An exciting and immersive 13 day tour of Paris, Amsterdam & Rome

Soak it all in at the Musée d'Orsay, a former Beaux-Arts railway station transformed into a stunning showcase of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces.

The Musée d'Orsay, housed in an elegantly converted railway station, offers a world-renowned collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, featuring works by masters like Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir. Its unique architecture, with grand clocks and sweeping galleries, complements the diverse array of sculptures, paintings, and decorative arts on display. A visit to the Musée d'Orsay is not just a tour of art history, but an immersive experience in a space where the past and present merge beautifully.

Let your vision swim with Monet's Water Lilies and other Impressionist artwork at the Musée de l'Orangerie

The Musée de l'Orangerie, nestled in a corner of the Tuileries Gardens, exhibits the stunning "Water Lilies" series by Claude Monet. This series of large-scale paintings, designed specifically for the two oval rooms they inhabit, offers an immersive experience into Monet's impressionist vision of his garden at Giverny. Beyond Monet, the museum boasts the Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume collection, featuring masterpieces by renowned artists such as Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, Picasso, and Modigliani.

Tuileries Gardens & Nearby Museums

Stroll in the Tuileries and attend one of the nearby museums, a classic way to spend your free hours in Paris. Originally cultivated in 1564 as the grounds for the Tuileries Palace, the gardens are the oldest in Paris. Its succession of royal owners ended and the garden became a public park in the 19th century; Parisians congregated to relax and socialize beside the fountains and leafy horse chestnut trees - they still do today. The Musée de l'Orangerie, in the Western corner of the gardens, exhibits many Impressionist and 20th-century artworks, including Claude Monet’s famous water lilies.

Relax in the beautiful Tuileries Gardens, an oasis of manicured landscapes and historic statues in the heart of Paris.

The Tuileries Gardens, located next to the Louvre Museum, offer a peaceful retreat amidst the bustling city. Originally created as the royal gardens for the Tuileries Palace in the 16th century, they represent a classic example of French garden design. Visitors can marvel at the array of statues, including works by Rodin and Maillol, stroll along its perfectly aligned trees and flowerbeds, and enjoy panoramic views of the Seine and the Eiffel Tower.

Paris Highlights Walking Tour

Embark on a captivating 4-hour walking tour of the center of Paris, the City of Lights, where history and modernity blend seamlessly along its enchanting streets. Starting from Odette Pastry Shop (77 Rue Galande), you will explore the heart of this dynamic city and learn how to navigate Paris as a local.

Paris Highlights Walking Tour

Embark on a captivating 4-hour walking tour of the center of Paris, the City of Lights, where history and modernity blend seamlessly along its enchanting streets. Starting from Odette Pastry Shop (77 Rue Galande), you will explore the heart of this dynamic city and learn how to navigate Paris as a local.

Paris Highlights Walking Tour

Embark on a captivating 4-hour walking tour of the center of Paris, the City of Lights, where history and modernity blend seamlessly along its enchanting streets. Starting from Odette Pastry Shop (77 Rue Galande), you will explore the heart of this dynamic city and learn how to navigate Paris as a local.

Paris Highlights Walking Tour

Embark on a captivating 4-hour walking tour of the center of Paris, the City of Lights, where history and modernity blend seamlessly along its enchanting streets. Starting from Odette Pastry Shop (77 Rue Galande), you will explore the heart of this dynamic city and learn how to navigate Paris as a local.

Louvre Museum

It might be the greatest art museum in the world; it certainly is the largest with over 380,000 objects; to view every single one for even a minute apiece would take 75 days.  And those descriptions still don't do the building and its collection justice. Marvel at treasures inside, including Leonardo Da Vinci's mysterious woman, the Mona Lisa, and everything from an Egyptian masterpiece of mummification to the famed Hellenistic sculpture, Venus de Milo, to patriotic French masterpieces like Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People. Although the Louvre is vast and ever-crowded, with some strategy and a few helpful tips your visit will take in maximum artworks with minimal hassle.

