ST. PETER'S BASILICA BORGHESE MUSEUM CLASSIC ROME

(MORNING - HALF DAY)

Piazza della Repubblica - Najads' Fountain - Diocletian's Baths - Largo Santa Susanna - Via XX Settembre - Quirinale Palace (Residence of the President of the Republic, once the Royal Palace) - Torre delle Milizie - Trajan's Market - Trevi Fountain (visit) - Piazza Venezia - Tarpeian Rock - Marcellus' Theatre - Temples of Vesta and Fortuna Virilis - Arch of Janus - St. Mary in Cosmedin - Tiber island - The Synagogue - Pauline Fountain - Janiculum Hill (stop for a panoramic wiew of Rome) - Castel St. Angelo (Hadnan's Mausoleum) - Via della Conciliazione - St. Peter's in the Vatican (Visit of the Basilica, where the Pietà by Michelangelo and the Gloryby Bernini can be admired). The tour will end at the renovated Borghese Gallery (directly without queueing, having pre-booked the visit in advance) containing masterpieces by Bernini, Canova, Caravaggio, Raffaello, Tiziano Vecelio and other great artists.

SISTINA CHAPEL AND VATICAN MUSEUMS

MORNING OR AFTERNOON (AFTERNOON ONLY DURING SPRING AND SUMMER SEASON) - HALF DAY

Except on Sunday and religious holidays)

Piazza della Repubblica - Largo Santa Susanna - S. Maria della Vitoria - Via Bissolati - Via Vittorio Veneto - Aurelian Walls and Pinciana Gate - Villa Borghese - Piazzale Faminio - Pota del Popolo - Queen Margherita's Bridge on Tiber River - Prati District - Via Cola di Rienzo - Piazza Risorgimento - Vatican City - Visit of the Vatican museums: wiew of the Gardens dominated St. Peter's Dome - Simonetti's Staircase - Greek Cross Room - Candelabra Gallery - Raffael's New School tapestries - Geografic  Maps gallery  - Constantine's Room - Nicolas V Chapel - Raphael's Logge - Sistine Chapel (seat of the Conclave for the election of the Popes, with famous frescoes by Michelangelo) - Roorn of the Aldobrandini Wedding - Vatican Apostolic Library.

IMPERIAL ROME: COLOSSEUM - FORUM

MORNING OR AFTERNOON  - HALF DAY

Piazza della Repubblica - Via Nazionale - Trajan's Market - Militia Tower - Via IV Novermbre - Piazza Venezia (Monument to King Victor Emanuel II, Tomb of the Unknown Sodier and Venezia Palace) - Wisit on fout of the Capitol, the ancient Holy Hili with the famous piazza designed by Michelangelo; panoramic views towards Campo Marzio, Trastevere, Giannicolo and, above all, the Roman Forum and Palatino, the political, economic and religious centre of ancient Rome - Via dei Fori Imperali - Caesar's, Trajan's and Augustus's Forums - Massenzio's Basilica - Venus and Rome Temple - Colosseum (visit of the famous Flavian Amphitheatre) - Viale Aventino - St. Paul's Gate - Caius Cestius Pyramide - Via Ostiense - Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Wails (visit) - Piazza della Repubblica. No interior visit of Colosseum on Sunday.

CHRISTIAN ROME: CATACOMBS AND BASILICAS

MORNING OR AFTERNOON  HALF DAY

Piazza della Repubblica - Esquilino Hill - Basilica of St. Mary Major (visit) - Piazza Vittorio - Holy Staircase - Lateran Palace -
Basilica of St. John Lateran (visit) - Baptistry - St. John's Hospital - Imperial Walls - Porta Metronia - Botanical garden - Villa Celimontana - Passeggiata Archeologica - Ancient Baths of Caracalla ) the largest Roman thermal bath), Ancient Appian Way - Scipio's Tombs - Arch of Drusus - Appian gate - Chapel of "Domine Quo Vadis?" - Remains of Imperial tombs - Appia Pignatelli - Circus of Emperor Maxentius - Tomb of Cecilia Metella - Tomb of Romulus - Visit of the Catacombs of St. Callixtus (or of St. Sebastian or St. Domitilia), underground catacombs where early Christians assembled to escape persecution - St. Sabastian's gate - Porta Latina - St. Peter in Cahain (statue of Moses by Michelangelo - visit) Return to Piazza della Repubblica.

