School Trips & Tours to Rome

A city bursting with culture and history, Rome’s streets are still etched with the stories of its past. Once the heart of the extensive Roman Empire, the city offers an abundance of learning opportunities for students, as well as the chance to explore some of the world’s most famous ancient sites. Retrace the footsteps of gladiators around the Colosseum, take in the beauty of the Sistine Chapel or delve into the rich history of the Pantheon; this incredible city is sure not to disappoint. We offer the following school trips to Rome.

• Art and Design
• Classics
• Religious Studies

Top Attractions

Vatican City 

An unparalleled opportunity for religious studies students, exploring Vatican City can provide pupils with a whole new perspective of Catholicism. At the heart of Vatican City stands the stunning St. Peter's Basilica, the burial site of St. Peter and one of the holiest Catholic shrines. However, a trip to the Vatican isn’t only beneficial for those studying religion. Art and design students should also take the time to explore, with the Vatican Museums being home to one of the most extensive art collections in the world.

The Roman Forum

A must for classics students, the Roman Forum was once the centre of public life in Rome and offers a glimpse of what society would have been like over 2,000 years ago. One of the world’s most impressive archaeological sites, the area was the city’s marketplace, business district and political hub. As you wander through the ancient ruins, make sure you keep an eye out for the Arco di Settimio Severo, a magnificent triumphal arch at the north-west end of the Roman Forum.

The Colosseum 

Probably the city’s most iconic landmark, the Colosseum plays tribute to the darker, more brutal side of Roman society. Once boasting the capacity to hold 50,000 spectators, the Colosseum was the largest amphitheatre in the Roman era, acting as a stage for the city’s dramatic and murderous games. Students will be transported back to ancient Rome as they learn about the building’s blood-thirsty history, imagining what it must have been like for those about to step out into arena.

Rome Accommodation

Location is everything if you really want to maximise your time in Rome. We base our groups centrally in good quality, hand-picked 2* and 3* hotels, all with great hospitality and easy access to key study visits and public transport links.

Local Cuisine

Most hotels in Rome operate on a B&B basis only, however we can arrange evening meals in restaurants in the city with options to suit all tastes. The most popular choices are Hard Rock Café, traditional Italian trattorias or self-service style buffet restaurants, if you are in a hurry. 

If you do want to sample a little traditional Italian cuisine while exploring the city, students are bound to be spoilt for choice with many of the usual favourites on offer. If you’re a lover of pasta, why not order a traditional spaghetti carbonara or bolognaise and see how it compares to here in the UK? If you’d rather try a few new flavours however, arancini, stuffed rice balls coated in bread crumbs, are a popular choice, as is pizza Bianca, a delicious focaccia-style pizza.

Hidden Gems

Sistine Chapel

One of the most famous Vatican museums, the Sistine Chapel resides in the Apostolic Palace, the Pope’s official residence. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for art and design students, the Sistine Chapel is home to a series of frescos designed and painted by Michelangelo. His work includes the mesmerising Sistine Chapel ceiling and The Last Judgement fresco, both of which draw in thousands of visitors each year.

Pantheon 

Dating back to around 118 AD, the Pantheon is one of the best preserved ancient monuments in the world. Despite being built almost 2,000 years ago, the Pantheon’s impressive dome remains the world’s largest un-reinforced concrete dome, standing as a lasting tribute to the brilliance of Roman architects and making it a must-visit for Rome school trips. Although the exact function of the building is unknown, the Pantheon’s design and decoration suggests it was once a temple – be sure to look out for the dome’s oculus as you enter the Pantheon, a feature which illuminates the entire building.

Aventine Hill

One of the seven hills of Rome, students who ascend to the top of Aventine Hill will be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the city. However, the best view from Aventine Hill isn’t from the top, but from the Aventine Keyhole found on the doorway to the Piazza of the Knights of Malta. The keyhole offers a perfect view of the breath-taking St. Peter’s Basilica, a secret spot easily missed by those passing by.

WST Support in Rome

To ensure a smooth start to your trip, you’ll be met on arrival by our local representative who will travel with you from the airport to your hotel, assisting with check-in and any questions.

A walking tour is a must in Rome as the city is so accessible, and it’s a great way to piece together the story of this city in a short space of time. Our guides can bring to life the history of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, or expertly support you around all the sights of Vatican City.

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