Hear the echoes of the Renaissance in Rome! This guided tour of Villa Medici provides a grand opportunity to learn about the influential Medici family and their impact on the Italian Renaissance.
For the green thumbs and view-chasers, this tour takes your through the enchanting gardens, which breathtaking views of Rome that will steal your heart away.
What Makes This Tour Special
The guided tour includes access to areas of the villa that are typically closed to the public, as well as the opportunity to engage with knowledgeable guides who provide insights into the history and art of the Medici family.
Expert-led tours that offer in-depth knowledge of the Renaissance period and the Medici family's contributions.
Beautiful gardens that provide a serene escape from the busy city, ideal for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
Breathtaking views of Rome from the villa's terraces, making it a perfect spot for memorable photos.
Historical Background
Villa Medici, built in the 16th century, served as the French Academy in Rome and was a significant cultural center during the Renaissance. The villa exemplifies the grandeur of the Medici family's patronage of the arts and their influence on European culture.
Start with an overview of ancient Rome from terraces that highlight its political and institutional center. Then,visit the Colosseum with a guide and learn about its history. The tour also includes access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Explore the Forum’s historical structures and see the grand palaces on Palatine Hill where Roman emperors lived. Enjoy a guided tour of the Colosseum, covering gladiator battles and Roman architecture. Afterward, you have 24 hours to explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill on your own.
Uncover the secrets of Italian cuisine as you make pizza and tiramisu in a cooking class led by a professional chef. Make your pizza pie from scratch – from rolling to topping – and recreate sweet tiramisu using only quality Italian ingredients while you wait for your pizza to bake. Put your creations to the taste test as you sit down to enjoy the rewards of your labor. Buon appetito!
Pass the security checks and take your seat in St. Peter’s Square for the Papal Audience, which includes prayers, blessings, and a message from the Pope. At 11:30 AM or 12:30 PM, join a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica to see Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s Baldacchino, and the dome. Your guide will explain the history and features of the church.
Take a break from the busy city of Rome on this unique and scenic adventure to the Amalfi Coast and Positano. A comfortable, air-conditioned bus takes you from Rome to the Salerno Harbor. Board your cruise ship as you prepare to set sail for Positano, where you'll have some free time to explore this beautiful coastal village. Follow your professional captain guide to your next stop – Amalfi. Take advantage of a special opportunity to visit the the incredible Amalfi Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Andrew. Roam the charming streets of Amalfi and taste the town’s most famous local product – limoncello! Visit one of the oldest artisanal limoncello producers in town, and learn just how the delicious liquor is produced.
This guided tour begins at the Vatican Museums, where visitors enter through reserved access points minimizing wait times. The itinerary follows a carefully curated path through the vast museum complex, touching on the most significant galleries including the Gallery of Maps, which displays detailed 16th-century cartography, and the Raphael Rooms, decorated with frescoes illustrating classical themes. The route culminates in the Sistine Chapel, famed for Michelangelo’s ceiling and The Last Judgment fresco. After the chapel, the tour proceeds to St. Peter's Basilica, the epicenter of Vatican City, where guests ascend a few flights into the interior ring of Michelangelo’s dome to gain a rare vantage point over the basilica’s nave. Key stops include the Gallery of Maps, where visitors can observe intricate representations of the Italian peninsula and its regions; the Raphael Rooms, where Raphael’s masterful frescoes narrate religious and philosophical stories; the Sistine Chapel, where the guide elaborates on the symbolism and narratives embedded in the frescoes by Michelangelo, Botticelli, and others. In St. Peter’s Basilica, the tour highlights the 96-foot tall bronze baldachin designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini towering over the High Altar, as well as the papal tombs that provide insight into the lives and legacies of past popes. The tour is conducted in small groups to maintain an intimate atmosphere and allow for personalized interaction with the guide, an art historian or local expert who is knowledgeable about Vatican art and architecture. The pace is moderate, with time allocated for viewing key artworks and navigating the museum halls. The route is predominantly on foot within the Vatican complex; no transport is provided within the site. Audio headsets ensure that all participants can hear commentary clearly despite the ambient noise of fellow visitors. This tour is ideal for visitors with a keen interest in Renaissance and Baroque art, religious history, or architecture. It suits those who appreciate detailed explanations and prefer a structured itinerary that balances well-known highlights with lesser-known elements of the Vatican’s collections. Suitable for first-time visitors who want to understand the significance behind the art and the history, as well as for returning guests seeking deeper insights into Michelangelo’s dome and papal heritage.
