The Eternal City is called that for a reason, it would take an eternity to see it all. In this week-long Staycation, we will explore the world’s most layered city, walking the rioni, testing the best gelato, and seeing the city from a local’s point of view. We will enjoy an excursion into the countryside around Rome to see palaces, gardens, and sample some of the best porchetta that money can buy.
What we WON’T be doing is any of the overcrowded/touristy sights—no Colosseum and no Vatican Museum—but don’t worry, what we will see is the side of Rome that only a local knows. We are always looking for ways to surprise and delight our guests, so buckle up, Sarah may have some extra activities up her sleeve.
Day One
OVERNIGHT: ROME
Benvenuto a Roma
Buongiorno! Meet at our hotel for a get-to-know-you aperitivo. Stroll through the historic centre and dinner at a classic Roman trattoria.
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Day Two
OVERNIGHT: ROME
Classical Rome
Today our morning walk with an expert historian will take us to uncover the many layers of Rome. We will focus on ancient Rome, going underground to discover a city buried beneath your feet. Lunch on your own and rest of the day to leisurely discover more hidden corners of this fascinating city.
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Day Three
OVERNIGHT: ROME
Baroque Rome
Rome in the 1600-1800’s was the city of the Popes, exuberantly decorated in Baroque style by successive families hoping to leave their mark. We will start our day of Baroque art at the magnificent Borghese Gallery, enjoying their famous collection with an art expert. After a stroll through the Villa Borghese park, we will have a fancy lunch fit for a princess inside a Roman palace. After lunch you’ll visit the palace and see what Roman noble life is like today.
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Day Four
OVERNIGHT: ROME
Trastevere
Today we will explore the other side of the Tiber, the bohemian neighborhood of Trastevere. Our walk will end with a cooking class and wine tasting, hosted by the legendary food emporium, Roscioli.
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Day Five
OVERNIGHT: ROME
Field Trip
We will board a minibus today and have an excursion into the Roman countryside to explore the Castelli Romani. These hilltop villages were the summer homes of popes, and we will visit one of these palaces before sitting down for a long lunch in a “rustic” Trattoria featuring porchetta, which comes from the village of Ariccia.
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Day Six
OVERNIGHT: ROME
Catholic Rome
Rome is said to have as many churches as banks in Milan, and today we will explore some of the exquisite but lesser known ones. A local guide will help us select churches with infamous relics, beautiful mosaics, and ancient roots. Tonight, we will toast our truly Roman experience with a modern bistrot dinner. Salute!
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Day Seven
Tour Ends
Your tour is over after breakfast, but your guide will be on hand to help with your further travels. Grazie y arrivederci!
Our founder Sarah is a professional tour guide, travel writer, and artist with over 20 years of experience leading travelers around the globe. After earning a degree in architecture, she traded the drafting board for a life of adventure, guiding tours and sharing her travel expertise through writing, speaking engagements and media appearances.
A former Rick Steves guidebook researcher and co-author of Rick Steves Sicily, Sarah is also known for her popular packing-focused insights and content helping travelers around the world streamline their journeys. Based in Seattle but often found exploring the world, Sarah brings passion, insight, and a love for culture to every tour she leads.
Price: $3450 (Air not included) per person for a double occupancy room. Single Supplement is $750. We welcome singles and if you do not have a travel partner, please sign up for a single spot. In the event that a roommate is found, your booking can be changed to a double before final payment is due.
What’s included: 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners, and 6 nights lodging in a clean, comfortable, and centrally located hotel. All admissions and fees for group activities. Transport within the tour and private guides, tips included.
Deposit Policy: A non-refundable deposit of $600 per person is due upon booking.
Tour begins and ends in Rome (FCO).
If you have additional questions please email us at info@adventureswithsarah.net
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