A Roman Holiday

8 Days Starting and ending in Rome, Italy

Visiting: Rome, Ostia Antica, Vatican City, Tivoli

Tour operator:

Ramble Worldwide

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Activities:

Sightseeing

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

If you are looking to visit Rome with us have you ever considered staying on and going down to visit Venice as well? If so why not book our two week holiday Rome & Venice!

Imagine a day which starts at the Colosseum with the ghosts of the gladiators, then stroll through the Roman Forum in the steps of emperors and vestal virgins. Climb the Capitoline Hill to the Campidoglio Square designed by Michelangelo, then continue up onto the massive monument to Victor Emanuel II, all with Ramble Worldwide. From here Rome lies all around you, from the towers of St John Lateran to the dome of St Peter's.

Rome is a city where you don’t have to seek out art galleries to see the art – it is all around you. Fountains by Bernini, beautiful baroque squares such as the Piazza Navona, and apartment blocks built into Roman theatres. The churches are treasure troves too. 

And then, as if that wasn’t enough, there is the Vatican City, the Pope’s own country. Besides the Sistine Chapel there are Raphael’s Rooms, including the School of Athens, the greatest celebration of how the classical world was reborn in Renaissance Rome. St Peter’s Basilica itself contains Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s wonderful tomb of Pope Alexander VII.

Rome also offers a taste of the sweet things in life. You can visit the morning market just around the corner from our hotel and pause for a shot of coffee. Stroll the narrow streets around the Pantheon and grab a gelato.  Each evening we will visit local restaurants and enjoy a variety of cuisines.

We will also have the opportunity to take a day or two out of the city, to Tivoli for the water gardens of the Villa d’Este and the ruins of Hadrian’s elaborate villa. Ostia Antica offers a pleasant day out to an Ancient Roman port city. This is perhaps the best place to get an idea of the life or ordinary citizens in Ancient Rome.

Highlights

  • Welcome to Rome with a stroll through the Borghese Gardens to the Pincio viewpoint.

  • Explore the historic center, including the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and Pantheon.

  • Discover Ancient Rome with a guided tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum.

  • Walk along the ancient Appian Way, visiting Christian catacombs and the Baths of Caracalla.

  • Visit Ostia Antica, the former port of Ancient Rome, and explore its extensive mosaics.

  • Experience Vatican City with a visit to the museums, Raphael Rooms, and Sistine Chapel.

  • Travel to Tivoli to explore Villa d'Este's fountains and Hadrian's Villa.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Benvenuti A Roma

Location: Rome

Accommodation Name: Hotel Caravel

Meals Included: Dinner in the hotel

Welcome to Rome! After landing, you will transfer by private hire coach to your centrally located hotel. If your flight arrives early enough, there might be time for a brief independent stroll to orientate yoursleves.

Day 2 : Roman Wanderings

Location: Rome

Accommodation Name: Hotel Caravel

Meals Included: Breakfast & dinner in a local restaurant

Today, you will concentrate on the historic center on foot. From the hotel, you will walk through the Borghese Gardens via the water clock to the Pincio viewpoint, where you can look across central Rome dominated by the Victor Emmanuel building.

Then, you'll head down to Piazza del Popolo, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, and take a quick look underground. After a café lunch, you will continue to Hadrian’s Temple, the Pantheon, and Piazza Navona. There are many other sights to enjoy along the way. At the end of the day, you'll jump on a local bus back to the hotel.

Day 3 : Following The Gladiators Footprints

Location: Rome

Accommodation Name: Hotel Caravel

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner in the hotel

Today, your focus is on Ancient Rome. In the morning, a professional local guide will explain the Colosseum to you and take you through the Forum.

After the guide has left, you may have time to visit Palatine Hill. In the afternoon, you'll explore some of the more famous Roman churches.

Day 4 : The Ancient Appian Way

Location: Rome

Accommodation Name: Hotel Caravel

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner in the hotel

Today, you will leave the hustle and bustle of Rome city center behind as you head to the ancient Appian Way. Don't forget to pick up a picnic on the way. Heading back toward the city, following in the steps of St. Peter, you'll pass several interesting places, including former Christian catacombs, the Quo Vadis Church, and the massive Baths of Caracalla— as impressive as any of Rome’s ancient monuments. You will cover about 6 miles over mostly level ground.

Day 5 : The Port Of Ancient Rome

Location: Ostia Antica

Accommodation Name: Hotel Caravel

Meals Included: Breakfast & dinner in a local restaurant

You will head west out of the city by train to Ostia Antica, the former port of Ancient Rome, abandoned in the 4th century. It covers a vast area, with one of its highlights being the Square of the Merchants, showcasing extensive mosaics depicting many facets of life in the port.

