Your incredible day will begin at the Colosseum Bar, located at Via San Giovanni in Laterano 44, just a few steps from one of the most recognized landmarks in the world. From here, you will set out to explore the Colosseum, the greatest amphitheater of the Roman Empire and one of humanity’s most extraordinary architectural achievements. As you walk around its vast exterior, your knowledgeable guide will bring to life the stories of gladiators who fought for survival, emperors who orchestrated grand spectacles, and the roaring crowds who once filled its massive stone tiers.
Just beyond the Colosseum stands the Arch of Constantine, a triumphal arch built to celebrate Emperor Constantine’s victory and a monument that embodies a pivotal turning point in history, the transition from pagan Rome to the Christian era. Its detailed reliefs and imposing presence provide the perfect backdrop for understanding how art, politics, and faith intertwined in the ancient world.
Your journey through time continues along the famous Via dei Fori Imperiali, a wide avenue that cuts through the heart of Ancient Rome. This open-air museum guides us through the remnants of the Imperial Forums, once the grand centers of public and political life. As you walk, you will explore the monumental spaces dedicated to Julius Caesar, Nerva, Augustus, and Trajan, each with its own story of power and ambition. One of the highlights will be the Market of Trajan, a remarkable example of Roman engineering and urban planning.
Next in your itinerary, you will visit the bustling heart of modern Rome: Piazza Venezia. Here, you'll stand before the towering Altare della Patria (Altar of the Fatherland), a national monument honoring Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of a unified Italy. From Piazza Venezia, you will climb the legendary Capitoline Hill, one of the original seven hills on which Rome was founded. This site has been central to Roman life for centuries, from the earliest days of the Republic to the Renaissance. At its summit, discover the magnificent Piazza del Campidoglio, redesigned in the 16th century by Michelangelo Buonarroti. With its graceful symmetry, elegant palaces, and striking central statue, the square remains one of the finest examples of Renaissance urban planning and a place where history and beauty coexist seamlessly.
Your fascinating exploration will conclude with one of the most breathtaking moments of the entire experience: the panoramic view over the Roman Forum. Spread out below you lies the beating heart of Ancient Rome, where temples, basilicas, and arches once formed the backdrop of political debates, religious ceremonies, and social gatherings. It was here that Rome’s story truly began, and standing above it, you’ll feel the weight of centuries layered beneath your feet.
Once your excursion comes to an end you will be free to keep exploring on your own if the time allows or you can go back to your cruise terminal to board your cruise ship on time. Please remember the excursion does not offer transportation; however, the staff will be more than happy to help you.
