Classics & History Trip to Rome and Bay of Naples

About this trip

With its wonderful classical heritage, this tour to Rome and Bay of Naples will take your students on a fascinating journey back in time. Metro travel makes Rome accessible, but we recommend walking as it enables you to absorb the beauty of this ancient Roman city. The 6 day option allows more time to explore the Sorrento area. We have offered a sample itinerary but we will tailor-make your tour with excursions that best fit your curriculum requirements and exam syllabus. Call us or speak to your local Travel Advisor for details and advice.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 Find out more

Fly from the UK to Rome
Transfer to accommodation
Explore the city on foot
Overnight in Rome

Day 2 Find out more

Colosseum and Forum
Pantheon
Trevi Fountain
Overnight in Rome

Day 3 Find out more

St Peter’s Basilica
Sistine Chapel
Vatican
Overnight in Rome

Day 4 Find out more

Transfer from Rome to Sorrento with stops at Catacombs of St. Callixtus and Herculaneum

Day 5 Find out more

Full day Pompeii and Vesuvius
Overnight in Sorrento

Day 6 Find out more

Transfer to airport with a stop in Naples
Fly back to the UK

Day 7 Find out more

Day 8 Find out more

Excursion Ideas

Colosseum Find out more

Colosseum

Subject Range: Religious Studies, Art & Design, 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.

The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Find out more

The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Subject Range: Religious Studies, Art & Design, 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.

Pantheon Find out more

Pantheon

Subject Range: Religious Studies, 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.

Trevi Fountain Find out more

Trevi Fountain

Subject Range: Religious Studies, Art & Design, 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.

The Vatican City, St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine chapel Find out more

The Vatican City, St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine chapel

Subject Range: Religious Studies, Art & Design, 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.

Pompeii Find out more

Pompeii

Subject Range: Cultural, 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, solidified into extremely hard stone meaning 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 from that era.

Select Says: The site has minimal shade, so it’s important for students to bring sunscreen, a hat and water.

Spanish Steps Find out more

Spanish Steps

Subject Range: Religious Studies, Art & Design, Cultural

What you’ll experience: 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’.

Catacombs of St. Callixtus Find out more

Catacombs of St. Callixtus

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 .

Herculaneum Find out more

Herculaneum

Subject Range: Classics

What you’ll experience: Herculaneum was an ancient Roman fishing town that was essentially fossilised by the pyroclastic flows from the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79 AD. The Ruins of Herculaneum have a wealth of archaeological finds including carbonised furniture, ancient advertisements, mosaics, clothing and even terror-struck skeletons.

Select Says: Many of the inhabitants that tried to escape by boat were suffocated by the volcano’s poisonous gases. What appears to be a moat around the town is in fact the ancient shoreline.

Accommodation Options

Hotel Capitol Find out more

Hotel Capitol

Our Rating:

Capacity: 100

What you’ll experience: The Hotel Capitol is ideally located near to the Roma Termini Railway Station in the historical centre of the city, and is close to all the main monuments. The Hotel Capitol is located in a historic late Nineteenth century building and staff are friendly and English speaking. A great choice for your school tour to Rome! Rooms: Rooms: All rooms have en-suite facilities, TV, air conditioning and WiFi. Facilities: Facilities: Comfortable reception, the rooms occupy the six upper floors and can be reached by a modern elevator from the mezzanine floor.

Hotel Dina Find out more

Hotel Dina

Our Rating:

Capacity: 100

Location: Rome

What you’ll experience: Centrally located in Rome, close to the main train station. The Hotel Dina offers authentic Italian style accommodation in a great location. Rooms: Rooms: Bedrooms with en-suite bathroom, television, radio. Facilities: Facilities: Reception, breakfast room.

Meininger Roma Termini Find out more

Meininger Roma Termini

Our Rating:

Capacity: 117

Location: Termini

What you’ll experience: Located in an old renovated building, near the main railway station, the metro is also only a 2-minute walk away, providing excellent connections to the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Sights including the Vatican, Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain can also be conveniently reached from the main station. Rooms: Bedrooms sleep 2-6 people and some all rooms are en-suite and have air conditioning. Facilities: Restaurant, 24 hour reception.

Accommodation 15 Find out more