Louvre Museum

It might be the greatest art museum in the world; it certainly is the largest with over 380,000 objects; to view every single one for even a minute apiece would take 75 days.  And those descriptions still don't do the building and its collection justice. Marvel at treasures inside, including Leonardo Da Vinci's mysterious woman, the Mona Lisa, and everything from an Egyptian masterpiece of mummification to the famed Hellenistic sculpture, Venus de Milo, to patriotic French masterpieces like Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People. Although the Louvre is vast and ever-crowded, with some strategy and a few helpful tips your visit will take in maximum artworks with minimal hassle.

Louvre Museum

It might be the greatest art museum in the world; it certainly is the largest with over 380,000 objects; to view every single one for even a minute apiece would take 75 days.  And those descriptions still don't do the building and its collection justice. Marvel at treasures inside, including Leonardo Da Vinci's mysterious woman, the Mona Lisa, and everything from an Egyptian masterpiece of mummification to the famed Hellenistic sculpture, Venus de Milo, to patriotic French masterpieces like Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People. Although the Louvre is vast and ever-crowded, with some strategy and a few helpful tips your visit will take in maximum artworks with minimal hassle.

Louvre Museum

It might be the greatest art museum in the world; it certainly is the largest with over 380,000 objects; to view every single one for even a minute apiece would take 75 days.  And those descriptions still don't do the building and its collection justice. Marvel at treasures inside, including Leonardo Da Vinci's mysterious woman, the Mona Lisa, and everything from an Egyptian masterpiece of mummification to the famed Hellenistic sculpture, Venus de Milo, to patriotic French masterpieces like Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People. Although the Louvre is vast and ever-crowded, with some strategy and a few helpful tips your visit will take in maximum artworks with minimal hassle.

Imagine living like the "peasants" here?

Desiring something different, Queen Marie Antoinette had a hamlet erected where she could supervise servants milking cows, tending pigs, collecting eggs from chickens.  She dressed down to play her part, but apparently never got her hands dirty, as far as we know.  Her peasant cottage only had two living rooms, a billiard room, a dining hall, and a library.  If you are accustomed to palaces, only two living rooms is roughing it.  Lest the queen got tired of it all, she could return to the Petit Trianon, a beautiful chateau built on the grounds of the Grand Trianon, which was the retreat chateau built on the grounds of the Palace of Versailles, which was a retreat from the Louvre Palace in Paris.

Feel like a king, feel like a queen, hopefully you'll feel good looking out across the park

The Parc de Versailles, features some 800 hectares of manicured lawns, stunning fountains, and the Grand Canal, all masterminded by André Le Nôtre. Highlights include the Neptune and Apollo Fountains, the Trianon Palaces, and the Queen's Hamlet. This vast garden symbolizes royal power, but you are welcomed to enjoy yourself on these pleasure grounds.

Palace of Versailles

The Château of Versailles, a symbol of the grandeur of French monarchy, invites visitors to explore its lavish history and architectural majesty. From the spellbinding elegance of the Hall of Mirrors, where the Treaty of Versailles was signed, to the vast, meticulously manicured Gardens the pinnacle of French garden design, every corner tells a story of opulence and power. Discover the intimate escapes of royalty at the Grand and Petit Trianon, and marvel at the divine beauty of the Royal Chapel, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture.

There are palaces, and then there is Versailles...

Enlarged by for Emperor Louis XIV as an escape from the dreary political tension of Paris, Versailles might have been the most luxurious palace in the world.  Even now, the building stuptifies with its grandeur and elegance, a stunning representation of the French monarchy's opulence. The famous Hall of Mirrors is just one of many, many (2300!)  stunning rooms, only a small percentage of which are open for display.  It might be too much, or one visit might never be enough.

Rail Drop-Off by Taxi

Rail Drop-Off by Taxi

Rail Drop-Off by Taxi

Rail Drop-Off by Taxi

Yes, the Dutch Have Royalty, and You Can Often Visit Their Home.

Amsterdam's Royal Palace, originally built as the city hall in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age, stands majestically in Dam Square. Renowned for its classical architecture and opulent interiors, the palace serves as one of the King's official residences and is used for state visits, awards ceremonies, and other official functions. Its rich history and architectural grandeur, including lavish rooms and intricate sculptures, reflect Amsterdam's past prominence and wealth.