Hop aboard Milan's open-top, double-decker buses for an exciting city tour. Experience the vibrant cityscape and its famous landmarks from a comfortable seat. Engage with audio guides sharing fascinating stories as you take in the sights. Take a break to explore iconic spots and when you're ready for more sightseeing, simply hop back on the bus. With the same ticket, you can explore Rome's timeless beauty. Enjoy views of historic sites like Piazza della Repubblica, Cathedral of Santa Maria Degli Angeli, and Palazzo del Viminale, all narrated by informative guides.
Start your walking tour in Rome at Campo de’ Fiori, a busy square known for its Renaissance charm and local cafes. Next, head to Largo di Torre Argentina, where you’ll see the remains of four ancient Roman temples at an open-air archaeological site. As you continue through the city’s historic streets, you’ll come across old churches, palaces, and fountains along the way. Arrive at the Pantheon, a well-preserved monument from ancient Rome that was originally built by Marcus Agrippa in 27 BC as a temple dedicated to all the Roman gods. From there, walk to the Trevi Fountain, one of Rome’s most famous and romantic landmarks. Toss a coin into the water if you’d like to return to the city someday. End your tour at Piazza di Spagna, home to the Spanish Steps and surrounded by shops and historic buildings.
Meet your guide near the beautiful Tiber River, then travel back in time as you explore the picturesque streets of Trastevere. Head to the medieval Basilica of Saint Crisogono, which boasts an impressive interior. Next, go underground and find yourself in 4th-century Rome. Soak up the unique atmosphere of this underground basilica, admiring its ancient frescoes and mysterious crypts. Head to the Church of Santa Cecilia next, and marvel at its 3rd-century underground mosaic flooring. Learn about the legendary Santa Cecilia, and her macabre death. Head to the Cavallini Room next, and marvel at the Last Judgement masterpiece (morning tours only). Finally, stroll around the cobbled streets of Trastevere and immerse yourself in its distinctive and lively spirit. End your tour in the heart of the neighborhood in front of the stunning mosaics of Santa Maria in Trastevere, then explore the neighborhood and its famous tavernas on your own.
Get ready to go below ground at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. This massive underground space has distinct rooms built around a spacious courtyard. The guided tour will take you to the Treasure Room and Archaeological Area with an in-house guide. You'll see areas that were used for thermal healing, featuring mosaics and heating spaces. Notice the old tilework, eye-catching geometric frescoes, and a one-of-a-kind frescoed agricultural calendar. The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is located on Rome's Esquiline Hill. Don't miss the architectural blend of Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque elements, including Rome's tallest campanile, and a coffered ceiling.
Discover what lies beneath the Trevi District on this guided tour through its underground passages. Walk through the three sections and learn why this archaeological area is called the "City of Water” Make a wish at the large Baroque Trevi Fountain before going underground to see Ancient Roman ruins. A professional guide will talk about the Vicus Caprarius archaeological site's history during your tour. See where the Trevi Fountain water filters through the ancient masonry of the archeological area and continues to the luxury Domus residence's pipes and pools. Learn about the findings discovered during excavation, including precious polychrome marble coverings, the famous head of Alessandro Helios, a treasure trove of 800 coins, and the spatheia, a special African amphorae for transporting oil.