You will enjoy a picnic during your explorations before taking the train back to the city, where you'll visit the Borghese Gallery. Afterward, you'll take the tram back to the hotel.

Day 6 : The Vatican City

Location: Vatican City

Accommodation Name: Hotel Caravel

Meals Included: Breakfast & dinner in a local restaurant

You will take a tram from near the hotel to Vatican City for a timed entry to the extensive museums, including the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel. In the early afternoon, you will visit St. Peter’s. Afterwards, you can explore a little more of this area, walking past Castel Sant’Angelo.

Day 7 : The Garden Of Fountains

Location: Tivoli

Accommodation Name: Hotel Caravel

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner in the hotel

You will travel east out of the city by private coach to Tivoli. You will walk in the grounds of Villa d’Este, which has more fountains than you could imagine. Then, you will pass through the town of Tivoli and its medieval houses to Villa Gregoriana, set in a gorge with a waterfall, ideal for a picnic. After a short coach ride, you will reach Hadrian’s Villa, where the ruins still reveal the vast complex built for his retirement.

Day 8 : Ciao Roma

Location: Rome

Meals Included: Breakfast

It's time to say goodbye to Rome, and head to the airport for your return flight.

What's Included

  • Airport Transfer

    Transfer by private hire coach from the airport to your centrally located hotel in Rome.

  • Accommodation

    Stay at Hotel Caravel in Rome for the duration of the tour.

  • Meals

    Breakfast and dinner are included daily, with some dinners at local restaurants.

  • Guided Tour of Ancient Rome

    A professional local guide will explain the Colosseum and take you through the Forum.

  • Vatican City Visit

    Timed entry to the extensive museums in Vatican City, including the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel.

  • Transport

    Local bus, tram, and train rides are included for various excursions.

What's Not Included

  • Flights

    International flights to and from Rome are not included.

  • Lunches

    Lunches are not included, except for a picnic on certain days.

  • Personal Expenses

    Any personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.

Mode of Transport

Travel by private hire coach from the airport to your hotel, with local transportation including walking tours, local buses, trams, and trains to explore Rome and its surroundings.

Accommodation

Stay at the centrally located Hotel Caravel in Rome, offering comfortable accommodations with included meals such as breakfast and dinner, providing a convenient base for exploring the city's historic sites.

Check out our Q&As

  • What can I expect on the first day of the tour?

    On the first day, you will arrive in Rome and transfer by private hire coach to your centrally located hotel. If your flight arrives early enough, there might be time for a brief independent stroll to orientate yourself.

  • What activities are planned for the second day?

    On the second day, you will explore the historic center of Rome on foot, visiting places like the Borghese Gardens, Pincio viewpoint, Piazza del Popolo, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, Hadrian’s Temple, the Pantheon, and Piazza Navona. The day will end with a local bus ride back to the hotel.

  • Will there be a guided tour of the Colosseum?

    Yes, on the third day, a professional local guide will explain the Colosseum and take you through the Forum.

  • What is the focus of the fourth day of the tour?

    The fourth day focuses on the ancient Appian Way, where you will pass several interesting places, including former Christian catacombs, the Quo Vadis Church, and the Baths of Caracalla. You will cover about 6 miles over mostly level ground.

  • What will we see at Ostia Antica?

    On the fifth day, you will visit Ostia Antica, the former port of Ancient Rome, where you can see the Square of the Merchants with its extensive mosaics.

  • What is included in the visit to Vatican City?

    On the sixth day, you will have a timed entry to the extensive museums in Vatican City, including the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel, followed by a visit to St. Peter’s.

  • What are the highlights of the visit to Tivoli?

    On the seventh day, you will visit Villa d’Este with its numerous fountains, walk through the town of Tivoli, and explore Villa Gregoriana set in a gorge with a waterfall. You will also visit Hadrian’s Villa.

  • How does the tour conclude?

