Art & History Abroad Tours
Imperial Splendours of Ancient Rome
Explore the monuments, hidden remains and imperial retreats of the Roman world on this expert-led Ancient Rome tour. Based in the historic heart of the city, the itinerary traces Rome’s transformation from republic to imperial capital, combining its most celebrated landmarks with the fascinating archaeological layers beneath its modern streets.
In the company of archaeological scientist Diana Blumberg, visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, and enjoy an early-morning visit to the Pantheon. Descend beneath Piazza Navona and the streets near the Trevi Fountain, explore the remarkable layers of San Clemente and discover the classical collections of Palazzo Altemps and the Ara Pacis Museum.
Beyond central Rome, walk through the remarkably preserved streets of Ostia Antica and explore the ancient harbours of Portus. At Tivoli, contrast the vast ruins of Hadrian’s Villa with the Renaissance gardens of Villa d’Este, before returning to Rome for Nero’s Domus Aurea, the Roman houses of the Caelian Hill and the monumental Baths of Caracalla. Two talks from Diana provide further insight into Rome’s archaeological landscape and the daily lives of its people.
what’s included
At A Glance
Meet Your Expert Guide
Diana Blumberg
Diana is an archaeological scientist specialising in the analysis and conservation of archaeological materials. Her field experience includes work as an artefacts supervisor at Pompeii, Portus and Birdoswald Roman Fort, where she has trained students in identifying and processing a wide range of finds.
Alongside her fieldwork, Diana has taught archaeological laboratory classes and classical archaeology at several British universities. Her scientific perspective helps travellers understand how objects are examined, preserved and interpreted, revealing the wealth of information that can be drawn from even the smallest surviving fragment.
itinerary & excursions
Your Itinerary
Explore this incredible tour in detail and discover what makes each day so special. Below, you’ll find a full day-by-day breakdown of your journey, from the moment you arrive to your final farewell. Learn more about the highlights you’ll experience, the unforgettable places you’ll visit, and the unique moments that bring each destination to life. Whether you’re drawn by rich history, stunning landscapes or unforgettable cultural encounters, this itinerary gives you everything you need to picture your adventure and look forward to every step of the way.
Day 1: Arrival
Fly from London Heathrow to Rome, and transfer to our hotel. This evening, we meet for a welcome drink and a talk from Diana: ‘From Republic to Empire: The Archaeological Landscape of Ancient Rome’, followed by dinner with wine at a local restaurant.
Please note: Due to the central location of the hotel, the coach is unable to park nearby, so you will need to walk to and from the drop-off points, including on arrival/departure day with luggage.
Day 2: The Colosseum to Palatine Hill
After breakfast, our tour begins at the Arch of Constantine, a monumental triumphal arch standing proudly beside the Colosseum. Rich with history and striking reliefs, it celebrates the rise of Constantine the Great and marks a turning point in the story of the Roman Empire. A visit to the Colosseum is next – the perfect scene-setter for your journey through Rome.
We have time to explore this iconic ancient amphitheatre, then free time for lunch (own expense). In the afternoon, we visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, where ruined temples, grand arches, and panoramic views bring the story of the Roman Empire vividly to life. Later, walk through the heart of ancient Rome as we stroll alongside the Imperial Fora, pausing to admire the magnificent Trajan’s Column with its detailed spiral reliefs. Evening free.
Day 3: Rome on Foot
Begin the morning with an early visit to the Pantheon, stepping inside this extraordinary ancient temple at its first opening to admire its vast dome and oculus. Continue to Piazza Navona, exploring the underground remains of Domitian’s Stadium, built in AD86 for athletic competitions. Next, we discover classical sculptures at the Palazzo Altemps Museum and the Ara Pacis Museum. The Altar of Peace was commissioned by Emperor Augustus and is near Augustus’ Mausoleum.
