Italy
Christmas in Rome
Program No. 19115RJ
When in Rome, celebrate Christmas as the locals do. Enjoy the Christmas markets, marvel at the Sistine Chapel, and explore the grand monuments of the city's past and present.
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At a Glance
The Eternal City of Rome has a certain feeling and energy during Christmas. From your program site hotel, it is a 20-minute walk to the lively Piazza Navona, where numerous stalls selling confections, handicrafts, and toys line the Baroque square. Families converge there, children fill out their wish lists, and many churches arrange beautiful nativity scenes. Come discover the many ways Romans celebrate this special time of the year. Experience the culture and history of Rome and learn about some of the world’s most famous artistic masterpieces, including an expert-led field trip to the Vatican Museums and the Basilica of St. Peter. An opportunity is given to attend a midnight mass at a church near the hotel.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to five miles a day. Extended standing during site visits with limited or no public seating. Uneven terrain, limited public handrails, unavoidable stairs, marble and terracotta flooring, cobblestones, inclines, loose gravel. Elevator use is limited or restricted in historic sites. Expect crowded conditions in pedestrian centers and museums. Program-related travel and transfers will be via bus and minivan.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Experience reserved entrance to the Vatican Museums (Sistine Chapel) and the Galleria Borghese to minimize wait time.
- Through an on-site lecture in the Capitoline Museums, learn about Roman history, art, and fashion before exploring the Jewish Synagogue and Museum in the Ghetto with a docent.
- Learn to make an Italian dish and dessert at a cooking school in the heart of Rome.
General Notes
Give us a call to combine select dates of this learning adventure with, "New Year's In Florence" (#19221) or "New Year's in Sorrento" (#22188) for even more learning in Italy! We'll even transfer you for free between locations.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Rachel Potts
Rachel Potts is a licensed excursion leader in Rome. She graduated from Manchester University with a bachelor's in Philosophy and French, and later studied garden design at the London Gardening School. Having grown up in Rome, she chose to return to Italy and share her knowledge and love of Rome and the surrounding areas.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Paolo Alei
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Paolo Alei is an art historian from Rome. He received his M.A. in art history and archaeology from Columbia University and his Ph.D. in Italian Renaissance art from Oxford University. He is an adjunct professor at the University of California and Loyola University and serves as the curator of the museum of the Castello Odeschalchi of Bracciano. Paolo has extensive publications and is an internationally acclaimed lecturer in Italian art history.
Rachel Potts
View biography
Rachel Potts is a licensed excursion leader in Rome. She graduated from Manchester University with a bachelor's in Philosophy and French, and later studied garden design at the London Gardening School. Having grown up in Rome, she chose to return to Italy and share her knowledge and love of Rome and the surrounding areas.
Giulietta Seme
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Julieta is a passionate student of history, specializing in the history and culture of her native city of Rome. She studied at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Roma with a concentration in painting before earning a degree in classical archaeology and art history from the Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza." Outside of history, Julieta enjoys hiking beautiful nature trails by the seaside or in the mountains of Italy.
Richard Bowen
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Richard Bowen, a native of London, has lived in Rome for most of his adult life. He was awarded a BA in humanities from Middlesex University and an MA in history from University College in London. As a young graduate, he worked as an archaeologist for the Museum of London. Richard is a licensed group leader for the Province of Rome and has led groups in Italy and other parts of Europe. He has a keen interest in political, social, and art history.
Suggested Reading List
(10 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Christmas in Rome
Program Number: 19115
SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome
"SPQR" takes readers on a journey through the history of Rome, from its legendary foundation to its transformation into a mighty republic and later into an empire that spanned three continents. Mary Beard, a renowned classicist and historian, combines her deep knowledge of Roman history with a knack for storytelling to bring this ancient civilization to life. She explores various aspects of Roman society, politics, culture, and daily life while shedding light on the lives of the elite and ordinary citizens. "SPQR" offers readers a fresh and insightful perspective on Rome's enduring legacy and relevance in the modern world.
Art in Renaissance Italy
A comprehensive and insightful exploration of the art and culture that defined the Italian Renaissance. The book provides a rich and detailed overview of the period from the 13th to the 16th century, during which Italy witnessed a flourishing artistic achievement. Readers are guided through the major artistic centers of the Renaissance, including Florence, Rome, Venice, and Siena, as they delve into the works of renowned artists such as da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Raphael. The authors offer a deep analysis of the various artistic forms, including painting, sculpture, architecture, and decorative arts, while delving into the social, political, and religious contexts that shaped this remarkable period.
