Secrets Of Rome & Beyond
SMALL GROUP TOURS
Destination: Croatia • Duration: 13 days / 12 nights • Dates: April 20 - May 2, 2024 • Destination: Italy • Duration: 13 days / 12 nights • Dates: April 20 - May 2, 2024 • Destination: Italy • Duration: 13 days / 12 nights • Dates: April 20 - May 2, 2024
Destination: Italy
Dates: April 20 - May 2, 2024
Duration: 13 days / 12 nights
Buongiorno Italia! Upon arrival to Rome airport, meet your English-speaking driver and transfer to our hotel. Get settled in your room and relax or start exploring ‘Eternal city’ on your own. In the evening meet with your host Alida and your fellow travelers for the welcome reception, followed by a delicious dinner, paired with an outstanding wine at a nearby classic Roman trattoria/osteria! Enjoy the Roman staple pasta dishes as we get to know each other over a glass of local wine.
Hotel: Monti Palace hotel 4*
Arrive Rome
SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2024
DAY 1
After breakfast we’ll head out to explore the historic center, often called the Baroque Rome. See iconic sites such as the Trevi Fountain, where you can toss a coin over your shoulder to ensure that you will one day return to Rome! Visit also the area around the Spanish steps and Piazza Del Popolo, before heading to the Piazza Navona. After our morning tour you’ll have some free time to explore Rome at your own pace, or to rest and relax! In the later afternoon hours we’ll meet again to enjoy an amazing food tour and discover 3 neighborhoods – Trastevere, the Jewish Quarter and the area of Campo di Fiori. Taste the famous ‘suppli’, as well as ‘pizza al taglio’, try out the meats and cheese from a local salumeria and end the tour at a unique location on an island, and underground! Surprise!
Hotel: Monti Palace hotel 4*
Rome
DAY 2
SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2024
DAY 4
Take a journey through time as we discover Ancient Rome with a licensed guide. Admire the arches of the Colosseum, hear stories about gladiator battles and Roman emperors while marveling at the ancient roman architecture and engineering. Then, walk along the Palatine Hill, and learn of the legend of Romul and Rem and how the city of Rome was founded. Walk the streets of the Roman Forum, the heart of the ancient city of Rome, and admire views from the gorgeous viewpoint close to square Campidoglio, another masterpiece designed by Michelangelo. After the tour, you may stay in the city and explore on your own or return to our hotel. The rest of the day is free. Optional, for whoever wants to join: We will head out for drinks around Aperitivo time, to the square near the Pantheon. If anyone wants to visit the Pantheon, it is recommended to go after 6 PM when there are fewer crowds. The evening is yours to enjoy!
Hotel: Monti Palace hotel 4*
TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2024
Rome
DAY 5
Time to start exploring one of Italy’s most picturesque provinces, Lazio, beyond Rome. Our first stop is the ancient city of Viterbo, with its well-preserved historic center, also known as the ‘City of the Popes’. Palazzo Papale that hosted eleven popes of Rome, however, is not his only treasure. Learn more about Viterbo and its area, as we enjoy a walk with our guide. Then, we’ll be on our coach again and enjoy the ride to Capodimonte, a picturesque village located on the shores of Lake Bolsena, characterized by narrow streets, quaint squares, and charming historic churches and palaces. Here, sit down and taste a freshwater fish specialty at a local trattoria. Continue toward Civita di Bagnoregio, listed as one of Italy’s most beautiful villages and considered a true open-air museum. It is, however, also called ‘The City That’s Dying’. With only 10-15 residents left and the fact that the village is built from the mixture of clay and tuff rock that forms the base of the village and are unfortunately gradually eroding, it is one of the most unique locations in Italy to visit. Walk over the Ponte Panoramico, before exploring the village on your own. Civita is a perfect place for a quiet, charming walk to enjoy the beautiful panorama of the valley of gullies, that opens all around the village. After spending some time here, head toward our hotel in Terme Tivoli. Enjoy a relaxing evening. Let’s meet for drinks at the hotel bar tonight!
Hotel: Grand hotel Duca D’Este 4*
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2024
Viterbo - Capodimonte - Bagnoregio
DAY 6
Today it is Italian National holiday: Anniversary of Liberation. Since antiquity, Romans have escaped the city and vacationed among castles and villas in the countryside. Today we’ll discover some of them as we visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Villa d'Este and Villa Adriana. Explore Villa d'Este, famous all over the world for its splendid fountains characterized by wonderful and suggestive water displays and for being the most beautiful example of the Italian Renaissance Garden in Europe. Then, we’ll continue to Villa Adriana, the ancient residence of Emperor Hadrian that still witnesses the magnificence of the ancient Roman Empire. Return to our hotel with the rest of the day free to relax and enjoy the thermal baths.