In the afternoon, visit Piazza Colonna to see Marcus Aurelius’ Column, then descend into the fascinating remains of Vicus Caprarius. Hidden beneath streets near the Trevi Fountain, this site reveals ancient apartment buildings and working aqueduct channels. On our return to the hotel we pass the grand Temple of Hadrian. Evening talk by Diana: ‘Daily Life in the Roman World: Evidence from Rome and Ostia’, followed by dinner with wine at a local restaurant.
Day 4: Ostia Antica & Portus
Step back into daily life in ancient Rome with a morning visit to Ostia Antica, the remarkably preserved harbour city of Rome. Explore its atmospheric streets and highlights including the stunning Neptune Baths, the Theatre, Piazzale delle Corporazioni with its merchant mosaics, the Thermopolium of Diana, an ancient bakery, the Forum, Forum Baths, and a fascinating mithraeum dedicated to the god Mithras.
Lunch is included at a local restaurant before continuing in the afternoon to Portus, where you will discover the vast ancient harbours of Claudius and Trajan, once the beating heart of Rome’s maritime trade network.
Day 5: Tivoli
Discover imperial luxury and Renaissance elegance with a morning visit to Hadrian’s Villa, the vast countryside retreat of Emperor Hadrian, where you will walk among the evocative ruins of palaces, bath complexes, libraries, and ornamental pools such as the Canopus, revealing the scale and ambition of imperial Roman architecture.
In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Villa d’Este, a Renaissance masterpiece renowned for its elegant palace and spectacular terraced gardens, where hundreds of fountains, water features, and shaded pathways create one of Italy’s most celebrated and atmospheric landscapes.
Day 6: Nero’s Palace to the Baths of Caracalla
This morning we visit Nero’s Golden House (Domus Aurea), an innovative and influential imperial palace buried beneath later Rome. Then walk towards the Basilica di San Clemente, passing the remains of the Ludus Magnus, once the main training school for gladiators. Explore the Basilica of San Clemente, descending through its remarkable archaeological layers that reveal centuries of history beneath the present church.
After free time for lunch (not included), continue with a walk to the Caelian Hill (Celio) to visit the Museo della Forma Urbis, displaying fragments of the ancient marble map of Rome. Proceed to the Case Romane del Celio, where beautifully preserved frescoed underground Roman houses offer a glimpse into daily life. Our final visit of the day is to the impressive Baths of Caracalla, where vast vaulted halls, tunnels, and mosaics showcase the scale and luxury of imperial public bathing. Tonight we meet for a farewell dinner with wine at a local restaurant.
Day 7: Return to London
Free morning before our transfer to the airport for the return flight to London Heathrow. Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager’s discretion.
Availability
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HOTELS
Tour Accommodation
Hotel Albergo Santa Chiara, Rome
Established in 1839, Hotel Albergo Santa Chiara is a family-run 3‑star historic hotel located in the very heart of Rome, just behind the Pantheon, making it an exceptional base for exploring the city. Set on a quiet cobbled street, the hotel maintains a traditional Roman atmosphere while offering modern comfort, including a bar, outdoor terrace, and breakfast room. The bedrooms offer free Wi-Fi, TV, minibar, safe, and bathrooms finished in travertine marble.
Hotel Website
our regular tours
Mobility Information
This tour has a demanding fitness rating and is designed for travellers who enjoy a more active pace of exploration. While it is not a walking holiday, you should expect busy days with extended periods on your feet and visits where conditions may be more varied. These may include uneven terrain, cobbled streets, archaeological sites, steep paths, steps, stairs, limited handrails or fewer opportunities to sit and rest.
A good level of fitness and mobility will help you enjoy the full experience of the itinerary. Please read the day-by-day itinerary carefully, as we highlight specific practical details wherever possible. This may include notes about ground conditions, stairs, walking distances, coach access or sites where lifts are not available.
If you have any questions about whether this tour is suitable for you, please contact our team before booking. We are always happy to talk through the itinerary and help you make the right choice.
Your questions answered
Tour FAQ
If you have a question, we are more than happy to answer it via email or phone, but you may find your answer below more quickly.
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