History/Classics trip to Rome by air: 5 days, 4 nights

Subject range: Art, Cultural, History, Classics, Geography

What you’ll experience: The Colosseum is an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome and the largest amphitheatre in the world, considered one of the greatest achievements of Roman engineering and architecture. A symbol of the pageantry of the Empire and estimated to hold between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators, it was used for gladiatorial contests as well as other public spectacles such as dramas based on Classical mythology. Construction began in 70 AD under Emperor Vespasian. The last recorded games were held there in the 6th century. The monument’s damage was mostly caused by earthquakes. The present-day exterior of the Colosseum is in fact the original interior wall.
Select says: Students will easily be able to imagine shows at the arena and will find it humbling to follow in the steps millions have taken before both as tourists and gladiators. Guides tell the many secrets this historical monument holds and will provide a wealth of information such as the origins of our language – for example, did you know the word ‘arena’ comes from the Latin word for sand which was used to cover the stage where the action took place?

Subject range: Art, Cultural, History, Classics, Geography

What you’ll experience: Once the heart of Roman public life, the Forum is a plaza in the centre of Rome surrounded by the ruins of important ancient government buildings. Many events took place here including public speeches, trials and elections. Located in the small valley between the Palatine and Capitoline hills.
Select says: According to tradition, the Forum’s beginnings are connected with the alliance between Romulus, the first king of Rome controlling the Palatine Hill, and his rival, Titus Tatius, who occupied the Capitoline Hill.

Subject range: History, Classics, Geography

What you’ll experience: The Pantheon, built 118-128 AD, is the most complete and best preserved of the ancient temples due to being in continuous use throughout history. Since the 7th century it has been used as a Catholic Church, dedicated to St. Mary and the Martyrs. The space inside is awe-inspiring – a perfect sphere symbolising the vault of heaven with the height of the dome the same as its diameter creating perfect balance and unique harmony.
Select says: Pantheon is derived from the Ancient Greek word ‘Pantheion’ meaning ‘of, relating to, or common to all the gods’.

Subject range: Art, Cultural, History, Classics, Geography

What you’ll experience: The largest Baroque fountain in the city, the Trevi Fountain is a beautiful, imposing construction that features the central figure of Neptune flanked by two Tritons – one struggles to master an unruly sea horse, the other leads a more docile animal (this symbolises the two contrasting moods of the sea). A traditional legend holds that if visitors throw a coin into the fountain, they are ensured a return to Rome.
Select says: The fountain is mostly built of travertine stone. The largest building in the world constructed mostly of travertine is the Colosseum in Rome.

Subject range: Art, Cultural, History, Classics, Geography

What you’ll experience: The Vatican is the smallest state in the world. It’s full of places of interest to be discovered including the Vatican grounds and Museum with fabulous art work such as the wondrous Michelangelo masterpieces in the Sistine chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica with its beautiful Renaissance architecture, and St. Peter’s Square with the impressive Egyptian obelisk at its centre.
Select says: It is best to visit the Vatican first, entering as early as possible in the morning to avoid the crowds (skip the line with Select’s fast pass into the Vatican) and then make your way to St. Peter’s Basilica. Our tour guides can tailor your tour to suit your requirements.

Subject range: History, Classics

What you’ll experience: Situated at the mouth of the Tiber about 25 km from Rome, Ostia Antica is the ruins of a harbour city dating back to the 4th century B.C. Things to see include bath houses, temples, large mosaics, traces of frescoes, a mill, public bathrooms, and a theatre. Over the past two thousand years the mouth of the Tiber has silted up, pushing the coastline away from Ostia.
Select says: In 68 BC the town was attacked by pirates, during which the port was set on fire, the consular war fleet was destroyed, and two prominent senators were kidnapped.

Subject range: Classics

What you’ll experience: Deep underground you will see the Christian burial chambers that originated about the middle of the second century. The underground cemetery includes several areas – the Crypts of Lucina and the area of the Popes and of St. Cecilia are the most ancient areas.
Select says: Look for symbolism within the catacombs which Christians depicted on the walls of the catacombs and were often carved on the marble-slabs which sealed the tombs. Find out lots more about the catacombs here.