ROME'S SEASIDE AND ANCIENT OSTIA

MORNING OR AFTERNOON (DAILY EXCEPT MONDAYS) - HALF DAY

Leave Rome Via St. Paul's Gate by highway. In about 40 minutes you will reach the Mediterranean seaside and visit the excavations of Ancient Ostia, former horbour of Rome, also the beach of Rome, more excavations at Isola Sacra, the pinewoods of Castle Fusano. On the return trip to Rome on via Chistopher Columbus you will see among other the modern E.U.R. quarter and its fine public meeting and exhibition palaces.

ANCIENT ROME AND TOUR BY MOTORSHIP ON THE TIBER

MORNING OR AFTERNOON - HALF DAY

Church of St. Peter in Chains - (statue of Moses by Michelangelovisit) - Trajan's Forum and Column - Tomb of the Unknown
Soldier - Theatre of Marcellus - Temples of Vesta and Fortuna Virilis - Janus' Arch - S. Maria in Cosmedin - the Synagogue - Roman Forum - Colosseum (visit) - Arch of Titus - Arch of Constantine - Circus Maximus - Aventine Hill - St. Paul's Bnsilica Outside the Walls - Janiculum Hill (stop for a panoramic view of Rome) - Embark on the motorship for a short tour on the Tiber River - the sacred river of ancient Rome will reveal the splendours of 2000 years of history and offer new views of the city. After upprox. one hour ride, disembark and return by motorcoach to the hotels .

ROME BY NIGHT (ILLUMINATED ROME)

20,15 / 20,45 HRS. - EVERY EVENING

An unforgettable night tour of the Eternal City: Via Veneto (of Dolce Vita fame) - Villa Borghese - Piazza del Popolo (with its twin churches) - Ara Pacis (with the Tomb of Augustus) - Piazza Navona (stop for a drink in one of the good bars of this lovely square) - Lungotevere - Tiber Island - Piazza St. Andrea della Valle - Piazza Venezai (with the impressive Monument to King Victor Emanuel II) - Capitol Hill - Colosseum - St. Mary Major - Piazza della Repubblica - Quirinale Hill - Trevi Fountain (stop) Piazza Barberini.

ROME BY NIGHT SPECIAL WITH DINNER AND FOLK-SHOW

FROM MONDAY TO SATURDAY

An unforgettable night tour of the Eternal City: first part of the tour will allow you to see by night - Piazza Venezia (with the impressive Monument to King Victor Emanuel II) - Capitol Hill - Colosseum - St. Mary Major - Piazza della Repubblica - Quirinal Hill - Piazza Barberini - Trevi Fountain (stop) - Via Veneto (of Dolce Vita fame) - Villa Borghese - Piazza del Popolo (with its twin churches) - Ara Pacis (with the Tomb of Augustus) - Piazza Navona (stop) - Lungotevere. Stop for dinner... Right in the heart of Rome you will be pleased to discover the ancient Tiberine Theatre, now a typical Roman restaurant where the XVIII century seems to have stood still. During the 4-course dinner incl. all drinks you will enjoy good Roman or international cuisine and Italian folk entertaiment. At the end of dinner return to hotels.

TIVOLI, VILLA D'ESTE AND VILLA ADRIANA

LONG HALF DAY - MORNING OR AFTERNOON

Stazione Termini - San Lorenzo - University - Verano - Jewish Cemetery - Roma/Tivoli Motorway - Tufa qallery - Travertine marble quarry - At Tivoli, an ancient town on a hilltop overlooking olive groves, you will first visit the Villa Adriana, the most magnificent and best preserved residence of the Roman Imperial Era. The Plauzi Mausoleum, the Fortress of Pope Pius II and then the Villa d'Este, which has the right to be known as one of the most splendid country houses of the Renaissance. A former convent, it was chosen by Ippolito d'Este, Governor of Tivoli, son of Alfonso d'Este and Lucrezia Borgia, as his residence. It was one of the first villas with a garden, designed by Pirro Ligorio. His project provided a panoramic view, and gave new ideas of geometric and architectural perspective for Italian-style gardens. Villa d'Este was used as a model by some architects to design other great villas in Rome, Florence and Caprarola, near Viterbo. This garden is considered to be one of the wonders of the surroundings of Rome, and even today visitors can admire the fanciful waterspouts of the fountains.

