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AT A GLANCE

DAY 1: Check-in at Hotel Hassler Roma & Welcome Dinner

DAY 2: Necropolis below Saint Peter’s Basilica, Saint Peter’s Basilica, Basilica of St. Clement and Michelangelo’s “Moses”

DAY 3: Colosseum, Roman Forum and Pantheon

DAY 4: Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and Exclusive after-hours visit to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

DAY 5: Villa Farnesina and Villa Borghese

DAY 6: Church of San Luigi dei Francesi, Church of Sant’Agostino, Palazzo Doria-Pamphili, Palazzo Barberini, Santa Maria del Popolo

DAY 7: Check-out of Hotel Hassler Roma

Rome | The Eternal City…

This program will explore the development of art and architecture in Rome from Antiquity to the Baroque period. The ancient Romans referred to their city as the “caput mundi”, or the “capital of the world”. Stretching as far west as the Atlantic Ocean, as far south as the Sahara, north to modern-day Scotland, and east to the Euphrates River, the Roman Empire encompassed nearly half of the known world. The ancient monuments of Rome still stand as testimony to the former power of the city.

“A fool is one who admires other cities without visiting Rome”

Francesco Petrarca

With the collapse of the Roman Empire, Christianity became the new “spiritual empire”. Popes supplanted the emperors and began to compete with them as patrons. The Early-Christian period is one of the most fascinating in history. Renaissance popes would imitate the emperors of the past and appropriate much of their architectural and artistic style in order to create what Pope Julius II called the “New Ancient Rome”. No complex better embodies this tradition than the Vatican. The greatest artists of the day migrated to Rome to contribute their skills to honor St. Peter. The result is one of the greatest decorative complexes on the planet, which includes works like the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.

Accompanied service

Main Attractions Sightseeing Tickets Guide Hotel Meals

Special offer

Overview

Join us for an authentic insider experience of Rome where participants will:

  1. Come up close and personal to some of the world’s most famous and iconic monuments and stand in the shadow of one of the most extraordinary ensembles of monumental architecture in history
  2. Learn about the history, power and intrigue of the Vatican looking at its various works and how they represented this “new ancient glory”, including works such as the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica
  3. Enjoy the Colosseum to St. Peter’s Square, the monuments of Rome still stand as testimony to the greatness of this eternal city
  4. Explore the Renaissance Pleasure Palaces of Villa Farnesina and Villa Borghese
  5. Examine some of the world’s oldest churches and demonstrate how these churches transition from a pagan culture into a Judeo- Christian one
  6. All group lunches in some of Rome’s best restaurants
  7. Sojourn at the historic and luxurious five-star Hotel Hassler Rome

Activity Level: Moderate

Walking tours may entail uneven terrain (e.g. cobblestones, city hills, stairs without handrails, the absence of elevators); archaeological sites; and some longer walks to get to city centers where coaches are prohibited.

Itinerary

A Unique and Exclusive Program…

DAY 1: SUNDAY MAY 28, 2023 – ARRIVAL IN ROME

Arrival in Rome and check-in at Hotel Hassler Roma.

 


7:00pm – Welcome Dinner

 

DAY 2: MONDAY MAY 29, 2023 – SEARCHING FOR ST. PETER, MICHELANGELO AND MITHRAISM

9:00am-12:00pm – Visit to Saint Peter’s Basilica and Necropolis below Saint Peter’s Basilica

Few people realize that all of the grandeur of the Vatican – St. Peter’s Basilica (the world’s largest Christian church), the circa 10,000 rooms within the walls of the city, the Sistine Chapel, the Raphael rooms, the world’s greatest collection of Roman antiquity – is the result of the simple belief that the remains of St. Peter rest below his homonymous basilica.

This lecture will give us extraordinary access to the ancient Roman necropolis below St. Peter’s where we shall learn about the mysterious and dramatic rediscovery of the saint’s tomb during World War II.

We will then continue on to discuss the architecture and construction history of the most important church in the Catholic world – Saint Peter’s Basilica.

