Spend the day exploring the ancient and imperial city, beginning with Rome's Historical Center, Piazza Venezia, where you can see the Vittoriano. Also known as the Victor Emmanuel Monument, the Vittoriano was constructed in 1911 in honor of the first king of Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II. Move on to Capitol Square, the current seat of city government. Built over the ruins of the Acropolis, the square contains several notable pieces of art, including the massive statues of Castor and Pollux guarding a palace staircase. Next, visit the Roman Forum, once the Roman empire's political, military and social center, the Forum consists of the ruins of Temple of Julius Caesar, Basilica Emilia, the Arch of Titus and the Holy Road. Continue your tour by visiting the ancient amphitheater, the Colosseum, built by the Emperor Vespasian in 72 AD and end your day of sightseeing by seeing Michelangelo's statue of Moses at the Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli. Although you can walk from the Colosseum to the Roman Forum, you will need transportation to travel between some of the other sights. If you are sightseeing on your own, plan on taking a taxi or bus to see all of the sights but if you have signed up for a guided tour of the ancient city, transportation will be provided.
The center of Roman Catholic history, Vatican City features museums, elaborate architecture and famous artwork. Begin your tour with a stop at Porta Pinciana. Built in the beginning of the 5th century, it served as a gate for the Aurelian Walls of Rome. Continue past the Villa Borghese, getting to the Vatican Museums with plenty of time to view some of the more than 65,000 masterpieces, the largest art collection in Europe. Of course no visit to Vatican City is complete without a visit to the Sistine Chapel and gazing at Michelangelo's famous ceiling as well as viewing artworks by Botticelli, Pergino and Ghirlandaio. Complete your day with a stop at St. Peter's Basilica, the largest Church in the world and home to Michelangelo's "The Pieta."
Explore the picturesque squares and fountains around Rome, beginning at Republic Square to view the Fountain of the Nymphs, which was admired by Mussolini as a symbol of eternal youth. Walk down Via Veneto, the street made famous in Federico Fellini's 1960 film, ''La Dolce Vita,'' and take a break at one of the sidewalk cafes to enjoy watching the crowds stroll by. After your refreshment, climb the 138 Spanish Steps to see Bernini's Fountain of Barcaccia and admire the views of the city. Do not forget to throw a few coins into the Trevi Fountain before a stop at the Pantheon. Complete your day with a visit to Navona Square, originally a stadium built in 92 AD, home to Bernini's Four River's Fountain.
WelWalkinTour offers the opportunity to combine a traditional sightseeing tour with an Italian cooking lesson. The half day experience begins with meeting your group at a designated cafe. After coffee, the group will take a walking tour of the Eternal City including wandering through the Campo de Fiori market to find inspiration for the day's cooking lesson. After sightseeing, an English speaking chef will teach the group how to prepare three different types of fresh pasta as well as a special sauce and a dessert. When the lesson is over, everyone will able to relax and enjoy a lunch of dishes you made, accompanied by regional wines.
After the sun sets, twinkling lights illuminate the city providing a magical and romantic atmosphere. A bus tour is a comfortable way to view the lights of Esquillino Square, Via Veneto, the Aureliane Wall and the U.S. Embassy, the Margherita Palace. Pass through the Barberini Square to see the Fountain of Triton before driving down the Via Quattro Fontane to Quirinale Square and the Presidential Palace. Visit the the Trevi Fountain before continuing through the Piazza Venezia and the Street of the Imperial Forums to reach the Colosseum. Continue the tour with a trip to Tiberina Island to see the Piazza Navona and the famed Four Rivers Fountain and complete your evening with views of the Castle Sant'Angelo in Conciliazione Street and the lights of Vatican City and St. Peter's Basilica.