Hotels: Grand hotel Duca D’Este 4*
THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2024
Tivoli
DAY 7
This morning we continue toward the gorgeous area of Castelli Romani, into the Albani hills near Rome. First, visit Frascati, a delightful hilltop town. See the gorgeous 16th century Cardinal Aldobrandini’s Villa with baroque gardens and try a traditional ‘pupazzo’, a typical flour and honey cookie that represents a woman with three breasts. The legend says that the extra breast produces Frascati wine instead of milk. Following, it’s time to discover if the legend is right, as we drive to a nearby renowned family run winery! Tour the cellar, taste good and genuine wine and enjoy a fun pasta making class in one of the oldest and most charming farmhouses. After the class, taste the labor of your work. On to Nemi, one of the most picturesque towns in the area, overlooking a small, but beautiful lake of volcanic origin. The dense woods surrounding Nemi are considered sacred, and home to the Temple of Diana. Emperor Caligula celebrated his cults here in Nemi by building two large floating ships which were fished out almost intact! So, here we must visit the amazing Museum of Roman Ships. Free time to take a walk before proceeding to Castel Gandolfo and our hotel. Settle in and relax. Let’s leisurely explore the town tonight (optional).
Hotel: La Locanda Del Pontefice 4*
FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2024
Frascati - Nemi - Castel Gandolfo
DAY 8
We have the whole day to enjoy and discover Castel Gandolfo, among the most beautiful old villages in Italy, overlooking Lake Albano, and home of the papal summer residence. In the morning we will head out for a walking tour around the picturesque streets and to visit of the Pope’s summer residence, the Apostolic Palace and its gardens. The rest of the day will be yours to enjoy at leisure. Make sure to walk downhill towards Lake Albano, as the road that takes you there is lined with restaurants and cafes. Late in the afternoon/early evening, we will visit Marino and enjoy a special local dinner at fiaschetteria romana with a wine tasting included too.
Hotel: La Locanda Del Pontefice 4*
SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2024
Castel Gandolfo - Marino
DAY 9
It’s time to discover more of Lazio, so today we’ll journey further south to explore important historical towns of central Italy. Our first stop is Anagni, the ancient town with several buildings dating back to the 13th century. We visit the town, its charming streets overlooking the Cathedral with its astonishing fresco covered crypt. Then, we’ll proceed to Alatri, best known for the massive walls that surround the town and through which there are five gates to reach the upper town. Visit the Civita, a powerful example of the Pelasgian acropolis. Here we’ll have some free time to discover this historically rich town, before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy the drive to Gaeta, a gorgeous coastal town, our home for the next 2 days. Let’s grab dinner and drinks together tonight (optional).
Hotel: Villa Irlanda Grand hotel 4*
SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2024
Anagni - Alatri - Gaeta
DAY 10
In the late morning hours explore Gaeta, charming coastal town off the beaten path and a true gem. First, visit Grotta del Turco, a picturesque hiding place for pirates during the Middle Ages. Following, we will enjoy a walking tour of the old town, with the Cathedral and the Medieval Castle overlooking the town and the peninsula. Time at leisure to explore the top of Monte Orlando, beautiful churches or to relax on the lovely piazza or the town beach. Tonight, meet for drinks and dinner in town (Optional).
Hotels: Villa Irlanda Grand hotel 4*
MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2024
Gaeta
DAY 11
Today, we head north, up the coast, with the first stop in Sperlonga, another lovely beach town. We’ll take a walk and perhaps grab a coffee or gelato, before driving to a local farm where we’ll enjoy tasting of extra virgin olive oil, accompanied by local cheese and cold cuts. Then we head toward our last beautiful destination, Ostia Antica. Settle into our hotel and relax, the rest of the day is at leisure. Tonight, meet for drinks and dinner in town (Optional).
Hotel: Fly Deco Hotel 4*
TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2024
Sperlonga - Ostia Antica
DAY 12
In the morning, we explore Ostia Antica, and visit the archeological area, representing one of the best preserved ancient Roman cities in the world. Visit the ruins and learn about the cultural and social life of this interesting commercial town built on both the sea and the river. Enjoy the afternoon in this lovely beach town! Relax, enjoy the views. Tonight, get together one last time for a fun farewell dinner at a local restaurant! Enjoy a delicious meal with drinks and spend an amazing evening together!
Hotel: Fly Deco Hotel 4*
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2024
Ostia Antica
DAY 13
After breakfast, transfer to Rome international airport for your home bound flight.
