Classics School Trip to Rome

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A WST tour to the Rome can support the study of elements of the following exam board specifications.

GUIDED TOURS OF ROME

For students on classics trips to Rome, we can arrange guided walking tours for half or full days around the city, which can be tailor made to include your preferred visits. Popular themes include:

• Ancient Rome
• Rome's Modern Squares
• Vatican City

THE COLOSSEUM

This is considered to be one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and is the largest amphitheatre built in the Roman Empire.  Your guide will fire student’s imaginations with their knowledge and descriptions of the events that took place here.

ROMAN FORUM

This was once the heart of Ancient Rome and the centre of public life. It is the site of public speeches, trials and commercial transactions and housed some of the most important buildings in Rome.  Tread in the path of Julius Caesar and stand where Marc Antony Rostra publicly displayed the severed head and right hand of his enemy Cicero.

PALATINE HILL

According to Roman mythology this is where Rome was founded. Ideally located looking down on to the Roman Forum, this became the home of several Roman Emperors. Step inside the House of Augustus primary residence of the Caesat Augustus during his reign and see the incredible frescos. Other sites of interest include the Hut of Romulus and the Imperial palace. The forum also provides a great view of Circus Maximus.

VATICAN MUSEUMS AND SISTINE CHAPEL

The Vatican Museums occupy part of the palaces built by the Pope and is home to one of the most extensive art collections in the world including some of the very finest Greek sculptures. Your guide will also take you to see the world’s most famous chapel, the Sistine Chapel, housed within the Vatican Museums, where you will see the infamous frescoes by Michaelangelo.

ST PETER’S BASILICA

World famous church and the burial site of St Peter. This is regarded as one of the holiest Catholic sites.  

THE PANTHEON

A magnificent ancient temple that was later converted to a church. Dating from AD125 it is the most superb architectural monument to have survived intact from Ancient Rome. Raphael is buried here. 

THE CATACOMBS

Those on a classics Rome tour will need a coach to visit these ancient Christian burial grounds which lie on the edge of the city.  Your site guide will take your underground to explore these large fascinating tombs which were created for Christians who did not have their own land to be buried on in the First Century. We recommend continuing on your coach to visit Ostia Antica or Tivoli.

OSTIA ANTICA 

Like Pompeii it’s an abandoned Roman city, unlike Pompeii it wasn’t the victim of a volcano, so it’s far less well known but provides an excellent visit for Classicists. The site is noted for the excellent preservation of its ancient buildings, magnificent frescoes and impressive mosaics. Ostia’s amphitheatre especially is wonderfully preserved. A visit to Ostia provides an opportunity to explore a Roman city in its entirety, and allows a glimpse of everyday life. 

TIVOLI

The medieval hill town of Tivoli, a popular retreat since ancient times sits 18 miles east of Rome. The main attraction for Classics groups here is Emperor Hadrian's Villa built at the peak of the Roman Empire. From here Hadrian was able to rule from outside but still near the capital city. Hadrian, who ruled from A.D. 117 to 138, sought refuge here from the political complexity of court life in Rome. While here it is worth exploring the grounds of the recently restored Villa d'Este, included in the UNESCO world heritage listings.  Your coach could make a catacombs visit en route.

SPANISH STEPS

The famous steps where locals and tourists alike congregate to people watch and soak up the atmosphere. The Spanish Steps are close to Via del Corso, one of the well-known high end shopping streets of Rome, so window shopping  in the many designer shops is a popular pastime.

TREVI FOUNTAIN

A must see for school classics trips in Rome, this is one of the most famous fountains in the world. The Trevi Fountain is located close to the Pantheon so many people choose to visit both together.

KEATS-SHELLEY MEMORIAL HOUSE

Located on the Spanish Steps, this is the final home of John Keats. It contains an extensive collection of paintings, sculpture and manuscripts which celebrate the lives of Keats, Shelley and Byron.  

ROME BY NIGHT - Illuminated Tour 

This night time tour will last approx. 2 hours on board a coach and will take in key sites:  Piazza Venezia, Capitoline Hill, Jewish Quarter , Castel Sant‘Angelo, St Peter’s Basilica, Ancient Aurelian Walls framing Villa Borghese Park. 

TIME ELEVATOR - 5D EXPERIENCE

You will experience a simulated ride where you will travel through the rich history of Rome. Starting with its foundation, through the glorious days of the ancient Roman empire, the Renaissance with its masterpieces of architecture and art, the events of the 20th century, culminating in an aerial flight over the Rome of today.

ART GALLERIES OF ROME:

Galleria Borghese - contains many masterpieces of Gian Lorenzo Bernini and paintings by Raphael.

Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna - neo-classical and romantic paintings and sculptures.

Capitoline Museum  -  Home to important ancient bronzes, ancient Roman statues, a collection of medieval and renaissance art, as well as jewels, coins and other artefacts.

Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica -  examples of frescos and art Rome’s great families.

Galleria Spada -  Rubens, Durer and Caravaggio

FREE TIME

Most people choose to spend their free time in Rome either visiting the shops or relaxing in one of the many squares where you can pick up a coffee or an ice-cream and soak up the culture of the city. Here are some of the most popular areas.

Shopping:

• Via Frattina

• Via Nazionale

• Termini

•  Via Del Corso

Squares:

• Piazza Navona

• Piazza Venezia

• Campo dei Fiore

• Piazza di Spagna

RESTAURANTS

Most hotels in Rome operate on a B&B basis only. 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 Trattoria or self service style buffet restaurants if you are in a hurry.  Ask us for more details.