12:00pm-2:30pm– Group Lunch

2:30pm-4:00pm– Visit to Basilica of St. Clement and Michelangelo’s “Moses”
No complex in Rome better expresses the historical complexity of the city than San Clemente. The present Medieval church stands above an Early Christian one, which in turn was built atop of an ancient Roman palace and apartment building. But the most exceptional and mysterious part of the structure is the perfectly preserved Mithraic temple complex housed within. We shall peel back the strata of Rome, descending through millennia to the period when all Roman cults, including one called “Christianity” cohabited peacefully.

Afterwards, we will continue on to the church of St. Peter in Chains to view one of Michelangelo’s most extraordinary sculptures- the Moses. The sculpture now sits as the central piece of the compromised tomb of Pope Julius II. What could have been the greatest tomb of all time, was, instead, Michelangelo’s greatest unfulfilled commission.

 

 

DAY 3: TUESDAY MAY 30, 2023 – THE GREATNESS OF ANCIENT ROME
This lecture will explore the history and greatness of the civilization that was Rome. From its monarchical foundations in the 8th century BC, to the collapse of the Empire in the 5th century AD, Rome was the city and civilization that dominated the ancient world. Rome’s territorial expansion would encompass nearly half of the known world, and Greco-Roman culture would be exported to the far corners of the Empire. The epicenter of the Empire was Rome itself, where Roman ingenuity and aspiration would produce some of the most celebrated monuments of all time.

10:00am-12:30pm – Visit to Colosseum and Roman Forum

We will begin at the Coliseum, where we will examine the largest amphitheatre of the ancient world and discuss the most popular of Roman social activities – gladiatorial games.

We shall then continue through the Roman Forum, stepping back in time to the days of Romulus, Julius Caesar, Titus and Constantine, weaving our way past the ruins of their great culture and through the tales, legends and events of their great history. We will climb up to the Capitoline Hill, connecting the ancient emperors to the Renaissance popes.

Ancient Rome Roman ruins in Rome, Forum

12:30pm-2:00pm – Group Lunch

2:00pm-4:00pm –Visit to Pantheon

The Greatness of Ancient Rome lecture will conclude in awe-inspiring fashion at the Pantheon, which is arguably the most perfect architectural monument of all time.

 

DAY 4: WEDNESDAY MAY 31, 2023 – BAROQUE ROME
& EXCLUSIVE AFTER HOURS VIEWING OF THE SISTINE CHAPEL

10:00am-1:00pm – Visit to Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona

From the majestic Spanish steps to the romantic and theatrical Trevi Fountain and concluding at the historic Piazza Navona with Bernini’s dramatic Four Rivers Fountain and Borromini’s revolutionary church of Sant’Agnese, we shall walk through the Baroque heart of Rome visiting some of the city’s most iconic and famous squares and works of art.

 

1:00pm-6:00pm – Lunch on your own and Free Time

6:15pm-9:15pm – EXCLUSIVE AFTER-HOURS VISIT TO THE SISTINE CHAPEL

With the return of the Papacy to Rome in the late 14th century, the city began a long process of recovery from the collapse of the Roman Empire, which occurred a millennium earlier. The Pope would assert his role not only as the spiritual, but also as the earthly leader of the Latin Christian world. During the Renaissance, Popes would begin to emulate the Emperors of Antiquity and begin to appropriate much of their artistic language. With the reconstruction of St. Peter’s and the Vatican Palace, the Pope now also had an appropriate seat from which to rule as the “Father of Kings”.

This lecture will be held in the Vatican Museums and Saint Peter’s Basilica. We will view the major works of the Vatican collection including the Sistine Chapel, the Raphael Stanze, the Roman Antiquities and the Hall of Maps.

