Itinerary
- Day 1
Rome
You'll arrive in Rome and check into your monastery hotel using the provided transfer or your own arrangements. By 6 pm, meet your guide and other travelers for a tour of the accommodation and your first meal together. An orientation session with slides follows to help prepare you for the week ahead.
- Meals
- Dinner (First meal together with fellow travelers)
Included Activities
- Accommodation tour
- Orientation lecture with pictures
Optional Activities
- Independent travel to hotel
- Day 2
Rome
Start at Villa Giulia Museum to see one of the world's richest Etruscan collections. From there, head to Porta del Popolo and its iconic square before continuing to the Spanish Steps, a famous gathering spot from the 17th and 18th centuries. Later, visit Casa di Goethe to learn about the writer's time in Rome between 1786 and 1788.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Villa Giulia Museum visit
- Porta del Popolo visit
- Spanish Steps visit
- Casa di Goethe visit
Landmarks Villa Giulia Museum Porta del Popolo Spanish Steps Casa di Goethe - Day 3
Rome
Begin with the Pantheon, the best-preserved ancient Roman temple built by Emperor Hadrian. Climb Monte Capitolino to see Michelangelo's Town Hall Square and take in views over the Roman Forum and Tiber Island. Walk through the historic Jewish ghetto with its authentic restaurants and character. The afternoon is free for you to explore Trastevere or wander elsewhere on your own. You'll head back for dinner at the monastery hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Dinner at monastery hotel)
Included Activities
- Pantheon visit
- Monte Capitolino visit
- Michelangelo's Town Hall Square visit
- Jewish ghetto exploration
Optional Activities
- Trastevere visit
- Jewish ghetto restaurants
Landmarks Pantheon Monte Capitolino Michelangelo's Town Hall Square Roman Forum Tiber Island Jewish Ghetto of Rome Trastevere - Day 4
Rome
Visit the Vatican Museums outside peak season to see works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. Walk through the Sistine Chapel to view Michelangelo's ceiling painting and Last Judgement. Then see St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church, which took over 220 years to build with contributions from Bramante, Raphael, and Bernini. Return for dinner at your monastery hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Dinner at monastery hotel)
Included Activities
- Vatican Museums visit
- Sistine Chapel visit
- St. Peter's Basilica visit
Landmarks Vatican Museums Sistine Chapel St. Peter's Basilica 
- Day 5
Rome
If the Pope is in town, you'll have the chance to attend his general audience in the morning. In the afternoon, head to Palazzo Massimo to see ancient Roman sculptures and mosaic floors, including a 2,000-year-old garden scene from Empress Livia's summer dining room. Take the subway to see the Colosseum's exterior, recently restored to show its original white appearance. Find dinner on your own this evening, and ask your guide for suggestions.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Pope's general audience attendance opportunity
- Palazzo Massimo visit
- Colosseum exterior visit
Optional Activities
- Pope's general audience
- Individual dinner selection
Landmarks Palazzo Massimo Colosseum - Day 6
Rome
Today's theme focuses on early Christian mosaics. Visit the burial mausoleum of Emperor's daughter Constanza from the 4th century near your monastery. Then explore the Basilica of Laurentius from the 6th century, one of Rome's seven pilgrimage churches. In the afternoon, see St. John Lateran, the oldest and highest-ranking Christian basilica, which features Borromini's Baroque redesign and four-metre tall marble apostle figures, plus the oldest active Christian baptistery.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Dinner at monastery hotel)
Included Activities
- Mausoleum of Constanza visit
- Basilica of Laurentius visit
- St. John Lateran visit
Landmarks Mausoleum of Constanza Basilica of Laurentius St. John Lateran - Day 7
Rome
Start with Bernini's sculpture 'Rapture of St. Teresa of Avila'. Visit two churches from the Trinitarian and Jesuit orders that feature works by Bernini and Borromini. See the Trevi Fountain and its late Baroque water design, then explore Palazzo Altemps with its impressive ancient statues, some restored by Bernini. Check out Caravaggio's paintings at the French National Church of S. Luigi dei Francesi. Enjoy your final meal together at the monastery hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Final dinner together at monastery hotel)
Included Activities
- Rapture of St. Teresa of Avila sculpture viewing
- Trinitarian church visit
- Jesuit church visit
- Trevi Fountain visit
- Palazzo Altemps visit
- S. Luigi dei Francesi church visit
Landmarks Trevi Fountain Palazzo Altemps S. Luigi dei Francesi - Day 8
Rome Departure
After a week of exploring Rome's art, history, and culture, you'll depart the city today. Arrivederci, Roma!
- Meals
- Breakfast