Examine hundreds of years of stories and histories.

The Jewish Historical Museum in Amsterdam, set in the city's former Jewish Quarter in four 17th-century synagogues, delves into Jewish traditions, religion, and contributions to Dutch society. It features artifacts, personal Holocaust stories, and interactive exhibits, highlighting Amsterdam's Jewish heritage and its impact on the Netherlands. This museum fosters understanding and dialogue, making it vital for anyone interested in exploring Jewish history and culture.

Old Town

The basis of the old joke that 'God created Earth, but the Dutch created the Netherlands' can best be seen in the horseshoe-shaped old center of Amsterdam where the early inhabitants reclaimed much of their city from the sea and built the perfectly straight canals to keep the new land dry. Most of the picture-perfect gabled houses still retain their winch beams and hooks for hauling goods to the attic. These days its most renown historic buildings share space with Amsterdam's famous Red Light District.

Yes, the Dutch Have Royalty, and You Can Often Visit Their Home.

Amsterdam's Royal Palace, originally built as the city hall in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age, stands majestically in Dam Square. Renowned for its classical architecture and opulent interiors, the palace serves as one of the King's official residences and is used for state visits, awards ceremonies, and other official functions. Its rich history and architectural grandeur, including lavish rooms and intricate sculptures, reflect Amsterdam's past prominence and wealth.

Enjoy this quintessential windmill in Haarlem...

... And the story of its place in the hearts of locals. Windmill De Adriaan, perched on the banks of the River Spaarne in Haarlem, is a striking landmark that offers a glimpse into Dutch windmill engineering since its original construction in 1779. Though it was rebuilt in 2002 after a devastating fire decades before, De Adriaan retains its historic charm and functionality, demonstrating traditional milling techniques used for various purposes, including producing paint, tobacco, and flour. Visitors can explore the interior through guided tours, learning about the windmill's mechanics and its role in Dutch culture and industry.

A Swell Tower and Church in Zwolle

The Grote Kerk (St. Michael's Church) in Zwolle, notable for its late Gothic architecture, dates back to the 15th century. Though its tower was aimed to outdo Utrecht's Dom Tower, it remains unfinished thanks to a series of lightning strikes. The church's interior features a carved pulpit, an ornate organ, and beautiful stained glass windows. The church has indirectly given Zwolle's inhabitants their nickname, Blauwvingers (Bluefingers).  For once, a Dutch story that doesn't reward frugality.

Haarlem, Self-Guided

Haarlem, only a short 20-minute train ride away from the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam, is celebrated for its medieval architecture, cultural vibrancy, and historical significance as North Holland's capital. Home to the majestic Grote Kerk, the city's Grote Markt serves as a focal point surrounded by historical buildings. Famous for its contribution to the 17th-century tulip mania and picturesque canals, Haarlem offers a blend of art, history, and natural beauty, making it an enriching visit with a quiet charm.

Enlighten Yourself with a Wise Visit to this Enlightenment Museum

The Teylers Museum in Haarlem, Netherlands, is a remarkable journey back into the Age of Enlightenment, where art and science converge in the oldest museum in the country. Established in 1784, it houses an eclectic collection ranging from rare books and fossils to historical scientific instruments and works by great masters like Michelangelo and Rembrandt. The museum's unique atmosphere is enhanced by its preserved 18th-century interior, offering visitors a genuine experience of stepping back in time.

The Van Gogh Museum - How Can't You Be Impressed?

Maybe no other artist since Michelangelo has touched the Western World as deeply as Vincent Van Gogh.  His exhuberent palates of color, the frenetic pace at which he painted, the humanity of his subjects, not to mention the pathos of his own life, all combined to make unforgettable works - many of whic hare at this museum.  Millions of words have been written about the man and his art; but somehow, seeing them live often leaves a person speechless.

Contemporary in an Old City Can Be Beautiful Too

The MoCo Museum dedicates itself to showcasing modern, cutting-edge works from some of the most influential artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Situated in a renovated townhouse in the heart of Amsterdam, it offers a dynamic and engaging art experience, featuring both permanent and temporary exhibitions. Highlights include pieces by Maria Abramović, Banksy, Andy Warhol, and other iconic figures who have shaped the contemporary art scene. The museum's intimate scale allows for a personal exploration of the artworks

This museum will defintely make your eyes sparkle.