TIVOLI BY NIGHT INCLUDUNG DINNER

IF IT RESUMES NEXT SUMMER 2001, AS FORESEEN

This tour into Rome's countryside focuses on floodlit Villa d'Este, converted from a monastery into a beautiful palace with unique fountains and gardens in 1550 for Cardinal Ippolito d'Este, son of Lucrezia Borgia. The view of the countless illuminated waterfalls, fountains and pools dotting the extensive gardens will be an unforgettable experience for art lovers. We can organize this tour every night (except Monday) from May to October. At the end of the visit, it is included a dinner with a four-course menu and local wine in a typical local restaurant where during dinner musicians will play folk songs.

ROMAN HILLS, LAKES AND CASTLES

MORNING OR AFTERNOON - HALF DAY

This leisurely afternoon tour (daily, all year round) features the capital's lovely countryside. Past the Colosseum, Baths of
Caracalla and the ancient Appian Way we will enter the Lake district: Castelgandolfo - Albano - Ariccia - Nemi - Rocca di Papa - Frascati. The Castelli Romani are not actually castles but small towns huddled on top of the Alban Hills, that surround lakes which are of volcanic origin. Leaving the Via Appia and ascending the Lakes route, you will reach Castelgandolfo, summer residence of the Popes. The place was built by order of the Gandolfi Dukes in the XII cent. It became the Papal summer residence under Pope Urban VIII Barberini. Along the road you will encounter Albano, situated on the shore of the lake of the same name. Nearby is Ariccia, a small town taking pride in its quite ancient Latin origin and enjoying an outstanding splendour (related even by Cicero) up to the Republic. Among the most impressive spots on the Alban Hills is Nemi, a little town built on a sheer rock spur, on Nemi Lake. From here Rocca di Papa is easily reached, with its almost untouched medioeval burg. Finally Frascati, famous for its wine and patrician villas. A stop of about 30 minutes is made in a local tavern to taste the typical porchetta and local sausages with some local wines (included in the price).

LONG FULL DAY TOUR TO FLORENCE

ONE DAY

Departure from Rome at 07,00 a.m.

After having crossed three of Italy's finesl regions: Latium, Umbria, Tuscany - we reach Florence at around 10,30, thanks to the scenic Autostrada del Sole highway. The world-renowned city of Florence. Tuscany's capjtal, some 280 km. northwest of Rome. Upon arrival the tour starts by visiting the Cathedral crowned by Brunelleschi's immense dome, Giotto's slender belltower and Ghiberti's large bronze doors at the Baptistry. Then visit the Academy of Fine Arts with the statue of David by Michelangelo and many sculptures, or the unique Uffizi Gallery, full of paintings by great masters (in your request please advise clearly what you prefer; it is not possible to visit both places). After lunch in a typical restaurant, tour will proceed across the Arno River and up the hillside drive to Piazzale Michelangelo, affording a fine panoramic view. You will also see, of course, the embankment, the jewellers' shops on the Old Bridge (Ponte Vecchio), the historic City Hall, the Basilica and Square of the Holy Cross (Santa Croce) known for its leather workshops. Around 6,00 p.m. departure from Florence to Rome, with a break for dinner in Orvieto. Arrival in Rome at 11,00 p.m.

FULL DAY EXCURSION TO ASSISI

ONE DAY

Departure from Romc at 7,15 a.m.

A chance to spend a delightful day out of Rome to visit Umbria, one ol' the most picturesque regions of Italy, rich in vineyards, olive trees and the famous hilltop villages across the valley. The route is dotted with such churming medieval towns as Spoleto (Giancarlo Menotti's Festival dei Due Mondi), Trevi, Foligno, Spello, and, most famous of all, Assisi. The magical town of Saint Francis is still surrounded by the ancient walls, spread on the green slopes of Mount Subasio with its colourful houses of pink stone, narrow streets, flower-decked balconies, noble palaces, all providing beautiful views for memorable picturers. An interesting visit to Saint Francis' Basilica with its early Renaissance masterpicces by Giotto and Ciinabue ... enjoy browsing in the old town, shopping in the little stores and in the artisan shops. A pleasant lunch in a restaurant with a typical Umbrian menu is included in the tour. In the afternoon visit of St. Chiara's Church, the Cathedral, the Romanesque St. Peter's Church and St. Mary of the Angels Basilica. Retum to the Eternal City. Our leisurely tour will end at the hotel in Rome at about 08,30/09,00 p.m..