    The tour concludes on the eighth day with a transfer to the airport for your return flight.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Once you have paid your deposit, and all of the elements of your holiday are confirmed, we will provide a Confirmation of Booking and Invoice Pack. The confirmation of booking confirms your holiday arrangements, any special requests, and the balance due date. Please take the time to check this document carefully and please let us know immediately if there are any inaccuracies. As part of this pack, you’ll also receive a Holiday Information Sheet with more detail about your holiday. We will send reminder(s) for any missing details, which are important for your booking, so please update us as soon as you can. A MONTH BEFORE DEPARTURE Now’s the time to really start looking forward to your holiday, and 3-4 weeks before departure we’ll send out any updated information relating to your trip, including any local information. If you have any questions regarding your holiday arrangements, please get in touch with us. THREE WEEKS BEFORE DEPARTURE We aim to send out your Travel Documents and joining instructions 3 weeks before departure, please take the time to read through these documents and note your up-to-date flight schedules (if/where relevant), check-in times, and luggage allowance.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    You may be able to change your dates. Please refer to Section 5 of our Booking Conditions for more details or message us for assistance. Note that charges and limitations may apply.

  • Do I need to have travel insurance?

    It’s a condition of booking that you obtain adequate travel insurance, from a reputable provider, to undertake the holiday, including UK trips chiefly due to the cancellation element of cover. The policy must cover the period from the date of booking to the last day of your trip and should include, as a minimum, cover for: medical expenses (including the consequences of a Covid positive test result), mountain rescue including helicopter rescue, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment and shall not have exclusion clauses limiting cover for the activities you will partake in on your trip, including altitudes reached in the holiday arrangement. It is your responsibility to check that your policy is adequate for the nature and destination of the holiday booked. Once you have obtained your travel insurance, please provide us with the name of your travel insurer, the policy number and the insurer’s 24 hour emergency assistance number. In the event that you fail to obtain suitable Travel Insurance we shall not be liable for any costs incurred or claims made against us due to your failure to comply with this term. If travelling outside the UK you must carry proof of insurance with you and produce it if reasonably requested to do so by Ramble Worldwide staff, tour leaders or suppliers. No refunds will be made should you be excluded from the walking programme through being uninsured or you being unable to demonstrate that you are insured.

Reviews of this operator

Avram Taylor (Google Reviewer)  

I went on the Dobbiaco...

25-Jul-2024

I went on the Dobbiaco and the Tre Cime holiday in July 2024. This was an excellent holiday overall. The walks are very well designed and the scenery is beautiful. There are frequent rest points during the walks and, where possible, people can choose to stop and wait or leave the walks. There is a good variety of walks (lakes, forests and mountains) and the walk leader was excellent. I would recommend this holiday for those who want to see some of the most stunning scenery in the Dolomites and also want to do some enjoyable walking without the demands of the higher grade walks in the region.

Helen Thomas (Google Reviewer)  

My first Winter Adventure, snowshoeing...

07-Feb-2023

My first Winter Adventure, snowshoeing in Bach , Austria and will not be my last! The holiday exceeded my expectations from day 1! Everything was well organised, walks and scenery fabulous, hotel comfortable with a homely feel. I honestly cannot fault anything. Our walk leader Tania was excellent and went above and beyond what was expected. I am already looking towards booking another snowshoe holiday maybe in another location so I have a comparison. Overall an excellent experience and good value. 👌

Diane W (Google Reviewer)  

Excellent hotel, food, walks, leader...

24-Sep-2023

Excellent hotel, food, walks, leader and fellow walkers. Could not find any fault at all and would thoroughly recommend this holiday in Catalonia.

Martin Plaut (Google Reviewer)  

The Oman walking holiday is...

05-Feb-2024

The Oman walking holiday is excellent! Wonderful scenery, great drivers and lovely people. We had a real welcome from everyone we met.

Judith Hible (Google Reviewer)  

Once you're safely in your...

27-Aug-2024

Once you're safely in your seat on the 'plane - you can relax. Ramble Worldwide will take care of everything else.

Elizabeth Smith (Google Reviewer)  

Lake Como trip (level 2)...

22-Jun-2024

Lake Como trip (level 2) was outstanding. Our leader Elaine was excellent and planned our days with lovely surprises along the way. The scenery was outstanding, stunning walks with variation in the views, lovely restaurants, delicious food, comfortable accommodation. The boat rides across the lake were amazing. The villas and their gardens stunning. The group was small, and we enjoyed each other's company. One fantastic trip.

Phil Chadwick (Google Reviewer)  

I had a fantastic week...

07-Jan-2024

I had a fantastic week on the High in the Alpujarras holiday over New Year. It was a really well-planned week with fantastic routes and a great leader. It far exceeded my expectations, which were already high. Probably helped by a nice group of people and great weather The New Year celebrations in the hotel were fantastic. Should have packed a dinner jacket :)

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Ramble Worldwide requires a minimum deposit of 350 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of ramble worldwide charges.

    Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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