Meet your driver on the pier for the approximately one hour drive to Rome, Upon arrival, you will meet your professionally trained licensed guide and begin your exploration of this Imperial Empire. You will start your visit at the heart of ancient Rome, where the creation of the Roman civilization is reflected in the vast ensemble of ruins. The Roman Forum is located between the Palatine hill and the Capitoline hill. It is the central area around which the ancient Roman civilization developed in the 7th century BC.

The oldest and most important structures of the ancient city are located in the forum, including the ancient former royal residency the Regia and the surrounding complex of the Vestal virgins. The Old Republic had its formal Comitium there where the senate, as well as Republican government began. The forum served as a city square where the people of Rome gathered for justice, faith, trade, education and socializing. Much of the forum was either buried or built upon by the Middle Ages. It wasn't until the early 1800s when excavation began in earnest. Many of the forum's temples seen today are from either the kingdom or the Republican era. Many have been destroyed and rebuilt several times. Remains from several centuries are shown together, due to the Roman practice of building over earlier ruins. You will walk through the Via Sacra (Sacred Way), the route followed by religious and triumphal processions.

At the far end of the Forum, visit one of the most important monuments of ancient Rome and the symbol of the "Eternal City," the Roman Colosseum. A masterpiece of classical architecture, the Colosseum is an enormous amphitheater where gladiators, Christians, and wild beasts once battled to the death in front of 50,000 spectators. During your visit inside the Colosseum, you will be able to see the cells below the ring where wild animals were kept, signs of the advanced architecture used not only to build the structure, but to keep it out of the sun and even plumbing that mystifies engineers today. From the upper level, you will have a great view out over the forum.

After your visit to the Colosseum, your private guide will answer any additional questions you have on Rome before departing. You will then have approximately 2 hours with your private driver for additional sightseeing, shopping, or lunch. At the appointed time, you will begin the return drive to the port.