ALL THINGS ANCIENT

As you disembark your cruise ship in Civitavecchia, meet your private driver and set off to enjoy a full-day excursion to two of Italy’s most astonishing archaeological sites. Fans of all things ancient will have the opportunity to relive the glories of what was once the Caput Mundi on a trail past imperial Roman ruins and the remains of the capital’s ancient harbour. Your guide will be waiting for you in downtown Rome ready to lead you on an exciting voyage back to a time when the city stood at the centre of one of history’s most powerful empires.

Your journey begins as you access the greatest amphitheatre of the Roman world – the Colosseum. This masterpiece of ancient engineering, dating back to 72 AD, is evidence of the Romans’ brilliant construction skills and provides an eloquent example of their ingenuity and innovation in the fields of technology, science and architecture, achievements which remained unequalled for centuries. Built at the request of Emperor Vespasian, the Colosseum staged an immensely popular calendar of gruesome shows including warrior fights, wild animal hunts, mock naval battles and executions. Roam through the ruins of stone walls and bleachers and imagine how a gladiator must have felt as he prepared for combat and awaited his destiny stirred by the cries and cheers of 60,000 impatient spectators echoing through the arena. You will hear tales of ill-starred prisoners, blood-thirsty crowds and merciless emperors and conjure up the sheer terror of slaves whose fate could be decided with a mere gesture of the thumb.

Next, climb Palatine Hill to see the legendary birthplace of Rome where Romulus and Remus are said to have been rescued and raised by the she-wolf. While you listen to stories and adventures of the capricious gods and goddesses of ancient Roman mythology, take in the breathtaking views of the Circus Maximus, another of ancient Rome’s spectacular entertainment venues, where intrepid charioteers once engaged in thrilling but perilous competitions.

Your morning will end with a leisurely stroll along Via Sacra, the Roman Forum’s main thoroughfare. Originally the social, commercial and political heart of the ancient city, the Forum was a grandiose district of temples and vibrant public spaces where trials, business dealings and elections took place. What was once a bustling centre of ancient Roman city life is now still alive and pulsing with visitors eager to step back into history.

After some free time for lunch, rejoin your guide and driver and head for Ostia Antica, the second best-preserved ancient Roman city in Italy. Ostia’s ruins might not be as well known as the excavations in Pompeii – probably because of the latter’s tragic fate – but they are, nevertheless, simply amazing and can still speak volumes about how life was lived in Roman times. Ostia remained mostly untouched until the early 1900s and the excellent state of conservation of its buildings and mosaics allows visitors to acquire insight into the daily bustle of this once busy harbour.

According to tradition the town was founded as a colony by Ancus Marcius, Rome’s fourth king, in the late 7th century BC, although some historians and archaeologists claim the very earliest settlement can be dated to the beginning of the 4th century BC. Ostia reached the peak of its splendour during the 2nd century AD when it served as Rome’s main port for goods, including grain, olive oil and wine, transported to and from far-flung corners of the empire. Trade brought opulence and prosperity to the city as testified by the stunning remains you will see.

Your guide will lead you through the streets of this remarkable ancient settlement and explain how findings that emerged from the rubble have been pieced together to give us an accurate picture of this ancient port town. Although no longer intact we know multilevel homes once stood on this very spot. The city flourished and the population grew to 50,000 inhabitants, leading to an increased demand for lodging. Ancient citizens resolved issues of space by building taller structures. Today only the ground floors remain but to imagine that forerunners of modern skyscrapers were built here is simply astounding. Highlights of your tour include the theatre, the forum, temples, thermal baths and even age-old public latrines! Can you believe that yesterday’s toilets have become an exciting treasure trove for archaeologists today?

Your visit, enriched with anecdotes and curiosities about everyday life in Ostia, is sure to be a memorable experience.

After the tour your private chauffeur will drive you back to your cruise ship in Civitavecchia.