Il Romano

This itinerary is the starting point for your tour, but it’s not set in stone. If there are days you would like to change, or specific places you’d like to go, we can work with you to create a personalized program that fits the needs of you and your students.

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2: Rome

Benvenuti a Roma! Arrive in the Eternal City, so named because Romans thought it would endure forever, and meet your ACIS Tour Manager. After dropping off your bags, your tour manager will take you on an orientation walking tour through Piazza Navona, a bustling, oval-shaped public space where a stadium once stood centuries ago, and Trastevere, a funky, Bohemian neighborhood known for its trattorias and artisan shops. A public transport pass is included with your stay for easy travel around the city.

Day 3: Rome

Your day begins with a visit to the imposing Castel Sant Angelo, a towering mausoleum built centuries ago along the Tiber River for the Roman Emperor Hadrian and later used as a fortress and a castle—when you see it, you’ll understand why! Then tour the awe-inspiring St. Peter’s Basilica, the spiritual heart of Christianity, using your ACIS audio guide to bring to life the history, architecture, and artistic masterpieces of this iconic Vatican City landmark. In the afternoon, you’re free to explore more of this historic city on your own. Perhaps visit under-the-radar gems like the ruins of Teatro di Marcello. In the evening, channel your inner culinary artisan with a pizza making lesson and dinner. Pay close attention to the chef's presentation on how to lay out the dough of a perfect pie, top it with ingredients in the Roman style and finish it off in the oven. You'll work in teams to assemble and cook your own authentic, brick-oven pizza.

Day 4: Rome

Start your day with a guided tour inside the iconic and historic Colosseum (your timed reservation ensures no waiting in line) and learn the many stories of this nearly 2,000-year-old Roman landmark that's considered one of the architectural wonders of the ancient world. Then continue with your guide to the adjoining Roman Forum, the social, political and commercial hub of the Roman Empire. The afternoon brings an organized visit to the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, where you’ll hear about its mission, learn about global food insecurity, hunger and malnutrition and explore this specialized agency’s approach to the problem. Alternatively, you may choose to request a volunteer opportunity focused on cultural exchange, such as helping to serve lunch at a local shelter. This would be arranged instead of the United Nations FAO visit, and is subject to availability.

Day 5: Rome

Hop aboard a train for a full-day excursion to Orvieto. Once a major center of the Etruscan civilization, the city is perched high on a plateau of volcanic tufa stone and is known for its gothic Duomo, or cathedral, whose dramatic outline is visible for miles around. Your tour includes a round-trip ticket on the city’s funicular, which transports you to the top of the plateau, and entrance to the soul-stirring cathedral and the Capella San Brizio, home to amazing, centuries’-old frescoes—sterling examples of Italian Renaissance art. Then head underground for a guided walk through the secret labyrinth of tunnels carved into the soft rock beneath the city's streets. Upon return to Rome, you’ll receive restaurant vouchers and suggestions for a few favorite trattorias so you can dine like (and with) the locals.

Day 6: Rome

Today you’ll take a bike tour along the most famous of all the roads that lead to Rome: the ancient Via Appia Antica. Pedal first to the Church of Domine Quo Vadis, where a fleeing St. Peter encountered Jesus and then turned back to his martyrdom in Rome. Then continue further into the Roman countryside for a fascinating visit of the tunnels and underground Catacombs where early Christians buried their dead outside Rome's city walls. Next you’ll visit the nearby Fosse Ardeatine Memorial. A somber reminder of the horrors of war, it honors 335 Italian civilians massacred by German authorities in March 1944. In the evening, back in Rome, enjoy a farewell dinner with live music as you celebrate your final night.

Day 7: Departure

Depart for the USA.



Optional Extensions and Extra Nights:

Further immerse yourself in the culture and wonders of la dolce vita with an extra night in Rome, including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager and a vigorous (and fun!) experience training to be an ancient Roman gladiator.

Enhance your Italian experience with a two-night extension to Florence by high-speed train—discover the Renaissance city's rich heritage, art and architecture with included sightseeing and entrance to the Accademia.