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Accommodations
Hotel Victoria
Built in 1899 and lovingly restored, the Hotel Victoria Roma is a first-class luxurious boutique property overlooking Rome’s famous Villa Borghese Park. An extensive collection of 18th-century artwork surrounds guests, along with modern amenities. Sleep with open windows, sheltered from the sounds of the city by the nearby ancient Aurelian Wall. |
Rome - An Insider's Perspective 
March 7 - 15, 2011
In ancient times, Rome was the center of a vast empire; today, it is Italy’s historic, artistic and cultural heart. Travel back in time with a walk through the Colosseum and Roman Forum, marvel at the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel, and examine the amazing network of the catacombs. Travel to Orvieto for a cooking class and the chance to explore this vibrant hill town. Delve into unexpected Rome with a special visit to Studio Cassio, which has restored ancient mosaics for over 100 years. In addition, travel to the ancient port of Ostia to view its impressive shrines and temples, all remarkably well-preserved. A unique program of planned excursions and free time, plus centrally-located accommodations for a seven-night stay, gives you the opportunity to discover the Eternal City’s treasure trove of must-see sights at a relaxed pace.
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
INCLUDED FEATURES
EXCLUSIVE AHI EXTRAS
Linger inside Rome’s greatest landmarks, including the Colosseum, the Forum, the Pantheon, Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel.
Wander through the art collections of the Borghese Galleria during a specially arranged visit.
Witness the art of mosaic making during an exclusive visit to Studio Cassio, where mosaics have been created and repaired for more than a century.
Venture underground to an ancient city beneath Rome to find catacombs, temples and secret passageways.
Study and enjoy Italian cuisine during a demonstration in a chef’s kitchen and a separate lecture on regional food and wine.
Cost Special Tulane pricing for Early Booking Discount is from approximately $2620 per person, plus airfare, and V.A.T., based on double occupancy. An Air Program will be offered.
Booking For booking information please contact Alumni Holidays International at 800-323-7373, or Tulane Alumni Travel at 877-488-5263.
Specific trip details (itinerary, meals, sightseeing & accommodations) will be published in the brochure.
Brochure Request
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Day 1 :
In Transit from North America
Air Program travelers will depart their gateway city for Rome, Italy. The AHI Travel Group Air Program offers advanced seat assignments on most airlines; an air price guarantee that includes all fuel surcharges, airport and airline taxes; arrival and departure transfers, including baggage handling; and many other benefits.
Meals–Appropriate In-Flight Meal Service
Day 2 :
Rome
Arrive at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport. After passing through immigration and customs, AHI Group Air Program passengers will be met by an AHI Travel representative in the arrivals hall. AHI Independent Air Program passengers who are able to join the group transfer and Land Program passengers who have purchased an AHI transfer should proceed to the group flight arrivals hall to meet the AHI representative.
Transfer to the Hotel Victoria Roma, just a short stroll from the Via Veneto and renowned landmarks such as the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain.
At your hotel, room keys will be distributed and your luggage delivered directly to your room. Your AHI Travel Director will be with you throughout your journey to handle all program logistics. There will be a Hospitality Desk available daily to assist with sightseeing arrangements, dinner reservations, shopping suggestions and any other assistance you may require.
This evening, join your fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception at the hotel. A Welcome Dinner follows in the hotel.
Accommodations—Hotel Victoria Roma.
Meals–Appropriate in-flight meal service and dinner
Day 3 :
Rome
Educational Focus: Rome, the Eternal City
This morning, enjoy an enlightening overview of Rome. Learn how this city, founded more than 2,700 years ago, grew to rule a vast empire that stretched from northern England to North Africa and became the center of the Christian world.
Excursion: Unexpected Rome
Take a leisurely stroll through the Monti Quarter, a neighborhood filled with art galleries, artisan workshops, boutiques and cafés. This ancient neighborhood was one of the first Roman communities. Over the centuries, it has counted artists such as Michelangelo and Bernini as residents. The emperor Trajan built a forum here, and Nero, dressed as a common man, often mingled with the locals. Walk the Via Urbana, explore the Piazza degli Zingari and continue to the Suburra, whose most famous son must be Julius Caesar. Pay an exclusive visit to Studio Cassio, workshop of some of Italy’s best mosaic artists and restorers, to meet these remarkable artists and see a demonstration of their work. Wander through the quarter’s lively open-air produce market where neighborhood families shop, and stop for coffee and a pastry at a café. Continue your walk up the Capitoline Hill for a spectacular view.
Local Flavor: Enjoy a delicious lunch at a specially selected restaurant.
Excursion: Imperial Rome
Step inside the Colosseum with a knowledgeable guide and see where gladiators and wild beasts fought to the death to entertain emperors and roaring crowds. Next door, wander through the ruins of the Forum, the heart of ancient Rome. Here, orators addressed crowds; vendors peddled food, clothing and other wares; and supplicants prayed to the gods at the many temples.
Accommodations—Hotel Victoria Roma.
Meals–Breakfast and Lunch
Day 4 :
Rome
Educational Focus: Roman Engineering
Our expert will offer insight and expertise into the engineering genius of the Romans.
Excursion: St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel
Step inside Vatican City, the world’s smallest sovereign state. Along with an expert guide, examine priceless collections. Catch a few glimpses of the exquisite gardens of the Pope before proceeding to the Sistine Chapel to witness Michelangelo’s world-famous frescoes. Continue on a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica to examine the cathedral’s impressive art collection, which includes Michelangelo’s “Pietà.” Enjoy some time to linger in the square.
Excursion: Borghese Galleria
Enjoy a tour of this private palatial museum located in leafy Borghese Park across from our hotel. Under frescoed ceilings, you’ll encounter famous sculptures by Bernini and paintings by Raphel, Rubens, Titian, Caravaggio and more. Cardinal Scipione Borghese started this impressive collection in the 17th century.