The Genius in the Design: Bernini, Borromini, and the Rivalry That Transformed Rome
This book vividly brings to life the intense and enduring rivalry between two of Italy's greatest Baroque architects—Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Francesco Borromini. Set against the backdrop of 17th-century Rome, Morrissey skillfully narrates the intertwined stories of these visionary geniuses as they competed to leave their indelible mark on the Eternal City. With meticulous research and engaging prose, the author captures the spirit of the Baroque era, taking readers on a captivating journey through the construction of some of Rome's most iconic landmarks, including St. Peter's Basilica and the Church of Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza. "The Genius in the Design" offers a fascinating glimpse into Bernini and Borromini's creative minds and passionate ambitions, ultimately revealing how their rivalry transformed Rome's architectural landscape and left an enduring legacy in the world of art and design.
A Very Italian Christmas: The Greatest Italian Holiday Stories of All Time
"A Very Italian Christmas: The Greatest Italian Holiday Stories of All Time" is an anthology that captures the essence of Italian holiday traditions and emotions through a collection of heartwarming and diverse short stories. These tales, penned by some of Italy's most renowned authors, offer readers a glimpse into how Italians celebrate the holiday season. From tales of love and family to stories of reflection and nostalgia, this anthology weaves together a rich tapestry of Italian life during the festive season. The authors draw upon their cultural heritage and personal experiences to create narratives that resonate with universal themes of love, hope, and the importance of human connection.
The Borgias: Power and Fortune
Strathern meticulously traces the lives of key members of the Borgia dynasty, including Pope Alexander VI, Cesare Borgia, and Lucrezia Borgia, as they navigate the treacherous political landscape of 15th-century Italy. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the era's politics and power struggles, Strathern unveils the Borgias' relentless pursuit of wealth, influence, and control over the Vatican. From political machinations to scandalous affairs and murderous intrigues, this book provides a riveting glimpse into the dark and dramatic history of the Borgias, showcasing their complex characters and the enduring legacy of their reign.
Pope Joan: A Novel
Set in the 9th century, the story follows Joan, a brilliant young woman with an insatiable thirst for knowledge, as she disguises herself as a man to enter the male-dominated world of the Catholic Church. Her extraordinary journey takes her from humble beginnings in rural Germany to the inner sanctum of the Vatican, where she ultimately becomes Pope. Joan's resilience, intelligence, and unyielding spirit shine through as she grapples with the challenges of maintaining her secret identity and navigating the treacherous politics of the Church.
Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling
An engaging exploration of one of the most iconic artistic achievements of the Renaissance era. The book delves into the life and work of the brilliant artist Michelangelo as he undertakes the monumental task of painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican at the commission of Pope Julius II. Ross King provides readers with a behind-the-scenes look at the artistic process, the challenges Michelangelo faced, and the political and religious context of the time. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, the book offers a fascinating glimpse into the creation of one of the world's greatest masterpieces and the genius of the man behind it.
Angels & Demons: A Novel
This thrilling mystery novel follows Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon as he delves into a high-stakes quest to unravel a sinister plot against the Vatican. When a secret society known as the Illuminati threatens to destroy the Vatican City with a stolen antimatter weapon, Langdon teams up with physicist Vittoria Vetra to stop the impending catastrophe. The novel takes readers on a fast-paced journey through Rome's historical and religious landmarks as Langdon deciphers cryptic clues and unravels the mystery while racing against time.
The Woman of Rome: A Novel
This powerful and thought-provoking novel delves into the complex life of a young woman named Adriana in post-World War II Rome. Set against a rapidly changing societal backdrop, the novel explores Adriana's journey from poverty and prostitution to a life of luxury and privilege. Her relationships with various men, including the passionate Gino and the wealthy Don Giuseppe, shape her life and provide insight into the moral and social landscape of the time. Moravia's vivid storytelling and keen psychological insights paint a vivid portrait of Adriana and the city of Rome, making "The Woman of Rome" a compelling exploration of desire, identity, and the human condition.
Blue Guide Rome
This authoritative guidebook delves deep into the history, art, and architecture of the eternal city of Rome. Meticulously researched, this guide provides travelers with comprehensive information on the city's iconic landmarks, such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican, and the Pantheon, while uncovering hidden gems and lesser-known sites. With detailed explanations of the historical and cultural context, this guide enhances visitors' appreciation of Rome's heritage. It also includes practical advice on navigating the city, dining, and accommodations.