 Art tours in Italy and Rome

 

DAY 5: THURSDAY JUNE 1, 2023 – RENAISSANCE PLEASURE PALACES

One aspect of Classical Antiquity revived by the Renaissance was the tradition of suburban villas. Used by the Romans as a means to escape the stresses of urban life, during the Renaissance, these structures became a means to express wealth and power. The two quintessential Renaissance villas were built by the Chigi (later owners named Farnese) and the Borghese family in the 16th and 17th centuries respectively. Often used for debaucherous and hedonistic banquets, these structures also house some of the greatest masterpieces of Renaissance and Baroque Rome, created by such masters as Raphael, Caravaggio and Bernini. The extraordinary art which has adorned these structures for the past five centuries serves as testimony to the often-lascivious revelry that ensued within them. From Raphael’s celebrated fresco of Galatea, to Giulio Romano’s erotic Loggia of Psyche in the Farnesina; to Bernini’s breathtaking mythological statues of Apollo and Daphne and Pluto and Persephone in the Borghese, the nature of the art clearly reflects the intentions of its patrons.

This lecture will explore the history, practices, traditions, and art of perhaps the two most beautiful and well-preserved of Renaissance villas – the Villa Farnesina and Villa Borghese in Rome – and how they reflected their society and times.

10:30am-12:30pm – Visit to Villa Borghese

 

12:30pm-2:30pm – Group Lunch

2:30pm-4:30pm – Visit to Villa Farnesina

 

 

DAY 6: FRIDAY JUNE 2, 2023 – THE CURSE OF CARAVAGGIO

Known as the pittore maledetto- the “cursed painter”, Caravaggio not only revolutionized painting at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries with his “hyper- realistic” style, he literally turned Rome on its head with his often-criminal behavior. Spending most of his time between brothels and taverns, Caravaggio’s love of the vulgar and violence became his primary artistic inspiration. His paintings would reflect his lifestyle, often depicting Christian subjects in completely inappropriate ways. We shall follow the footsteps of the artist in the very neighborhood where he lived and view his paintings in the very churches where they first created controversy

10:30am-12:30pm – Visit to Church of San Luigi dei Francesi (Contarelli Chapel by Caravaggio), Church of Sant’Agostino (Cavalletti Chapel by Caravaggio) and Palazzo Doria-Pamphili (“Penitent Magdalene”)

 

12:30pm-2:30pm – Group Lunch

2:30pm-4:30pm – Visit to Palazzo Barberini (“Judith and Holofernes” and “Narcissus”) and Santa Maria del Popolo (Cerasi Chapel by Caravaggio and Caracci)

 

DAY 7: SATURDAY JUNE 3, 2023 – CHECK-OUT OF HOTEL HASSLER ROMA

* Itinerary subject to minor changes

Lodging

All participants will be staying at the Hotel Hassler Roma Roma. A 5-Star luxurious and iconic hotel by the Spanish Steps.

HOTEL:

At the top of the legendary Spanish Steps and a stone’s throw from the ever-vibrant thoroughfares of Via Condotti, Via Borgognona and Via Frattina, you will find this luxury boutique hotel Hotel Hassler Roma, gracefully situated in the heart of the historical centre of Rome. The magic of traditional Italian hospitality is here combined with the elegance of modern detailing, giving rise to the particular identity of our hotel, which is renowned for having been a favoured haunt of glamorous members of the international aristocracy and the jet-set.

LOCATION:

Hotel Hassler Roma benefits from an enviable location in the historical centre of Rome. It is situated at the top of the legendary Spanish Steps in Piazza della Trinità dei Monti, and within the fashion quarter. The Colosseum, the Pantheon and the mesmerising Roman Forum are all within easy striking distance on foot, whereas a short, enjoyable walk will take you to the lush, enchanting environs of Villa Borghese. In short, the luxury location of our boutique hotel makes it the perfect base from which to explore the numerous attractions that Rome has to offer, from its monuments to its prestigious temples of fashion, to say nothing of the stylish bars, cafés and restaurants of the city centre.

https://www.hotelhasslerroma.com

ACCOMODATIONS:

  • Participants will enjoy DELUXE ROOMS
  • Breakfast is included

*For hotel stay extensions, room upgrades, and other lodging requests, please contact us directly at [email protected] with details.

