Antiquities of the Mediterranean

Relax and take in the sights of Rome, admiring historic monuments and glorious architecture on a leisurely drive. Travel along some of the city’s most scenic routes. See ancient Roman sites, including the Aurelian Walls, Baths of Caracalla, Pyramid of Cestius, Colosseum and the Circus Maximus. Admire the Arch of Constantine, the best triumphal arch in the city, built in 315 AD to celebrate Constantine’s victory at the battle of the Milvian Bridge. Drive along the elegant Via Veneto, enjoying views of Villa Borghese Park. At Piazza della Repubblica, admire the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and Fountain of the Naiads. Afterward, you will head to central Rome where you will enjoy free time to explore on your own, before returning to your motor coach for the scenic drive back to your ship, with the great facade of iconic St. Peter’s Basilica in view.

Seek a deeper understanding of Italy’s history on this outing, ideal for lovers of archaeology. Journey with a local guide to the ancient city of Tarquinia, founded in 449 BC. This was the principal metropolis of the 12 cities of the Etruscan League that thrived here long before the rise of the Roman Empire. Explore the fascinating Etruscan Necropolises, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating from the 7th to the 2nd centuries BC, the numerous tombs, with their decorative frescoes, chronicle the development of Etruscan culture. Outside the city’s ancient quarters, visit the 15th-century Palazzo Vitelleschi, whose galleries and cloistered courtyard display an extensive collection recovered from the tombs, including fine examples of Etruscan sarcophagi. Its golden terra-cotta horses hint at the high degree of artistry that was prevalent in Etruscan society.

Step inside the Roman Forum, once the beating heart of ancient Rome, and take in the city’s highlights. Embark on a panoramic drive past the city’s important ancient sites, including the Aurelian Walls, Pyramid of Cestius and Circus Maximus. Pause to view the magnificent Colosseum, the most important amphitheater in the Roman world, then step inside the Roman Forum to explore its ruins and learn about its ancient history. Continue on foot to see the famed Spanish Steps and the beautiful Trevi Fountain—an 18th-century baroque masterpiece—and view the exterior of the well-preserved Pantheon. Stroll through the picturesque square of Piazza Navona. Then after lunch, reboard your motor coach to drive past Castel Sant’Angelo with the picture-perfect St. Peter’s Basilica as a backdrop, before returning to your ship.

Discover two UNESCO-listed Roman villas, including a spectacular garden that inspired Versailles. Travel to the 13th-century hilltop town of Tivoli, a former summer retreat for ancient Romans, to visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Take a guided stroll through Villa Adriana, the ruins of Emperor Hadrian’s country estate built between 118 and 138 AD. One of the largest of its time, it sprawls more than 300 acres, only a third of which are open to the public. See what remains of the gardens, fountains and scenic buildings as you learn about the villa’s rich history. After lunch, walk to the incredible Villa d’Este to see Renaissance gardens adorned with sculptures and lush allées. If the timing is right, the Fountain of the Organ, which uses water to play music through a concealed organ, can be heard. Spend free time in Tivoli city center, then return to your ship.

See formal Renaissance gardens in a stunning town, then learn to cook authentic Italian pasta from scratch. Escape to Castel Gandolfo, one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, perched in the Alban Hills with stunning views of Lake Albano. Famed as the former summer residence of the Pope, it is home to the stately Pontifical Villas and their sprawling gardens from the Renaissance period, featuring sculptural and architectural treasures with botanical gems. Explore with a guide, then head to a cooking school where you will be greeted with a glass of prosecco and antipasti before learning traditional methods for making fresh, authentic pasta by hand. You will make your own dessert too, before enjoying it all with local wines. After, explore the town on your own if you wish, taking in the streets, boutique shops and markets before driving back to your waiting ship.

Discover the historic Orsini-Odescalchi Castle and dine on delicious carbonara, a beloved local dish. Journey through Lazio’s countryside to reach the town of Bracciano. There, perched atop a hill, is the Orsini-Odescalchi Castle, one of the largest medieval castles in Italy. Upon arrival, meet your guide and step back in time as you marvel at medieval-renaissance style rooms populated with original furniture, paintings and weapons. Walk the ramparts that run along the defensive walls for a stunning view of the countryside and lake. After your tour, spend free time in the village around the castle before continuing on to Casale delle Ginestre, a beautiful farmhouse. Their carbonara is made the traditional way, with home-made pasta, fatty cured pork, hard cheese and raw eggs, to provide a rich, silky sauce. Enjoy this delectable meal with wine before returning to your ship.