The Diamant Museum in Amsterdam delves into this dazzling gem's history, highlighting Amsterdam's significance in the diamond industry since the 16th century.  Simultaneously, it showcases its journey from raw stones to exquisite jewelry, emphasizing the art of diamond cutting and polishing, and, of course, features a collection of gems and artifacts,.

Museum Quarter

Arranged in a tight knot on the aptly named Museumplein, Amsterdam's premier world-class museums include the Van Gogh Museum (pre-booked tickets required), the Rijks Museum with its collection of Rembrandts, and the Stedelijk Museum of modern and contemporary art. The Amsterdam Diamond Museum is nearby as well. Choose to visit one or more of these wonderful cultural venues from the detailed descriptions provided in the Full Itinerary.

Find Tickets and Trinkets related to the Rijks- and Van Gogh Museums

Located on Museumplein (Museum Square), this convienent shop is operated by both museums to contend with the overflow at their respective ticket offices.  Even this shop can become busy.  However, if you don't plan on visiting the museums, but still want to pick up some souvenirs, this is your spot: both museums supply this store with their own merchandise.

The Van Gogh Museum - How Can't You Be Impressed?

Maybe no other artist since Michelangelo has touched the Western World as deeply as Vincent Van Gogh.  His exhuberent palates of color, the frenetic pace at which he painted, the humanity of his subjects, not to mention the pathos of his own life, all combined to make unforgettable works - many of whic hare at this museum.  Millions of words have been written about the man and his art; but somehow, seeing them live often leaves a person speechless.

Visit this iconic former pagan temple converted into a Christian church.

This sanctuary of impressive dimensions is one of the best-preserved buildings of ancient Rome. Erected on the foundations of an earlier temple dating back to 27 BC, its construction was ordered by the Emporer Hadrian in the second century AD. The Pantheon was originally a Pagan temple dedidated to all of the gods. The building's consecration as a church in 609 AD saved it from the abandonment, destruction, and the worst of the spoliation that befell the majority of ancient Rome's buildings during the early medieval period. Its greying exterior may look its age, but inside, a spectacular experience awaits. With light streaming through its oculus, the marble-clad interior seems vast. The Pantheon is home to some notable tombs, including those of painters Annibale Carracci and Raphael and King Vittorio Emanuele II.

Column formerly dedicated to Emperor Marcus Aurelius; a statue of St. Paul now stands in place of his.

If you turn left at the far end of the Temple of Adrian, you'll arrive at the Column of Marcus Aurelius (Colonna di Marco Aurelio). The column located on Piazza Colonna commemorates the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius and his victories over the Germanic tribes in Danubian and Marcomannic wars. It was modeled on Trajan's Column (which is located in Trajan's Forum). The column consists of 27 or 28 blocks of Carrara marble, each of 3.7 meters (12 ft) diameter, and was nicknamed the Centenaria, "hundred-footer" because it was 100 Roman feet or 29.60 meters high. On the top of the column was a statue of Marcus Aurelius; today, the apostle Paul stands there.

One of the main streets in Rome.

The main street running alongside the Piazza Colonna is one of the main streets in Rome, called the Via del Corso. It is remarkable for being absolutely straight in an area characterized by narrow meandering alleys and small piazzas. Its runs 1.5km from Piazza del Popolo all the way to Piazza Venezia and is one of the busiest shopping streets in Rome. You’ll find lots of large international stores all over the street including major retailers such as Nike and Zara, as well as smaller Italian retailers where bargains on boutique pieces of Italian clothing and souvenirs can be found.

Rome's Historic Center

Rome's tangled historical center is packed full of some of the most fascinating and incredible sights. Explore elegant squares and piazzas, centuries-year-old churches, and baroque fountains and wander at leisure the labyrinth of ancient Roman cobbled lanes. Highlights include the Baroque grandeur of Piazza Navona and the great and endlessly copied Roman Pantheon.

Stand in one of the most beautiful squares in Rome, home to the famous Fontana dei Fiumi Fountain by Bernini.

