Historic Rome * The Colosseum * Roman Forum * Mamertine Prison

Upon arrival to downtown historic Rome, we begin the day with a guided tour of the Colosseum which was inaugurated in AD 80. This 50,000-seat amphitheater once staged violent games of fighting gladiators and wild animals, enjoyed by all classes of Roman society.

Back outside the Colosseum, our exploration of Ancient Rome continues with a visit to the nearby Roman Forum, once the social, political, and commercial hub of the Roman Empire. We will tour around this unrivalled archaeological area and enjoy views of important historical sites including the Curia, the Temple and House of Vestals, the funeral altar of Julius Caesar, the Arch of Titus and much more.

In the afternoon we visit the Mamertine Prison, where Paul was arrested, bound in chains, and executed. If time permits, will visit the Church of San Paolo alla Regola, believed to be the place where Paul lived which was only later transformed in an oratory and then in a church. It was in this place that Paul the Apostle wrote many of the letters contained in the New Testament. Afterwards, transfer to our hotel for the night. 

Abasia delle Tre Fontaine * Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls * Church of the Domine Quo Vadis

After breakfast at the hotel, we board our bus for a full day inspirational journey of the early Christian Rome and experience fascinating religious sites connected to the life of the Apostles Paul and Peter. We will visit the Abasia delle Tre Fontane (Three Fountains), built on the traditional site of Paul's martyrdom. At the nearby Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, we take time to meditate on the Apostle's tomb. Next, we plan to visit. of the Church of Domine Quo Vadis (Catacombs), one of Rome's sixty Catacombs. It was in these underground tunnels that early Christians hid and buried their dead. Finally, we will transfer to our hotel for dinner and overnight in Rome. 

Vatican Museums * Sistine Chapel * St. Peter's Church * Trevi Fountain * Pantheon

In the morning, after breakfast, we transfer by motor coach for a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Church. At the Vatican, located near the River Tiber and residence of the Roman Catholic Pope, we will find the Vatican Museums. Founded by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century, the Vatican Museums boast oneof the world's greatest art collections. Apart from art, archeology and ethnoanthropology works, such as Egyptian mummies, Etruscan bronzes, the Vatican Museums also contain some of the most artistically significant rooms like the ones frescoed by Raphael, and the Sistine Chapel painted by Michelangelo.

Our visit to St. Peter's Basilica, one of the largest religious buildings in the world, we will meander along towering marble columns and admire the Pieta, Michelangelo's renowned sculpture. Pause for a moment of reflection by the Confessio, the sunken area directly in front of the tomb of the Apostle Peter and which is dedicated to the Peter's Confession of faith that led to his martyrdom.

In the afternoon we take a walking tour to see the Trevi Fountain is one of Rome's greatest attractions, standing 26 meters tall, and 49 meters wide, it is an unmissable sight in the city. No matter how little you know about this fountain, we can guess you'll know about the coin tradition. Being one of the most popular tourist experiences in all of Rome. The ritual involves visitors to hold a coin, turn away from the fountain, and toss the coin over their shoulder and into the fountain. The legend states that if your throw one coin into the water, it guarantees your return to Rome, whereas two coins mean you'll return and fall in love, and three means you'll return, fall in love, and get married.

The Pantheon is not only the best preserved ancient Roman monument in the world, but it's also the most copied. It was constructed as a temple dedicated to the Gods and became the burial ground for several important people including famous artists and kings, such as Raphael, the famed Renaissance painter, and the tombs of the first two kings of unified Italy: Vittorio Emanuele II and Umberto I. In Ancient Rome, the Piazza Navona was a stadium built during Emperor Domitian's rule (AD 81 to 96).

We will finish the day with a transfer to our hotel for dinner and overnight in Rome.

Rome Italy Temple * Day at Leisure

For those who choose, we will take the opportunity to visit the LDS Rome Italy Temple in the morning. The Rome Italy Temple was the thirteenth temple built on the continent of Europe and the first built in the country of Italy. After a memorable journey following the ancient apostles of Jesus Christ's Day, this is a special opportunity for covenant renewals as we visit and participate in sacred ordinances.

The time in the afternoon and evening is yours to explore more of the Eternal City on your own.  Dinner and overnight will be at our hotel in Rome.

Today we say "arrivederci!" to Rome as we head to the Leonardo da Vinci International Airport in Fiumicino (FCO) for our flight to the USA.