The first time I stepped foot on Italian soil was in 2015 with my former colleague, Karen. This was her second trip to Italy. Being a Geography major, she had no trouble navigating the small side streets near Vatican City to bring us straight to the restaurants where weEnh had the most delicious pizza and pasta! Karen loves travel and we love to travel with her. She’s one of the most positive and fun people you will ever meet.
This itinerary is inspired by Karen!
With jaw-dropping sites around every corner, Rome is a city like no other! Marvel at ancient marble ruins, medieval streets, early Christian churches, spectacular Renaissance art and Baroque fountains all mingled amongst Rome’s nearly three million people. Combine these sights and sounds with the sumptuous flavours of authentic Italian cuisine and you’ll never want to leave!
Whether your focus is Art or History, a leisurely stroll will bring you ample opportunity to enrich your experience.
Start at the Pantheon, the best-preserved ancient Roman monument in the world, standing since around 125 AD! Here you can see the tombs of former Kings, Vittorio Emmanuelle (died in 1878) and Umberto I, the last King of Italy. Art lovers can take a moment to reflect at the tomb of Raphael (1483-1520) who is buried next to his fiancée (although arguably not his love), Maria Bibbiena.
Just a short walk away at Santa Maria sopra Minerva, stands Michelangelo’s Christ the Redeemer (1521) as well as Bernini’s Memorial to Maria Raggi (circa 1650). The tombs of Popes Leo X, Clement VII and Urban VII can also be seen here. The Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola at Campus Martius is also nearby which boasts a fabulous Baroque interior and an impressive fresco across the nave ceiling. As you make your way back past the Pantheon towards Piazza Navona, don’t forget to stop into the Church of St. Louis of the French to view the famous Contarelli Chapel which contains three stunning works depicting the life of St. Matthew by Baroque artist, Caravaggio. History buffs will enjoy viewing the statues of Charlemagne, St. Louis, St. Clothilde and St. Jeanne of Valois. Continue on to Piazza Navona built on the 1st century site of the Stadium of Domitian. Today, it is a wonderful example of Baroque architecture including the famous Fountain of the Four Rivers (1651) by Bernini.
Strolling through the ancient history of the Colosseum and Roman Forum could take the entire day. However, you may also want to check out the nearby St. Peter-in-Chains Church to see the relic it was built to house in 432-440 as well as the impressive statue of Moses by Michelangelo. If you still have time, walk about 20 minutes to see (or climb) the Scala Sancta as well as the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano which, during WWII, was used as a safe haven for Jews and other refugees.
You may also require a full day to explore Vatican City. The awe-inspiring St. Peter’s Basilica is in a league all of its own but you can deepen the experience even further by booking a tour (limited admission) with the Vatican Scavi and go underground to the necropolis where the tomb of St. Peter is located. Literally “top off” the experience with a climb to the top of Michelangelo’s dome. The rest of the day can be spent wandering around the extensive museums viewing endless works of priceless art along with a visit to the famous Sistine Chapel.
Florence is an artist’s dream but you don’t have to be one to appreciate it. Just like Rome, all the main sites are within walking distance of each other so there’s no need to venture outside the centre city unless you want to.
The two main sites for Art are the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David and the Uffizi Gallery to see the plethora of Renaissance masterpieces. Historic sites such as Basilica of Santa Croce containing the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo, the 15th century Basilica of Santa Maria Novella and the jaw dropping Cappelle Medicee with the Basilica di San Lorenzo are not to be missed. And, of course, you will need to visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and climb to the top of Brunelleschi’s dome for an unparalleled view of magnificent Firenze!
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