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Typical itinerary for
a four day (three
night) stay with
us in Rome
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Day 1
Arrive Rome airport or the cruise ship port of Civitavecchia to be greeted by your tour director and guide. Comfortable air-conditioned travel into Rome and, subject to arrival time, we stop for a brief wander along the perfectly preserved Via Appia Antica, the original Jewish settlers’ road to Rome and, before continuing on to our hotel in the heart of Rome, there's a short visit to Fosse Ardeatine, memorial site of a Nazi atrocity, including 75 Jewish martyrs
Day 2
Morning Guided tour of the former Jewish Ghetto to discover the incredible 2200 year history of the oldest continuous Jewish community in the world, outside Israel. We stroll through Medieval alleyways to see little known sites of Jewish fascination and hear tales of amazing acts of survival and heroism. There's a visit inside the Great Synagogue to admire the grandeur and its Museum to see wonderful relics of Rome’s rich Jewish heritage. A stroll around the the Ghetto quarter follows to hear about the Jewish community's 300 years of incaceration behind locked gates and further traumas during the Holocaust. But today the Ghetto is a thriving and bustiling quarter and during the tour you will enjoy light refreshments (our treat) among locals at a pavement cafe bar in the Ghetto piazza
On the short ride ride back to the hotel from the Ghetto we stop a few moments and step out to gaze at Circus Maximus, site of the Roman chariot races; also the ruins of the ancient Palatine Hill where Rome had its origins; and the Aventine Hill, the Jewish cemetery during the time of the Ghetto
Afternoon Free for perhaps an independent visit to the Vatican, shopping in chic Via Condotti or simply to relax in your hotel
Evening Dinner in a delightful restaurant a few steps from the hotel
After Dinner Join your guide for a magical walking tour - Classic Rome by Night. It's a wonderful way to enjoy some of the most beautiful sites of Rome - illuminated at night - including the grand Piazza Venezia, awesome Pantheon, bustling Piazza Navona and Campo de Fiori, one of the City’s liveliest squares, but one that holds a dark historical memory for Roman Jews
Day 3
Morning Depart for the nearby ancient coastal town of Ostia for a visit to the ancient city remains of Ostia Antica. Among its incredible ruins is the recently discovered Synagogue, dating back to the first century BCE. Stepping back in time we enter Ostia Antica’s dazzling amphitheatre, step through luxurious Roman baths with superb mosaic floors and view other extraordinary sights including a mill and bakery and ancient Rome's equivalent of a fast food cafe. Lunch in a quaint nearby restaurant before the 40 minute drive back to Rome and our hotel
MidAfternoon Take a short stroll with your guide to nearby San Pietro in Vincoli to view Michelangelo's amazing and mysterious giant statue of Moses. Then there's time to relax in the comfort of your hotel before the evening's activities
Evening Dinner in an exquisite restaurant in the Medieval area of Trastevere, near the Ghetto. It's a former Synagogue dating back to the early 12th century and during dinner we step down into the restaurant's cellar for an astonishing discovery
After Dinner A 10 minute drive to the famous Trevi Fountain (especially enchanting at night) to gaze at this sculptural wonder and keep up with tradition by tossing a coin into the water
Day 4
Morning Ancient Rome - a guided tour of the Coliseum with its legacy of horror and bravery as gladiators fought for their lives to the roar of spectators. As we gaze around the most famous and unique of all Roman arenas several tales are recounted by your guide, including the Coliseum's surprising Jewish Connection. From the Coliseum we step into the nearby Roman Forum, the ancient international centre whose ruins were once the great palaces of ancient Rome and the scene of all the pomp and ceremony associated with names like Caesar, Cicero and Nero. But the Forum's highlight for many on this tour is the awesome Arch of Titus commemorating the conquest of Judea and destruction of Jerusalem's Temple in 70AD. While strolling through the Forum we catch sight of the ancient Mamertine Prison where Judean rebels, such as Shimon bar Ghiora were incacerated. Other sights of interest are presented during this excellent tour
Afternoon Depart hotel for Rome Airport and your flight or the port of Civitavecchia for your cruise ship
The itinerary may vary slightly, subject to your choice of arrival and departure days and flight times and, of course, your desired amount of walking each tour. For cruise passengers the itinerary can form a pre or post cruise land programme with changes to suit clients
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