A Roman rendezvous, Piazza Navona is, for many people, the most beautiful square in the world. Like many of Rome's landmarks, Piazza Navona is located over the foundations of an ancient monument, a 30,000 seat stadium of Domitian. The former tiers of seats have since made way for ornate fountains, exuberant baroque palazzi, and bustling pavement cafes. The square has long been the hub for local life, hosting Rome's main market for over 300 years. Today it attracts a colorful circus of tourists, performers, hawkers, street artists, and pigeons. The first visit to Piazza Navona might well result in a stiff neck from gazing up at all the sumptuous Baroque beauty.

Visit this iconic former pagan temple converted into a Christian church.

This sanctuary of impressive dimensions is one of the best-preserved buildings of ancient Rome. Erected on the foundations of an earlier temple dating back to 27 BC, its construction was ordered by the Emporer Hadrian in the second century AD. The Pantheon was originally a Pagan temple dedidated to all of the gods. The building's consecration as a church in 609 AD saved it from the abandonment, destruction, and the worst of the spoliation that befell the majority of ancient Rome's buildings during the early medieval period. Its greying exterior may look its age, but inside, a spectacular experience awaits. With light streaming through its oculus, the marble-clad interior seems vast. The Pantheon is home to some notable tombs, including those of painters Annibale Carracci and Raphael and King Vittorio Emanuele II.

Book early if you want to see the Vatican Museum's monumental works of art from the greatest Italian artists of the Renaissance.

The Vatican Museum is actually 26 different museums, which include not only exhibitions but chapels, apartments, and other rooms of the Vatican palace, covering a huge range of fine and applied arts patronized by the popes. There's also an outstanding collection of ancient antiquities (including even the Emperor Nero's red stone bathtub), a gallery of hand-painted maps, and whole rooms turned into works of art. In addition to ancient and medieval works of art, you'll see masterpieces by the "who's who" of the Italian Renaissance, including Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, and Caravaggio. Other highlights include panels by the brilliant monk-artist Fra Angelico, works from the Venetian school, including Vavarini, and much, much more.  Booking in advance is highly recommended as otherwise you can wait for hours or not even be able to get in at all.

Explore the gigantic and incredibly beautiful church known as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom".

The basilica is one of the chief pilgrimage sites in the Christian world, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Rome. The basilica is the symbolic center of the church not only because the Pope frequently celebrates Mass there, but because it is believed that the apostle St. Peter is buried beneath it. Catholics consider Peter as the first Bishop of Rome and "the rock" upon which the Catholic Church was built, in accordance with Christ's instructions. Inside you can admire sculptures by Bernini as well as Michelangelo's famous sculpture of the Virgin Mary holding the crucified Jesus, known as The Pietà. The church's elaborate and impressive golden interior is a sight to behold. Other sights include St Peter's tomb, the Papal crypts in the necropolis under the basilica, as well as the dome, which rewards visitors with views over Rome.  Entry is free, but queues to visit the Basilica can be lengthy, so it is highly advised to either get there early or to purchase a skip the line entrance. The dome is also paid entry.

Escape the crowds in this oasis of green hidden behind the walls of the Vatican.

Accessible only via a guided tour, the gardens are definitely worth a visit. Just as the Popes have for hundreds of years, you can stroll the gardens and relax amidst the greenery, while taking in the perfect view of St. Peter's.

Vatican City

Rome is unique in the world in that it contains an independent country within its city limits - the Vatican City, from where the Pope administers the Catholic Church. The symbolic center of Catholicism is St Peter's Basilica, the second-largest Catholic church in the world and among the most beautiful. The Vatican Museum contains one of the greatest collections of art in existence, including Michelangelo's jaw-dropping Sistine Chapel. The popes had a bigger influence on Rome than just the collection of art. The Pope's title is actually Bishop of Rome, and popes administed the city for centuries, shaping its architecture & public spaces. Rome was re-built to be an example of urban beauty, and the Vatican was meant to be the showcase within the showcase. Their success is evident from the throngs of visitors who flock here even today.

Stand in the middle of this famous square in which the faithful gather to hear the Pope give audiences and celebrate mass.