Educational Focus: Italian Food and Wine
Sharing meals with family and friends has long been an essential part of the Italian way of life. Learn about Italian traditions and the hallmarks of la cucina romana—from antipasti to homemade pasta, secondi, dolci and, of course, vino!
Local Flavor:
Put your newfound knowledge about Italian cuisine to the test! Enjoy dinner at a typical Roman restaurant.
Accommodations—Hotel Victoria Roma.
Meals–Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5 :
Rome
Educational Focus: The Gifts of the Romans
From aqueducts, indoor plumbing and highways to laws and branches of government, Romans have been at the forefront of many extraordinary advancements. Hear from a local expert who will examine the monumental contributions made by the great, ancient Roman civilization.
Excursion: Ancient Port of Ostia
Explore this fascinating excavated port town that dates to at least the fourth century B.C. and maybe as early as the seventh century B.C. Located in a meadow just outside of Rome, Ostia is filled with beautiful mosaics, murals and intact ruins. Ostia was once ancient Rome’s most important port. As such, it was a cosmopolitan city, which you will see reflected in the ruins that have been uncovered.
Local Flavor: Enjoy a delicious lunch at a restaurant during your tour.
Accommodations—Hotel Victoria Roma.
Meals–Breakfast and Lunch
Day 6 :
Orvieto
Today, journey to Orvieto.
Excursion: Orvieto, an Umbrian Hill Town
Travel past olive groves and rolling vineyards into Umbria, the “Green Heart of Italy.” Meet celebrated chef Lorenzo Polegri, who will take you on a tour of the city’s vibrant food market. Then Polegri will let you in on the secrets of Italy’s signature dishes in his restaurant kitchen, during an exclusive cooking demonstration. After lunch, continue your exploration of Orvieto. Visit the main square to admire the city’s magnificent Gothic Cathedral. After a tour inside the church, enjoy some leisure time in Orvieto, which has excellent shopping. Popular mementos include the region’s famous embroidery, lace and ceramics. Oenophiles will enjoy browsing through the wine shops to find the white wines for which Orvieto is known.
Local Flavor: Savor a special lunch at Chef Lorenzo Polegri’s restaurant Zeppelin.
Accommodations—Hotel Victoria Roma.
Meals–Breakfast and Lunch
Day 7 :
Rome
Independent Exploration: Pursue your individual interests during a day at leisure in Rome. Visit a museum or two, shop for chic Italian fashion, compare the flavors of creamy gelato at the city’s many gelaterie or laze the day away at a sidewalk café. The choices are yours.
Optional Excursion: Firenze, Cradle of the Renaissance
Board a high-speed train to Florence, the heart of Tuscany and Renaissance city. Uncover Florence’s highlights — the Duomo, the extraordinary bronze doors of the Baptistry, the Piazza della Signoria, the Ponte Vecchio and more — during a guided tour. After the tour, the rest of the afternoon is yours to have lunch and explore Florence on your own. (This excursion is offered at an additional cost.) Accommodations—Hotel Victoria Roma.
Meals–Breakfast
Day 8 :
Rome
Excursion: Subterranean Rome
Uncover a little-known world beneath the city including the fourth-century church, located underneath the church of San Clemente, and the Catacombs of San Callisto, the funerary tunnels of Rome’s earliest Christians and the burial place of 16 popes. This evening, share stories of your Roman holiday with your fellow travelers at a Farewell Reception and Dinner.
Accommodations—Hotel Victoria Roma.
Meals–Breakfast and Dinner
Day 9 :
In Transit to North America
Following breakfast, depart for the airport for your return flights home. Your Travel Director will provide details about your hotel checkout and the airport transfer for AHI Group Air Program passengers and Land Program passengers who have purchased an AHI transfer. AHI Independent Air Program passengers are eligible to join the group transfer.
Meals–Breakfast and appropriate In-Flight Meal Service
Note: Itinerary sequence and/or scheduled events may change. Many excursions in this program involve an element of walking.
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INCLUDED FEATURES
Accommodations
- Seven night in Rome at the deluxe Hotel Victoria Roma.
Meals
- Enjoy an extensive meal program, including seven breakfasts, three lunches and three dinners, in addition to in-flight dining service. Tea or coffee is included with all meals, plus wine with dinner.
- Take advantage of leisure time to try local cuisine independently.
- Sample authentic regional specialties at featured local restaurants.
- Gather at a Welcome Reception and Dinner at the hotel.
- Attend a Farewell Reception and Dinner.
Your Exciting Travel Program
(For full details, please refer to the Day-by-Day Itinerary.)
- Informative educational programs presented by local experts to enhance your insight into the region.
All excursions:
- Discover Rome’s treasures.
- Explore ancient Monti Quarter, filled with character and history.
- Pay a special visit to the studio of mosaic artists and restorers.
- Tour the Vatican museums.
- Visit the exclusive Borghese Galleria.
- Journey to Orvieto for a city tour and an exclusive culinary experience.
- Discover the ancient port of Ostia.
- Venture underground to see Rome’s subterranean city.
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OPTIONAL INDEPENDENT ACTIVITY
T'ang Dynasty Dinner Show Xi'an, cosmopolitan capital of the T'ang Dynasty (618-907), was an important city on the Silk Road. Standing on the crossroad of commerce and culture, the city's affluence grew and the arts flourished as rulers of this dynasty embraced the many cultures introduced to the city. So admired was Xi'an that the ancient Japanese capitals of Nara and Kyoto were modeled after it. Join this excursion to an entertaining T'ang Dynasty Dinner Show that highlights the culture of this Chinese Golden Age. Enjoy the music, dancing and singing of this glorious period in Chinese history.
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