Discovering Rome

Upon your arrival in Rome reach the hotel on your own and check in (transfer available as an optional extra). In the afternoon, join a small group tour to meet to discover the masters and mystery of Rome (the tour starts at 14.30 hrs). A delightful short walk in Roman squares away from the crowds, aimed to discover hidden masterpieces by Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Borromini and Raphael. If you were thinking you could appreciate Michelangelo and the great art masters only in the Vatican, then let this exclusive tour prove you wrong! Michelangelo and the others left so many masterpieces in tiny palaces, secluded churches and huge squares, and on this tour you will discover them all! Let your guide take you to the Galleria Spada where you will see the worldwide famous Galleria Prospettica built by the architect Borromini in the XVII Century. Walking a little further, you'll enter the gothic church Santa Maria Sopra la Minerva, where you'll see the unparalleled "Standing Christ" by Michelangelo. Nearby Piazza Navona, some breathtaking paintings by Caravaggio will change your perception of light and darkness and finally you'll experience authentic art pieces by Raphael, located in the Chigi headquarter church. Experience Rome at its best in front of masterpieces with the heart of town as background! Overnight in Rome

This morning your breakfast will be completely different. Meet the driver and guide for your semi-private tour of the Vatican. You’ll enter the Vatican before it opens and be first into the Sistine Chapel! Discover the Vatican Museum with an Exclusive entrance, with our Priority Early Entry we guarantee that you will admire the Sistine Chapel at its best, without the notoriously large crowds. Guided by an English-speaking expert you will be amazed by the powerful frescoes of the Last Judgment and the chapel’s ceiling. Of course, we won’t miss out on the big-name sights like the Raphael Rooms, with the School of Athens and Upper Galleries (Candelabras, Geographical Maps and Tapestries). Your morning experience will continue! Your expert guide will lead you to the beautiful Pinecone Courtyard, where you’ll have an American-style breakfast in the same courtyard where the popes have entertained guests for centuries. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Return to the hotel and after lunch, meet a small group to admire the glory of Ancient Rome and its symbol: the Colosseum. The tour starts with a visit to the famous Colosseum, whose correct name is Flavian Amphitheater, due to the imperial family who built this oval-shaped structure in only eight years, from 72 to 80 AD. Close to the Colosseum is the Roman Forum, considered the real political, commercial, social and religious center of Rome at the time of the Monarchy and the Republican period. At the center of the Forum, even after 20 centuries, it is possible to walk on the same cobblestones of the “Via Sacra” (Sacred Way) leading to Capitol Hill and admire the remaining of its ancient basilicas, triumphal arches, honorary columns and ancient markets. Reaching Venice Square you will have the chance to admire the imposing monumental complex, inaugurated in 1911, dedicated to our first King of Italy, Victor Emmanuel II. Overnight in Rome.

After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll be picked up for an unforgettable experience. The tour will start in a historical food market right near the Vatican area. Your guide will be with you throughout this unforgettable journey, introducing the raw products of traditional dishes and Italian specialities, aromas, and flavors. Leaving the market, you will have the opportunity to continue this great experience preparing traditional Italian dishes, homemade pasta with the help of our chef. You will enjoy mixing ingredients and flavors to create your favorite pasta, sampling different recipes and learning the "secrets" of Italian cuisine. Once completed you will finally taste what you have prepared to discover your abilities as an Italian "pasta” maker. All accompanied by a selection of the best wines from the Lazio region. A truly unique experience with a passion for Italian cuisine. Overnight in Rome.