As one of the most superb conceptions of its kind in civic architecture, St Peter’s Square is the masterpiece of Gian Lorenzo Bernini and makes a wonderful approach to one of the world’s most magnificent churches, St Peter's Basilica. An oval rather than an actual square, the piazza, laid out in 1656-67, is partially enclosed by two semi-circular colonnades on which stand 96 statues of saints and martyrs. At the center of the oval stands an 84-foot (26m) tall Egyptian obelisk of red granite.

Gaze up at the world's most famous ceiling, the masterpiece of Michelangelo.

This famous chapel inside the Vatican Museums is best known for Michelangelo's 16th-century painted ceiling of "The Creation of Adam" and "The Last Judgement" fresco that covers the whole altar wall of the chapel. The jaw-dropping sight is not to be missed, considered one of the top highlights of visiting the Vatican Museums and one of the top artistic wonders of the world.

See a Michelangelo-designed church built within the former Baths of Diocletian.

In 1561, almost 1000 years after the baths of Diocletian fell into disuse, Pope Pius IV decided to build a basilica consecrated to Our Lady of the Angels within the baths. He commisioned the 86-year-old Michelangelo to plan the church, making use of some of the existing structures of the baths. Today a visit to the basilica gives you an idea of the enormous size of the baths. The church was constructed at the site of the former frigidarium (a large cold pool which would be used to close the pores after using the hot baths) and incorporates several elements of the former thermae. The vestibule occupies the former tepidarium (a Roman-style relaxation room) and the imposing entrance is an exedra of the caldarium (a room with a hot plunge bath). Other highlights include the meridian solar line running across the floor, which still accurately calculates the length of the year and the summer and winter solstices. There is also an impressive organ with 5,400 tubes. It is capable of leaving those visitors lucky enough to hear it spellbound.

Visit one of Rome's greatest but most unheralded museums of antiquity.

This light-filled museum holds one of the best classical art collections in the world. The ground and first-floor feature famous Greek and Roman sculptures, mosaics and statues, as well as impressive sarcophagi and high reliefs. The second floor showcases the best preserved Roman frescoes in the world, which are considered the highlight of the museum. Originally located in Villa of Livia (the wife of Augustus) and Villa Farnesina, these colourful frescoes, sometimes covering an entire room, offer a unique view into life in ancient Rome and the critical importance of gardens, nature, and the villa atmosphere to upper echelon Romans. A must visit room is the painted garden room of Villa Livia. There is also a cinema room with a video showing a 3D reconstruction of the Villa Farnesina as it would have been, showing the layout of the rooms in the villa and the frescoes you had seen just moments before.

Esquilino District

Upon first glance, this urban neighborhood of Rome may seem busy and overwhelming, but hidden among its traffic-noisy streets are some of Rome's most beautiful churches, artistic treasures, and cultural museums, including the Baths of Diocletian.

Walk the ruins of what was once the largest themal baths in the ancient Roman world.

Covering an area of more than 13 hectares (some 32 acres), the bath complex was commissioned by Emperor Diocletian in 298 AD, with a capacity to host over 3,000 people (twice as many as the Baths of Caracalla). The baths were made of bricks, coated in marble and decorated with mosaics and sculptures. The complex included a gymnasium, a library, a large outdoor swimming pool and cold, hot, and tepid public baths. They remained open until 537 when the Goths cut off the aqueducts in an attempt to conquer Rome. After they fell into disrepair and were left abandoned. Even though only a small part of the public bath complex can be seen and visited, it is extremely impressive, with the possibility to see at some points the high ceilings the baths possessed. The interior includes part of the National Museum of Rome and a permanent exhibition on pre-historic populations of the area. In the outdoor part of the baths, it is possible to stroll through a sixteenth-century garden with nearly 400 works of art, including statues, sarcophagi and reliefs.

