ENJOY AN INTIMATE & ENTERTAINING EXCURSION TO THE ETERNAL CITY Limited to a maximum of 13 participants Local Expert Guide Air-Conditioned Mercedes Mini-Van Tickets & reservations for the Vatican & Colosseum to avoid standing-in-line for hours (33€ Value)  Your guide & driver will be waiting for you at the dockside of your cruise ship at 8am. Driving straight in to the centre of Rome, your day in the eternal city will start with a visit to the Vatican. With advanced reservations and tickets you will walk straight in to the Vatican avoiding the long public lines to enjoy a tour of the highlights of the Vatican museums. We'll discuss the lives of great artists who worked at the Vatican, such as Raphael & Michelangelo, and interpret together their masterpieces. At the Sistine chapel we will allow as much time as possible to fully appreciate Michelangelo's magnificent frescoes.
After focusing on the highlights of the Vatican Museums, we emerge in the vast openness of St. Peter's Basilica and Square: an immense area that houses many other precious works including the breathtaking Pieta' by Michelangelo, and Bernini's papal canopy. You will hear the story of the life of Saint Peter and how this simple fisherman became Jesus'sapostle and first Pope of the Christianity. Saint Peter was martyred and buried on the site of the where St, Paters Church was built and his tomb is the focal point of the basilica. The tour will finish in St. Peter's Square where some of the most important papal ceremonies take place.  Then, enjoy a short drive across the delightful Ponte Unita'Italia, and along Corso Vittorio the main street of Rome lined with elegant Baroque Palazzi to arrive at the Colosseum where you will again avoid the long public lines and walk straight into Coloseeum where you will learn about the inner workings of the Colosseum and the special effects and showmanship of the ferocious games played there, the role the Colosseum had in Roman society and what it meant to a Roman to attend these games. We'll discuss about all the different kind of games held in the amphitheater.
Followed by an overview of the Palatine Hill and Ancient Roman Forum you will continue on a tour of Ancient Rome travelling in your air-conditioned mini-bus to see via fori imperiali & circo massimus. Then, we will drive into the back-streets of the historical centre of Rome to discuss and admire the Trevi Fountain. After the Trevi Fountain we will enjoy a short walk through the narrow cobbled streets to admire other Baroque architecture of the centre of Rome before arriving at the Pantheon at around 1.35pm.  Prior to taking a tour of the Pantheon, we will pause for an hour and twenty minutes for lunch ( NOT INCLUDED ), and souvenir shopping. Saving one of Rome's most delightful and intact monuments until last, we will tour the Pantheon. Built in 27BC, this majestic architectural masterpiece echoes the phenomenal achievements of Ancient Rome. A model of inspiration for Renaissance artists like Bramante & Michelangelo it will provide the ideal conclusion for your shore excursion of Rome. IMPORTANT INFORMATION This tour operates with a miniumum of four people / maximum of thirteen Journey time to / from your ship to central Rome is 1.5 hours each way The above itinerary can also include other points of interest such as the Spanish Steps, but these additions will depend on the physical ability of the group members Religious sites require a dress code . Shoulders and knees must be covered. Large bags and glass bottles are not allowed. A hat and sun cream also recommended on summer time for the Ancient walk. | 