This guided tour begins at the Vatican Museums, where visitors enter through reserved access points minimizing wait times. The itinerary follows a carefully curated path through the vast museum complex, touching on the most significant galleries including the Gallery of Maps, which displays detailed 16th-century cartography, and the Raphael Rooms, decorated with frescoes illustrating classical themes. The route culminates in the Sistine Chapel, famed for Michelangelo’s ceiling and The Last Judgment fresco. After the chapel, the tour proceeds to St. Peter's Basilica, the epicenter of Vatican City, where guests ascend a few flights into the interior ring of Michelangelo’s dome to gain a rare vantage point over the basilica’s nave. Key stops include the Gallery of Maps, where visitors can observe intricate representations of the Italian peninsula and its regions; the Raphael Rooms, where Raphael’s masterful frescoes narrate religious and philosophical stories; the Sistine Chapel, where the guide elaborates on the symbolism and narratives embedded in the frescoes by Michelangelo, Botticelli, and others. In St. Peter’s Basilica, the tour highlights the 96-foot tall bronze baldachin designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini towering over the High Altar, as well as the papal tombs that provide insight into the lives and legacies of past popes. The tour is conducted in small groups to maintain an intimate atmosphere and allow for personalized interaction with the guide, an art historian or local expert who is knowledgeable about Vatican art and architecture. The pace is moderate, with time allocated for viewing key artworks and navigating the museum halls. The route is predominantly on foot within the Vatican complex; no transport is provided within the site. Audio headsets ensure that all participants can hear commentary clearly despite the ambient noise of fellow visitors. This tour is ideal for visitors with a keen interest in Renaissance and Baroque art, religious history, or architecture. It suits those who appreciate detailed explanations and prefer a structured itinerary that balances well-known highlights with lesser-known elements of the Vatican’s collections. Suitable for first-time visitors who want to understand the significance behind the art and the history, as well as for returning guests seeking deeper insights into Michelangelo’s dome and papal heritage.
Hop aboard Milan's open-top, double-decker buses for an exciting city tour. Experience the vibrant cityscape and its famous landmarks from a comfortable seat. Engage with audio guides sharing fascinating stories as you take in the sights. Take a break to explore iconic spots and when you're ready for more sightseeing, simply hop back on the bus. With the same ticket, you can explore Rome's timeless beauty. Enjoy views of historic sites like Piazza della Repubblica, Cathedral of Santa Maria Degli Angeli, and Palazzo del Viminale, all narrated by informative guides.
Start your walking tour in Rome at Campo de’ Fiori, a busy square known for its Renaissance charm and local cafes. Next, head to Largo di Torre Argentina, where you’ll see the remains of four ancient Roman temples at an open-air archaeological site. As you continue through the city’s historic streets, you’ll come across old churches, palaces, and fountains along the way. Arrive at the Pantheon, a well-preserved monument from ancient Rome that was originally built by Marcus Agrippa in 27 BC as a temple dedicated to all the Roman gods. From there, walk to the Trevi Fountain, one of Rome’s most famous and romantic landmarks. Toss a coin into the water if you’d like to return to the city someday. End your tour at Piazza di Spagna, home to the Spanish Steps and surrounded by shops and historic buildings.
Meet your guide near the beautiful Tiber River, then travel back in time as you explore the picturesque streets of Trastevere. Head to the medieval Basilica of Saint Crisogono, which boasts an impressive interior. Next, go underground and find yourself in 4th-century Rome. Soak up the unique atmosphere of this underground basilica, admiring its ancient frescoes and mysterious crypts. Head to the Church of Santa Cecilia next, and marvel at its 3rd-century underground mosaic flooring. Learn about the legendary Santa Cecilia, and her macabre death. Head to the Cavallini Room next, and marvel at the Last Judgement masterpiece (morning tours only). Finally, stroll around the cobbled streets of Trastevere and immerse yourself in its distinctive and lively spirit. End your tour in the heart of the neighborhood in front of the stunning mosaics of Santa Maria in Trastevere, then explore the neighborhood and its famous tavernas on your own.
Get ready to go below ground at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. This massive underground space has distinct rooms built around a spacious courtyard. The guided tour will take you to the Treasure Room and Archaeological Area with an in-house guide. You'll see areas that were used for thermal healing, featuring mosaics and heating spaces. Notice the old tilework, eye-catching geometric frescoes, and a one-of-a-kind frescoed agricultural calendar. The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is located on Rome's Esquiline Hill. Don't miss the architectural blend of Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque elements, including Rome's tallest campanile, and a coffered ceiling.
Discover what lies beneath the Trevi District on this guided tour through its underground passages. Walk through the three sections and learn why this archaeological area is called the "City of Water” Make a wish at the large Baroque Trevi Fountain before going underground to see Ancient Roman ruins. A professional guide will talk about the Vicus Caprarius archaeological site's history during your tour. See where the Trevi Fountain water filters through the ancient masonry of the archeological area and continues to the luxury Domus residence's pipes and pools. Learn about the findings discovered during excavation, including precious polychrome marble coverings, the famous head of Alessandro Helios, a treasure trove of 800 coins, and the spatheia, a special African amphorae for transporting oil.