Via Appia Antica

One of the earliest and strategically most important Roman roads of the ancient republic, the Via Appia (or Appian Way) once spanned 350 miles (563km), all the way from the Roman Forum in Rome to modern-day Brindisi. On the south side of Rome lies one of the best preserved stretches of the road, the Via Apia Antica. Take an afternoon to explore the ruins, catacombs, and sights along this infamously cobbled way. Exploring on foot is a relaxed and easy way to do it, made easier by the fact that bus stops along the way mean you don't have to backtrack. Bike rentals are also available and are a good way to cover as much ground as possible. But as an ancient cobbled road, sections of this walk are very bumpy, and depending on which route you take, you may encounter traffic. So you may want to consider if biking with a guided tour makes more sense.

Discover the crypt and catacombs of an ancient Christian burial site estimated to hold half a million bodies.

The catacombs are the most important landmark along the ancient Appian Way route because they include the Crypt of the Popes, which contained the remains of nine popes buried between the 2nd and 4th centuries. In times of persecution, the catacombs also provided a secret place of worship for early Christians. There are five levels and roughly 12 miles (20km) of passageways. Over time, the catacombs were mostly forgotten as the relics of the popes and saints they contained had been moved to different churces of Rome. It was not until the 19th century that Italian architects rediscovered it.

Via Appia Antica

One of the earliest and strategically most important Roman roads of the ancient republic, the Via Appia (or Appian Way) once spanned 350 miles (563km), all the way from the Roman Forum in Rome to modern-day Brindisi. On the south side of Rome lies one of the best preserved stretches of the road, the Via Apia Antica. Take an afternoon to explore the ruins, catacombs, and sights along this infamously cobbled way. Exploring on foot is a relaxed and easy way to do it, made easier by the fact that bus stops along the way mean you don't have to backtrack. Bike rentals are also available and are a good way to cover as much ground as possible. But as an ancient cobbled road, sections of this walk are very bumpy, and depending on which route you take, you may encounter traffic. So you may want to consider if biking with a guided tour makes more sense.

Discover the crypt and catacombs of an ancient Christian burial site estimated to hold half a million bodies.

The catacombs are the most important landmark along the ancient Appian Way route because they include the Crypt of the Popes, which contained the remains of nine popes buried between the 2nd and 4th centuries. In times of persecution, the catacombs also provided a secret place of worship for early Christians. There are five levels and roughly 12 miles (20km) of passageways. Over time, the catacombs were mostly forgotten as the relics of the popes and saints they contained had been moved to different churces of Rome. It was not until the 19th century that Italian architects rediscovered it.

Private Transfer to Rome Fiumicino or Ciampino Airport

A car service will pick you up from your hotel and take you directly to Rome Fiumicino Airport. This is a private transfer for you and your travel party. You do not need to pay the driver as the cost of the private transfer is included in your itinerary.   IMPORTANT NOTE:  Please be aware the car service can fit up to 1 checked item of luggage and 1 personal item per person, such as a purse or small backpack. If you think you will have more baggage, please inform your travel consultant as this may result in an additional fee.

Private Transfer to Rome Fiumicino or Ciampino Airport

A car service will pick you up from your hotel and take you directly to Rome Fiumicino Airport. This is a private transfer for you and your travel party. You do not need to pay the driver as the cost of the private transfer is included in your itinerary.   IMPORTANT NOTE:  Please be aware the car service can fit up to 1 checked item of luggage and 1 personal item per person, such as a purse or small backpack. If you think you will have more baggage, please inform your travel consultant as this may result in an additional fee.

Private Transfer to Rome Fiumicino or Ciampino Airport

A car service will pick you up from your hotel and take you directly to Rome Fiumicino Airport. This is a private transfer for you and your travel party. You do not need to pay the driver as the cost of the private transfer is included in your itinerary.   IMPORTANT NOTE:  Please be aware the car service can fit up to 1 checked item of luggage and 1 personal item per person, such as a purse or small backpack. If you think you will have more baggage, please inform your travel consultant as this may result in an additional fee.

Private Transfer to Rome Fiumicino or Ciampino Airport

A car service will pick you up from your hotel and take you directly to Rome Fiumicino Airport. This is a private transfer for you and your travel party. You do not need to pay the driver as the cost of the private transfer is included in your itinerary.   IMPORTANT NOTE:  Please be aware the car service can fit up to 1 checked item of luggage and 1 personal item per person, such as a purse or small backpack. If you think you will have more baggage, please inform your travel consultant as this may result in an additional fee.