History/Geography trip to Rome and the Bay of Naples 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: Cultural, Geography

What you’ll experience: Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD79 killing thousands of people in the Roman cities of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Stabiae. A hike up Mount Vesuvius will show you views into the crater, and on a clear day. Spectacular views out to the Bay of Naples.
Select says: For pre-tour/post-tour try an eyewitness account – see the letters of Pliny the Younger to the Historian Tacitus, where he describes the eruption and the death of his uncle, Pliny the Elder while trying to rescue survivors of the early stages of the eruption. Available here.

Subject range: Geography

What you’ll experience: Pompeii is one of the most significant proofs of Roman civilization. The thick layer of volcanic material which submerged it, made up to a large extent of ash and lapilli – non-hard material, unlike that which covered Herculaneum and which solidified into extremely hard stone -has meant that the city has remained intact, not just buildings but also the contents of houses and shops which provide an absolutely fascinating picture of ‘daily’ life.
Select says: The site has minimal shade, so it’s important for students to bring sunscreen, a hat and water.

Subject range: Art, Cultural

What you’ll experience: The Spanish Steps is a monumental stairway of 135 steps which climbs a steep slope between the Piazza di Spagna at the base and the Trinità dei Monti church at the top. They were built between 1723-1726 and designed by Francesco de Sanctis.
Select says: At the base of the steps in the Piazza di Spagna is the early Baroque fountain called Fontana della Barcaccia which translates as ‘fountain of the ugly boat’.

Subject range: Cultural

What you’ll experience: An immersive experience for students taking them back in time by using panoramic cinema screens, surround sound, moving seats, and multisensory effects such as rain and wind. Visitors fly back in time to the legend of Romulus and Remus and the founding of the city, and can view the virtual reconstruction of monuments such as the Colosseum.
Select says: Students will also experience events after the Roman Empire, for example the Middle Ages and in the Renaissance.