ETRUSCAN EXCURSION

ONE DAY

An unforgettable tour through Ancient Etruria to admire the artistic marvels left by the Etruscan people. Departure in the morning from city. Itinerary: highway to Civitavecchia - arrival at Tarquinia and visit of the Etruscan Museum housed in the splendid Vitelleschi Palace. Visit to the most important Etruscan Tombs of the Necropolis. Proceed to Ronciglione driving along Lake Vico. Stop for lunch in a good typical restaurant. Proceed to Caprarola. Arrival and visit of the famous Farnese Palace. On the way back to Rome a stop will be made to see the Roman Amphiteatre of Sutri. Arrival in Roine at about 07,30 p.m..

ROME - NAPLES - POMPEI - SORRENTO - ROME

ONE LONG FULL DAY EXCURSION - DAILY: ALL YEAR

Rome

Departure at 07,00 a.m. southward via the "Autostrada del Sole" highway, which offers a succession of scenic and historical sights of the Roman campagna. Notable and visible from afar, the historic Abbey of Montecassino perched on a hilltop.

Naples

Short city sightseeing: Via Caracciolo - St. Lucia with Castel dell'Ovo - The Royal Palace and St. Francesco di Paola Umberto I. Gallery - Maschio Angioino and Pier. Proceed to Torre del Greco.

Pompeii

Stop for lunch. Visit with guide of the excavations of this Roman city buried in 79A.D. The drive is resumed on the Salerno Motorway, toward.

Sorrento
A stopover is made with time to explore this enchanting resort. The drive back is via Vico Equense, Castellammare di Stabia always via the 'Autostrada del Sole" highway. Stop for dinner at a typical restaurant in Cassino.
Arrival in Rome is scheduled for 11,00/11,30 p.m..

ROME - NAPLES - POMPEI - SORRENTO - CAPRI (or AMALFI) - ROME

TWO-DAYS EXCURSION - DAILY: ALL YEAR

1st day Rome

Departure al 7,00 a.m.
The ride south on the 'Autostrada del Sole" highway offers a succession of scenic and historic sights. Notable and visible from afar, the historic Abbey of Montecassino perched on a hilltop. Arrivel in Naples. Short city sighseeing tour. Proceed to Torre del Greco and Pompeii - Stop for lunch. Visit of the famous ruins with a certified guide. The drive is resumed on the Salerno Highway, towards Sorrento. Accommodation in a selected hotel. Dinner. Overnight.

2nd day Sorrento

Breakfast. One day excursion to Capri or Amalfi-Ravello, lunch in a typical restaurant. Return to Sorrento by steamer and continue along the "Autostrada del Sole" highway. Stop for dinner in a typical restaurant in Cassino. Rome - arrival at the hotel about 11,00 p.m.

ROME - NAPLES - POMPEI - SORRENTO - AMALFI - RAVELLO - CAPRI - ROME

THREE-DAYS EXCURSION - DAILY: ALL YEAR

1st day Rome

Departure at 7,00 a.m.
The ride south on the "Autostrada del Sole" Highway offers a succession of scenic and historic sights. Notable and visible from afar, the historic Abbey of Montecassino perched on a hilltop. Arrival in Naples - Short city sightseeing tour. Proceed to Torre del Greco and Pompei - Stop for lunch. Visit of the famous ruins with a certified guide. The drive is resumed on the Salerno Highway towards Sorrento - accommodation in a selected hotel. Dinner. Overnight.
2nd day

Sorrento - Breakfast. Departure by bus via the Amalfi Coast drive, through Positano to Ravello. Visit to Villa Rufolo and continue to Amalfi for lunch. Visit of this lovely city in the afternoon and at the end return to Sorrento. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
3rd day

Sorrento - Breakfast. Transfer to the port and departure by regular boat service to Capri. Weather permitting, visit the Blue Grotto. Excursion to Anacapri. Stop for lunch. Return by boat to Sorrento. Departure at about 5,50 p.m. by bus along the Sorrentine coast and the "Autostrada del Sole" highway. Stop for dinner at a typical restaurant in Cassino Arrival at the hotel about 11,30 p.m..

