Italy
Roaming Rome: The City of the Seven Hills
Program No. 22620RJ
Become an expert on the Eternal City on an adventure combining local scholarly insight with a flexible schedule and city-center lodging ideal for self-directed discovery.
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Protecting the Environment
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
At a Glance
Become an expert on the icons of Rome and seek out knowledge of its lesser-known treasures on an adventure that combines the insight of local scholars with a flexible schedule and city-center lodging ideal for self-led discovery. Illustrated presentations provide a wide angle on the Eternal City from before Caesar to today, and narrated field trips ensure you experience the essentials, while periods of unscheduled time leave it to you to decide what next to explore.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
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, steep inclines, loose gravel, dirt paths. 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. The extent of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
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…
- Explore the Colosseum and Roman Forum with a local expert.
- Learn to make and enjoy a typical Roman dish in a cooking class.
- Discover the history of Rome's Jewish Quarter with a walk through one of the city's oldest neighborhoods.
General Notes
The program includes independent time to explore Rome and several meals on your own. The Group Leader will provide directions for self-directed excursions. Suggestions for free-time activities are provided in your Final Information Packet.
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.
Rachel Potts
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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.
Simon Martin
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Simon Martin holds a B.A. in History from Queen Mary and Westfield College (London), an M.A. in Slavonic Studies from the School of Slavonic and East European Studies (London), and a Ph.D. from University College (London). His doctoral thesis, later developed into a book — “Football and Fascism” — on football and Fascism in Mussolini’s Italy (2004) won the British Society for Sport’s History’s Lord Aberdare prize for literary history. His book, “Sport Italia: the Italian Love Affair with Sport” won the same prize in 2012.
Suggested Reading List
(11 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.
Roaming Rome: The City of the Seven Hills
Program Number: 22620
Coins in the Fountain: A Midlife Escape to Rome
"Coins in the Fountain: A Midlife Escape to Rome" is a captivating memoir that chronicles the transformative journey of a middle-aged American woman who decides to reinvent her life by relocating to Rome. Author Judith Works provides readers with an intimate glimpse into her experiences as she navigates the intricacies of Italian culture, language, and cuisine while pursuing her dream of working at the United Nations. With a backdrop of stunning Roman landscapes and a cast of colorful characters, this heartwarming and inspiring tale reflects the universal desire for adventure and self-discovery, making it a delightful read for anyone seeking to embrace new horizons and follow their passions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lavinia
A historical fantasy novel that breathes life into the legendary character Lavinia from Virgil's epic poem, "The Aeneid." Le Guin skillfully reimagines Lavinia's story, giving her a powerful voice and a captivating narrative. Set against the backdrop of ancient Italy, the novel explores themes of destiny, identity, and the enduring power of literature. With lyrical prose and meticulous research, Le Guin transports readers to a rich and immersive world where the past and myth converge, offering a fresh perspective on a classical tale and shedding new light on the enigmatic figure of Lavinia.
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.
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.
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.