Itinerary
The Coliseum is one of
the world’s most famous landmarks and tourist
attractions. Although it survives only as a ruin, it still
rates as one of the finest examples of Roman architecture
and engineering. We won't go inside as the wait can be up
to 2 hours! But the Coliseum is most photogenic from
the outside in any event!
The Foro Romano, or Roman Forum, was the
focal point of the city for early Romans. It was the
center for commercial, political, and civil activities and
contained markets, prisons, statues, entertainment areas,
temples and monuments built by various emperors. Perhaps
more than any other Roman ruin, the Forum gives us a
glimpse into both the architectural and political power of
Rome during the time of the emperors and is the perfect
outdoor classroom to make memorable photographs of one of
the world's greatest historic sites.
The Campidoglio is a
remarkable square and an urban masterpiece designed by
Michelangelo. At the center of the square, and not to
Michelangelo's liking, stands the only equestrian bronze
to have survived since Antiquity, that of Marcus Aurelius.
The sculpture was held in high regard because it was
though to depict Emperor Constantine, the first Christian
Emperor.
Teatro Marcello was the largest ever built in the
Roman Empire. Caesar wanted to build a theater to rival
the one built by Pompey, whom he had just defeated and
killed in the struggle for the control of Rome. Part of
the site that he chose had been used at least since 179 BC
for dramatic productions in front of a temple of
Apollo. Built mainly of tufa, cement, and brickwork,
the Theatrum Marcelli was completely sheathed in white
travertine. True to Caesar's original plan, it was bigger
and more elaborate that Pompey's theater, seating about
12,000 spectators.
Tortoise Fountain (Fontana delle Tartarughe) was
built by Taddeo Landini and Giacomo della Porta, and
located in Piazza Mattei. It is one of the most unique and
less-known fountains in all of Rome. Recently
restored to its original state, this is one of those
"off the beaten path" places that make Rome so
interesting.
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The Pantheon was
begun in 27 BC by the statesman Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa.
It was completely rebuilt by the emperor Hadrian sometime
between AD 118 and 128. It is remarkable for its size, its
construction, and its design. The dome was the largest
built until modern times, measuring about 142 feet (43 m)
in diameter, and rising to a height of 71 feet (22 m)
above its base. It was dedicated in AD 609 as the Church
of the Santa Maria Rotonda, or ad Martyrs, which it
remains today. The tomb of Raphael is found inside.
Campo dei
Fiori where
Giordano Bruno was burnt at the stake as a heretic. We’ll
visit Piazza Farnese the setting of Puccini's opera Tosca,
with its 16th Century Palazzo and two magnificent
fountains made from two giant basins originally from the
Baths of Caracalla. Our route takes us through
Piazza Navona, Via Coronari - antique row - and onto
Castel Sant'Angelo.
Piazza Navona is a
marvel of light and sculpture, and covers the remains of
the Circus Domitian, Domitian's stadium - a part of which
can still be seen. The piazza features many fine old
buildings, a beautiful church and three stunning
fountains. In the center of the piazza is Bernini's most
spectacular fountain, la Fontana dei Fiumi (Four Rivers)
erected in 1651. Piazza Navona is an extremely lively
place with open-air cafes around it. During the summer,
numerous artists draw or paint members of the public for a
fee. The place is crowded each day and there are often
buskers and sometimes mimes to entertain.
Castel Sant’Angelo is the chief site
of executions in Rome built by the Emperor Hadrian in
the 2nd Century A.D. It was built, as was the Elian
Bridge in front, by the Emperor Hadrian (117-138) as a
Mausoleum for himself and his successors. In 1277,
it was occupied by Nicholas II who connected it to the
Vatican by the famous corridor, a safety passage which
runs along the top of the encircling wall of the Vatican.
Henceforth, it remained under the control of the Popes who
used it as a fortress.
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of the page
The bridge in front (Ponte
degli Angeli) crosses the
Tiber River and is adorned by some of Bernini’s most
beautiful and interesting statues. It appeared in Dan Brown's 2000 novel Angels and
Demons, the location
was the secret lair for the Hassassin and is the last
existing church of the Illuminati.
The Tiber River is the
third-longest river in Italy, it has achieved lasting fame
as the main watercourse of the city of Rome, founded on
its eastern banks. The river winds through the city
and is adorned by many bridges. Throughout the year
it is full of boat traffic - everything from tourist boats
to kayaks.
Ponte Vittorio
Emanuele II (Vittorio
Emanuele II Bridge) was dedicated to the first king of
Italy and inaugurated in 1911, on the ocassion of the 50th
anniversary of the reign. It is the most monumental
bridge among all those built after Rome became the capital
of Italy. From this bridge you will see magnificent
views of both St. Peter's basilica and the Castel
Sant'Angelo.
St. Peter’s
Square is one of
Rome’s greatest sites, visited by millions of tourists
and faithful. The splendid square and colonnade, Bernini's
finest work, form a superb entryway to the greatest church
of Christendom, dominated by the magnificent Dome of
Michelangelo who with Giacomo della Porta and Domenico
Fontana carried out the construction of this basilica.
which rises over the tomb of the Martyred Apostle Peter.
Starting point of full day
tour. We will begin our tour in
front of the Metro station across the street from the
Coliseum. Tony will meet you just under the tree in
front of the green news kiosk. To see the
meeting point, click on the link below:
top of the page
Prices include tour fee, instruction, and
assistance by our travel expert in securing
accommodations. Hotel
accommodations, tips/gratuities, drinks/food,
Air/train tickets to/from Rome and Mr. Boccaccio's
expenses are not included in the price. Children
under 13 years old not allowed on tour without prior
permission. We reserve the right to make changes in
the itinerary if circumstances beyond our control occur.
Spend a remarkable
day in Rome with National Geographic photographer Tony
Boccaccio making captivating photos, visiting fabulous
sites, and enjoying authentic Roman cusine and Italian culture.