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2024
Depart Italy
DAY 3
Today we’ll have an early start of the day, with a guided tour of the Vatican Museums. Explore one of the most impressive and extensive collections in the world, belonging to the Catholic Church. Visit the Sistine Chapel, the greatest treasure of the Vatican City and part of UNESCO World Heritage, entirely designed by the brilliant Michelangelo. Continue to one of the largest and most beautiful squares in the world: St. Peter's Square, before visiting St. Peter’s Basilica. As we finish our exploration of the Vatican, we will walk to the nearby Fort St Angelo, one of the most underrated historical sites in Rome. You have free time to grab lunch (there is a wonderful restaurant within the fort) or perhaps stroll the area along the Tiber River. Return to our hotel with the rest of the day free. Optional, for whoever wants to join: Tonight, we should go for a drink near the Trevi Fountain, for a fun time with amazing views!
Hotel: Monti Palace hotel 4*
MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2024
Rome; Vatican City
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What's Included
Accommodation at listed hotels with breakfast daily, based on double occupancy rooms, with the option for single use at a supplement
Customized arrival and departure airport transfers, according to your individual arrival and departure flight timing
All transfers as per program with comfortable air-conditioned small bus
Tour is hosted by Alida Paljevic, your travel specialist for Croatia
Welcome drink at the hotel
Welcome dinner at a classic Roman trattoria: 3 course meal with drinks
Morning walking tour of historic Rome with a local licensed guide
Guided Rome food stroll with tastings and a sit-down meal
Guided visit of the Apostolic Palace in Castel Gandolfo
Dinner at ‘fiaschetteria romana’ with wine tasting
Entrance fee to the Cathedral with fresco covered crypt in Anagni
Guided visit of the Civita in Alatri
Lunch at the local restaurant in Alatri
Guided visit of the charming Gaeta, including visit of the picturesque Grotta del Turco
Visit a local olive grove for an extra virgin olive oil tasting and light lunch
Morning tour of Archeological Park of Ostia Antica with a local licensed guide
Farewell dinner at the local restaurant, including drinks (water, soft drinks, wine)
Early morning tour of the Vatican Museums with Sistine Chapel, including the visit to the St. Peter’s Basilica
Morning guided tour of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, including skip the line tickets
Guided visit of the Palazzo Papale
Fish lunch at the local trattoria in Capodimonte, including drinks
Guided visit of the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Tivoli: Villa d’Este and Villa Adriana
Tasting of typical cookie ‘pupazzo’
Visit of the renowned family-run vineyard, with pasta making class and wine tasting
Entrance to the Museum of Roman Ships in Nemi
Visas, passport, and/or departure taxes
Airfare
Any items not listed above
Expenses of personal nature, including tips to guides and drivers, telephone calls, table drinks, internet, laundry, etc.
Travel insurance – highly recommended! Check out World Nomads.
Not Included
Pricing
Price Per Person In
Double Occupancy Rooms
$990
Single Supplement
$6900
- The Coscia-Mancuso Family, White Plains, NY
We cannot thank Vagabonda Travel enough for custom-designing our family trip to Italy. Memories to last a lifetime. Every detail of our trip was perfectly curated and exceptional. We would have never been able to plan this adventure on our own. Communication with the staff is excellent and we felt secure knowing we had contact number while we were traveling. Cannot wait to book our next trip with you soon!
Trip of a lifetime.
Happy Clients
- Megan and Jerry, Los Angeles, California
We have never used a travel service before, and Vagabonda absolutely blew us away! From their hotel bookings, to the day-by-day itinerary, to hidden gems we definitely would have never found on our own, we can't thank their team enough! Highly recommend for anyone who wants an authentic experience in Europe!
BEST TRIP EVER! We'll remember this for the rest of our lives!
Happy Clients
- Pete and Paula, Lindenhurst, New York
When my husband and I started planning our 30th Anniversary trip to Italy we had no idea where to even begin. That’s when I stumbled across Alida’s TikTok videos. I absolutely LOVED her content. To be honest, at first I was skeptical about planning a trip like this off of someone I saw in a TikTok video, but after meeting with her we knew we picked the right travel agency. Our 17-day trip was absolutely incredible. Alida and Vagabonda Travel made our lifetime dream of touring Italy one we will never forget!
Happy 30th Anniversary to Us! A TRIP OF A LIFETIME!
Happy Clients
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Vagabonda's European small group tours are led by our professional hosts. We're dedicated to making sure that every moment of your trip counts. We believe in taking it slow and connecting with locals as we uncover amazing experiences in unforgettable destinations. Travel should be more than just a vacation - it should be an experience that touches your heart and deepens your relationship with the world.
