlights of Rome
  -Explore ancient Monti Quarter, filled with character and history
  -Pay a special visit to the studio of mosaic artists and restorers
  -Tour the Vatican museums
  -Visit the exclusive Borghese Galleria
  -See the historical summer residence of the popes at Castel Gandolfo
  -Discover the ancient port of Ostia

Many Included Extras

• Consultation services of a dedicated Passenger Service Representative prior to departure
• Services of a professional Campus Director and expert English-speaking local guides throughout your stay
• Tipping of all guides and drivers
• Detailed travel and destination information to assist you in your planning
• Complimentary travel wallet

Air Program
For your convenience, AHI offers a flexible Air Program featuring special air fares available at an additional cost in conjunction with the Land Program.
AHI has designated specific Group Air Schedules for this departure utilizing scheduled, round-trip jet service from North America to and from Rome, Italy. Those participating on these flights will enjoy:

• Motor coach transfers between the arrival/departure airports abroad and the ship, including baggage handling.
• Prices are dependent upon dates, air routes and class of service chosen and will be reflected on your Reservation Confirmation, which will be sent to you upon receipt of your reservation. Air schedules will be sent with your Final Invoice approximately 90 days before departure.
• Prices quoted to you will include all domestic and foreign governmental airport departure taxes and fees and any applicable fuel surcharges.
• AHI ticketed passengers will also receive Automatic $250,000 Flight Insurance, subject to policy terms.