ROMAN REVERIE

When he finally reached Rome in the autumn of 1786 Johann Wolfgang von Goethe declared: “this Capital of the World! I now see all the dreams of my youth coming to life… Only in Rome is it possible to understand Rome”. Fulfil your own Roman reverie on this full-day shore excursion from Civitavecchia. Your chauffeur will meet you at the disembarkation point, after you exit your cruise ship, and drive you to the city of your dreams. Here your private guide will be waiting ready to lead you on an exploration of Italy’s most cherished museum and archaeological site. Take a deep breath and what you’ve only seen in pictures or read about in books will appear right before your eyes!

You begin your day admiring some of the greatest works of art ever created on display inside the Vatican Museums. The beginnings of this jaw-dropping collection date back to 1506 when art lover Pope Julius II first started arranging his acquisitions of classical sculptures in the Octagonal Courtyard. This extraordinary – though originally modest – assembly of works was enriched and extended throughout the centuries by successive pontiffs and evolved into the 7-kilometre-long treasure trove you see today. The dazzling array of wonders on display includes artefacts from a host of different eras and artistic styles, ranging from Egyptian steles to Renaissance fresco paintings, from Etruscan bronzes to Flemish tapestries. Your guide will take you back down the centuries, along a carefully planned trail, through the museum’s corridors and halls and bring vividly to life the masterpieces no visitor should miss.

Highlights include the Gallery of Maps, featuring impressive 16th century forerunners of today’s atlases; the Room of Animals, filled with masterfully carved marble creatures; the Sala delle Muse, housing an ancient Greek sculpture which was to inspire generations of artists; Raphael’s Rooms, four beautifully decorated chambers once belonging to Pope Julius II’s private apartments. Nestled among these marvels lies the glorious Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo spent eight years of his life in this sacred room painting what would become the most renowned images in the whole of Western art. As you gaze up at the stunning frescoes of the Creation of Adam and the Last Judgement your guide will help you decipher the secret messages left here by the Renaissance master in the 16th century.

Your Vatican discovery journey will end inside St. Peter’s Basilica, erected on what is believed to be the burial place of the apostle and topped by a colossal dome – one of the tallest masonry domes ever built. Michelangelo’s moving Pietà and Bernini’s magnificent bronze baldachin never fail to leave a deep impression on visitors to the largest and arguably the most glorious church on earth.

After some free time for lunch head for the Colosseum, the best-known symbol of the mighty Roman Empire and a triumph of ancient engineering. Completed in 72 AD, this grandiose entertainment venue is evidence of the Romans’ brilliant construction skills and provides a spectacular example of their ingenuity and innovation in the fields of technology, science and architecture, achievements which remained unequalled for centuries. The gruesome calendar of shows of great popular appeal staged in this amphitheatre included warrior fights, wild animal hunts and executions. Roam through the ruins of stone walls and bleachers and imagine how a gladiator must have felt as he prepared for battle 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. As 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, a monumental stadium where charioteers displayed their skills as they sped perilously around the track in hair-raising competitions.

The day will end with a leisurely stroll along Via Sacra, the Roman Forum’s main thoroughfare. Originally the social, commercial and political hub 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 the tour your private chauffeur will drive you back to your cruise ship in Civitavecchia.