                             

Dates & Prices

MAY 28 – JUNE 3, 2023

Double Occupancy – $9,190.00/person

Single Occupancy – $10,890.00/person

Includes:

–        6-night accommodations in Deluxe rooms at the historic and luxurious 5-star Hotel Hassler Roma (breakfast included)

–        All lectures with Rocky

–        All admissions

–        All group lunches

–        All ground transportation between May 28 – June 3, 2023

–        Welcome dinner

 

Not included:

Airfare to Italy and transportation to Rome (Our Concierge Services will be happy to help you with this.)

 

Terms & Conditions

Payment:
A deposit of 30% of the program cost is required to reserve a space on a program. All payments may be made by credit card or check. Deposits are applied to final payment of the program price.
The balance is due 60 days prior to departure, unless otherwise noted. If full payment is not received by the final payment due date, your place cannot be guaranteed on the program.

Wait List:
If the program of your choice is fully subscribed, you may choose to be placed on a waitlist by contacting us at [email protected] or by phone. Individuals on the wait list will be contacted if space becomes available and can inquire about program status by contacting us. If you choose to withdraw from a wait list, please notify us.

Cancellation and Refund Policy:
Following enrollment, a participant’s withdrawal from the program for any reason, including, but not limited to, illness, injury, family engagements, work-related issues, or geopolitical concerns, etc., will be deemed a cancellation. Please understand that there will be no exceptions to our cancellation policy.
Per person cancellation fees are based on date of written notice to Rocky Ruggiero. We will refund on the following basis:
– Cancellations within 10 days of booking: Full Refund
– Cancellations after 10 days of booking: Full Deposit Retained
– Cancellations made within final payment date, 60 days before departure: No Refund
– Cancellation by Rocky Ruggiero: Full Refund or Credit

Special Travel Arrangements:
Participants may wish to extend their stay in the group hotel either before or after the tour. We will work with you on these arrangements, dependent upon space availability.
Should you decide not to participate in certain parts of the program, no refunds will be made for those unused parts of the program.

READ CAREFULLY: RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT AND LIABILITY DISCLAIMER
Neither Rocky Ruggiero nor faculty shall be held liable for personal injury, death, property damage or accident, delay or irregularity arising out of any act or omission of these suppliers. Rocky Ruggiero and other faculty reserve the right, without penalty, to make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in their judgment, conditions warrant, or if they deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of tour participants.

Rocky Ruggiero and designated faculty also reserve the right, without penalty, to withdraw the program announced, to decline to accept any person as a participant in a program, or to require any participant to withdraw from the program at any time (including, but not limited for inappropriate, or offensive behavior) when such action is determined by program staff to be in the best interests of the health, safety or general welfare of the program group or the individual participant.
Dates, schedules, tour details, and costs, although provided in good faith based on information available at the time of publication on the website, are subject to change and revision.

AS A CONDITION OF ACCEPTANCE OF ANY APPLICATION, EACH APPLICANT MUST AGREE TO THE STATEMENT SET FORTH BELOW:
The undersigned has read carefully the Responsibility Statement and Liability Disclaimer set forth above, the schedule of activities for this program, as well as the terms and conditions of application and participation as set forth in the program materials and recognizes and accepts any risk associated with the program and the conditions, including the refund policy, set forth in the program materials. The undersigned further acknowledges that there are many risks and uncertainties inherent in any travel program, including but not limited to the hazards of various modes of transportation, forces of nature, acts or omissions of foreign governments, terrorism, war or insurrection, theft, illness, and damage to person or property due to the negligent acts or omissions of program staff or others. In consideration of, and as part payment for, the right to participate in the program, the undersigned, on behalf of himself, his dependents, heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, agrees to release Rocky Ruggiero, its Regents, officers, employees, representatives or agents, the United States, from liability for personal injury, death, property damage or loss suffered by any person in connection with this tour, even if caused by the negligence (but not the reckless, willful, or fraudulent conduct) of program staff or other related persons or entities. In addition, by registering for this program, the applicant certifies that he or she is mentally and physically capable of full participation in this tour. By registering for a “Rocky Ruggiero Program in Italy”, the participant agrees to the Responsibility Statement and Liability Disclaimer and the Terms and Conditions herein.

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