This beautiful city has so much to offer that it is difficult to make a choice. We have chosen to give an initial overview and then to visit some of the unique sites of this ancient city. Each day allows some time on your own to wander, sketch or photograph. The hotel chosen is Hotel Mozart, set in the picturesque area close to Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps. The hotel has a roof garden which provides lovely views over the roofs of Rome.
Day 1 - 2 pm from Hotel Mozart.
You will be conducted around the main areas of interest to gain a perspective of the City and the sights that you may want to visit in depth on your own. 8 pm Dinner by invitation in fashionable Rosati in Piazza del Popolo.
Day 2 - 9.30 am
We ascend the steps of the Capitoline Hill to Michelangelo’s beautiful piazza where the Capitoline Museums house a collection of wonderful Roman sculpture. From the Capitoline Hill you have stunning views of the Roman Forum and the Coliseum in the distance. This was the heart of the ancient city of Rome. The rest of the day is free to wander round the Forum and climb up to the Palatine Hill with the picturesque remains of Domitian’s palace.
Day 3 - 9.30 am
We will visit the Farnesina where Raphael painted the famous Galatea, the room of Cupid and Psyche and on the floor above where Peruzzi frescoed the first perspective views of 16C Rome. Close by is the medieval area of Trastevere a gold mine of little streets, artisan shops and restaurants. The 13C Church of Santa Maria in Trastevere dominates this lovely square and contains some wonderful mosaics by Cavallini. 6 pm We leave the hotel to make a special evening visit to the Vatican Museums and the most outstanding example of western art - Michelangelo’s ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. This private visit is a unique opportunity to enjoy the museum in a small group of twenty. The hordes of people, there during the day, would have left and the Raphael room and Sistine Chapel can be enjoyed in silent rapture. The taking of photographs or video is allowed during the visit but only a few pictures are permitted in the Sistine Chapel.
Day 4 - 9.30am
We visit the Galleria Borghese with its collection of masterpieces by Raphael, Titian and Caravaggio, the early sculpture by Bernini and the famous Paolina Borghese by Canova. The visits are timed and only last one hour and a half so we finish at 11.30 am. Time can then be spent sketching in or around Villa Borghese.
Price: £895 Single supplement £100.
The price includes 3 nights’ accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, dinner on Day 1, all entrance fees and transport between hotel and Rome. The price does not include flights or airport transfers. Clients are strongly advised to take out travel insurance to cover such items as medical treatment, loss of property and cancellation charges.