ROME - NAPLES - CAPRI - SORRENTO - POMPEI - ROME

ONE LONG FULL DAY EXCURSION - ALL YEAR EXCEPT MONDAY

RomeDeparture at 7,00 a.m. and return about 11,00 p.m.
Following the Autostrada del Sole highway across the Roman countryside you will see, halfway to Naples, the Abbey of Montecassino, high up on a hill, rebuilt after World War II, and the well-tilled fields and orchards of the Neapolitan countryside. After having rapidly crossed Naples down to the harbour leave by hydrofoil for Capri, the dream island of the Mediterranean. Weather permitting, we shall visit, by motor launch and row boat, the unique Blue Grotto, illuminated by sunrays filtered from beneath through the waters. You will also enjoy a funicular ride up to Capri's centre, the Piazzetta, and a walk to Augustus' gardens. Lunch at leading restaurant, then return by boat to Sorrento, a famous climatic resort high on the cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples. After a short visit proceed to Pompeii for a panoramic view of the excavations of this lively city in Roman times, buried. in 79 AD under the ashes of erupting Mt. Vesuvius. Then start back to Rome along the scenic coastal road. Break en route for dinner. Arrival in Rome at about 11,00 pm..

ROME - NAPLES - ISCHIA - PROCIDA - POMPEI - SORRENTO - ROME

THREE-DAY EXCURSION - DAILY: From 1st April to 31st October (except saturday)

1st day

Rome - Departure at 07,00 a.m.
The ride South on the "Autostrada del Sole" highway offers a succession of scenic and historic sights. Notable and visible from afar, the historic Abbey of Montecassino perched on a hilltop. Naples Arrival and embark on boat to Ischia - Arrival. Transfer and accommodation at hotel - Lunch Sightseeing tour by motorcoach with guide. The motorcoach passes through Porto d'lschia Casamicciola Terme - Lacco Ameno - Forio - Serra Fontana and Barano. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
2nd day
Ischia - Breakfast at hotel. At about 11,00 a.m. departure by boat to Procida Sightseeing tour by mini-bus with guide of this ancient fishing village. After lunch embark on boat to Naples. Arrival and transportation to hotel - dinner and overnight.
3rd day
Naples - Breakfast at hotel. At about 11,00 a.m. departure by motorcoach to Sorre del Greco and Pompeii Stop for lunch.
Visit of the famous ruins with a certified guide. The drive resumes on the Salerno highway towards Sorrento - Short stop at this enchanting town. Return to Rome on the "Autostrada del Sole" highway. Stop for dinner at a typical restaurant in Cassino. Arrive at the hotel about 11,00 p.m..

ROME PANORAMIC

MORNING OR AFTERNOON - HALF DAY - DAILY: ALL YEAR

Piazza della Repubblica - Najads' Fountain - Diocletian's Baths - Largo S. Susanna - Via XX Settembre - Quirinal Palace (Residence of the President of the Republic, once the Royal Palace) - Torre delle Milizie - Trajan's Market - Via IV Novembre - Piazza Venezia (Monument to King Victor Emanuel II, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Venezia Palace) Capitol, the Roman Forum and Palatino, the political, economic and religious centre of Ancient Rome - Via dei Fori Imperiali - Caesar's, Trajan's and Augustus' Forums Venus' and Rome Temple - Colosseum (visit of famous Flavian Amphitheatre) - Temples of Vesta and Fortuna Virilis - Arch of Janus - St. Mary in Cosmedin - Tiber Island The Synagogue - Pauline Fountain - Castle St. Angelo (Hadrian's Mausoleum) - Via della Conciliazione - St. Peter's in the Vatican (Visit of the Basilica, where the Pietà by Michelangelo and the Glory by Bernini can be admired) - Piazza della Repubblica. No interior visit of Colosseum on Sunday.

ROME FROM THE SKY

Transfer by private bus from your hotel to the local airport of Roma-Urbe to board the plane (all planes are modern, comfortable and efficient Cessna 4 or 6 seters).

After take-off, vien the ancient Ponte Milvio, the airplane will fly over the Olimpic Stadium towords the city center. Flying aver Piazza del Popolo and Piazza di Porta Pia you will discover a unusual Rome rich in unexpected surprise. After having reversed the route of 180 degree we will fly on the other side of the city where you will have an overview of the Colisseum nad St. Peter's Basilica. On the way back, the pilot will fly over some strategic sites of the city such as Villa Albani and the Mosque, before landing. The airplane ride will last 80 minutes. Transfer back to your hotel by private bus.