Travel to Michelangelo’s Rome

with author, Angela K. Nickerson

2019-2020 Dates Coming Soon!

While Michelangelo was born near Florence, he spent more of his life living and working in Rome. Romans loved him, and he shaped the city. From the soaring dome of St. Peter’s Basilica to the glorious frescoes of the Sistine Chapel, the sprawling piazza at the Compidoglio to Moses’ dignity and anger... in architecture, sculpture, painting, and poetry Michelangelo left his mark on the Eternal City.

Explore the Roman ruins which influenced Michelangelo’s work. See the work of popes and cardinals who sought to make Rome the capital of the Renaissance world. Stand before Michelangelo’s first Pieta -- the work which made him famous -- and marvel at his Last Judgment -- the work which made him infamous.

More than just monuments and museums, Rome is a thriving and gorgeous city with fantastic shopping and even better dining. Enjoy fresh produce and pasta, pizza as it was meant to be eaten, and tiramisu. Need a snack? Perhaps some gelato in flavors you’ve never imagined. And nothing beats a cappuccino with a flaky cornetto in the morning.

We will make use of the public transportation and traverse the city, ducking down picturesque avenues and stopping in little cafes for an espresso now and then. This is a trip for the first-time visitor as well as the experienced traveler. Unwrap the many layers of Michelangelo's second home. Rome is a city for lovers and scholars alike. It will capture your heart. 

Michelangelo's Rome Sample Itinerary 

Subject to change.

Day 1: Arrival in Rome, the Eternal City
Your plane will be met by a driver who will take you to our accommodations for our stay.  Once every one has arrived and is settled in, we will gather walk through the city center.
We might visit:
The Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, and Santa Maria sopra Minerva:  Michelangelo’s Risen Christ

Day 2: Imperial Rome and the Tragedy of the Tomb
We will visit several ancient sites which influenced Michelangelo’s work in addition to one of his greatest sculptures.  Walking and taking the subway, we can visit:
The Colosseum, San Pietro in Vincoli: Michelangelo’s Moses, San Clemente
Dinner together at a local restaurant.

Day 3: The Capitoline Hill
Michelangelo was commissioned to rebuild the hilltop which was muddy and disheveled.  What resulted was a masterpiece of civic architecture.  
We will visit:
The Forum and the Capitoline Hill

Day 4: Free Day to explore the beauty of Rome
Optional excursions could include Villa Adriana and Villa D’Este or Galleria Borghese (at an additional cost).

Day 4: Ostia Antica
Today we can take the train out to the ruins of Rome’s port city, Ostia.  Located on the sea shore, Ostia Antica is an amazing park to explore with a theater, a Jewish temple, stores, homes, and houses of worship – all open for visiting.
Lunch or dinner together at a local restaurant.

Day 5: San Pietro
We will begin with a tour of St. Peter’s Basilica to see Michelangelo’s Rome Pieta as well as the dome.  In the evening we will have an exclusive tour of the Vatican Museums including the Sistine Chapel.  
We will visit:
St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, the Scavi

Day 7: Free Day to explore the beauty of Rome
Dinner together at a local restaurant.

Day 8: Depart Rome for home or for Venice if continuing on the Venice Add-on.

Typical Daily Schedule

8 am: breakfast at the hotel
9:15-9:45 am: morning briefing
9:30 am: depart for daily outing including churches and museums with a stop for lunch on your own along the way
2:30 pm: free time to explore, nap, or shop
7:30 pm: wine and cheese at the hotel before dining with new friends

Optional: 3 Day Rome Extension

RE A: Villa Adriana and Villa d’Este
Today we will drive beyond Rome’s city limits to Tivoli and Hadrian’s Villa. The spectacular grounds of Emperor Hadrian’s estate sprawl across acres of olive orchards and active archeological digs. Following a lunch together, we will visit Villa d’Este -- the summer home of the Este family and site of a truly remarkable garden and Renaissance fountains now restored to their original beauty. 
Lunch together at a local restaurant.

RE B: Galleria Borghese
Michelangelo’s influence spanned centuries and can still be felt today. We will visit the Galleria Borghese which houses a large collection of sculpture by Bernini -- one of Michelangelo’s philosophical heirs. After our timed entrance to the museum, we will explore the grounds of the Villa Borghese, a beautiful park in the heart of Rome.

RE C: Free Day to explore the beauty of Rome
Celebration dinner together at a local restaurant.

Contact for availability and pricing.

€3500 per person/double-occupancy

€1200 single supplement

What's included?

• Accommodations: 7 nights in a charming inn in Rome 

• Transfer to hotel from/to airport with English-speaking guide

• All Entrance fees and Reservations including:
  The Colosseum & Roman Forum
  San Pietro in Vincoli
  Capitoline Museum
  Vatican Museums

• Train to Ostia Antica

• Meals:
  All breakfasts
  2 lunches
  3 dinners 

• Roma Archeologica Card

• 7 days of public transportation in Rome

The book & basis for the trip: