"Two Days in Rome" has been created for first time visitors to Rome who wish to immerse themselves in the concept of an "entire" tourism service with an expert guide. Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Church and Square on day one, then the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Circus Maximus, Palatine Hill, Imperial Fora, Piazza Venezia, Capitoline Hill, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Piazza di Spagna, and Campo de' Fiori on day two.

DAY ONE: ENTIRE VATICAN CITY

09:30 AM (recommended start time): We begin the entire Rome tours experience with a visit to the Vatican Museums. We begin with a study of all the major galleries therein including the magnificent Belvedere Courtyard, which houses ancient and classical pieces from which so many artists took their inspiration, Room of the Muses, the Round Room, the Greek Cross Room, Gallery of Tapestries, Gallery of Maps, and of course the magnificent Rooms of Raphael. The Sistine Chapel is for many people the "pièce de résistance" in the Vatican Museums, and we spend an appropriate length of time detailing it's history, art, and architecture. Before entering the chapel, you will hear all about Michelangelo and his struggles in accepting and completing the work which was to become what is arguably the single most recognized painting in the world.

We then proceed to St. Peter's Square for an overview of the Vatican City State before entering the Basilica. Here, we cover the major works of art therein, primarily Michelangelo's beautiful Pieta' and Dome, the Baldacchino and other works by Bernini, and the Transfiguration by Raphael. You'll see the Crypt of St. Peter, the Holy Altar, and other monuments of artistic importance. We finish off on the portico where we'll discuss Bernini's piazza (St. Peter's Square), the Obelisk, and the Swiss Guard.

DAY TWO: ENTIRE ANCIENT ROME

14:00 PM (recommended start time): We begin day two with Rome's greatest ever engineering accomplishment; the Colosseum. Upon entering the arena, you will learn about the history of the bloody and violent games which took place there, how gladiators lived (and survived), and understand why blood letting meant so much to ancient Roman citizens. Outside the Colosseum, you will ascend Via Sacra and enter the Roman Forum. Politics, religion, archaeology, history and tragedy abound at every turn in an incredible setting. Kings and emperors walked here in ancient times. While overbuilding has left some areas of the forum difficult to appreciate, the beautiful architecture which remains will inspire forever. You will learn about all the main structures and contribute to a discussion about Gaius Julius Caesar. Reasons behind the rise and fall of the Roman Empire will be fully explained.

The Capitoline Hill ("Campidoglio") is next. This piazza was designed by Michelangelo and offers spectacular views of both Piazza Venezia and the Roman Forum. From here, a pleasant stroll brings us to Piazza Navona to see the Fountain of the Four Rivers by Bernini, and the Church of St Agnes in Agony by Borromini. You will come to understand more about the unbridled rivalry which divided these two great Baroque artists, a unique and often bitter rivalry which is evident in some of their works to the keen eyed. We then make haste to the Trevi Fountain, where you'll discover the importance of water and fountains in ancient Rome. You'll have time enough to toss your coins into the Trevi and perhaps have a gelato with a view nearby. Last, but certainly not least, we visit the magnificent Pantheon, Marcus Agrippa's temple to all gods, rebuilt on many occasions and used today by Roman Catholics as "Santa Maria della Rotonda". We discuss the construct of the dome and oculus inside this architectural masterpiece. The current version has stood intact for almost 1,900 years.

Do remember that the above is a suggested itinerary only. If you wish to exclude some sites or include others, we can allocate a guide to suit your specific needs. Please let us know if you would like a custom itinerary. With the above itinerary, you will see all the major sites and piazzas in Rome, and this will be done with a depth of information.

"Two Days in Rome" is fundamentally a walking tour, however, two or three short taxi rides may be necessary which are not included in tour cost above.

When you book this tour, please let us know your hotel or other accommodation address in Rome.

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