Imperial Palaces & Popes

A seven-day deep dive into the imperial and papal layers of Rome and its surrounding countryside.

Rome
7 Days
November 16-23, 2025
12 Guests
$3800 per person
Itinerary ↓
Why This Journey ↓
What’s Included ↓
FAQs ↓

Tour Overview

Join archaeologist and host Darius Arya for a curated journey through emperors’ palaces, Christian legacies, and papal retreats. This intimate small group tour (maximum 12 guests) offers behind-the-scenes access to some of the most compelling and often-overlooked sites in Lazio.

A large domed church with classical architecture stands in a busy city square with people walking and a stone statue in the foreground.
A faint, monochrome outline of a classical statue depicting a standing figure with one arm raised and a deer by their side on a pedestal.

A Week in Rome

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Sunday November 16

Benvenuti a Roma!

Arrival

Welcome Aperitivo & Dinner

Monday, November 17

Imperial Power: The Palatine and the Forum

Begin your journey through Rome’s imperial past with a deep exploration of the Palace of the Emperors on the Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum, the city’s beating heart in antiquity.

Meals: Lunch

Tuesday, November 18

Christian Rome: From Catacombs to Basilicas

Discover the Christian transformation of Rome with visits to the Catacombs of SS. Pietro e Marcellino, the Villa of the Gordians, the Mausoleum of Santa Costanza, and the Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme.

Meals: Lunch

Wednesday, November 19

Seaside Emperors: Tiberius and Jupiter Anxur

Travel along the coast to explore Tiberius’ Grotto and museum in Sperlonga, followed by the cliffside Temple of Jupiter Anxur in Terracina, overlooking the ancient Via Appia.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Thursday, November 20

Mountain Retreats: Trajan and Nero

Venture into the Apennines to visit the expansive Villa of Trajan at Arcinazzo Romano. Continue to Subiaco, where you’ll explore Nero’s villa and the medieval monastery and church, a birthplace of Benedictine monasticism.

Meals: Lunch

Friday, November 21

Papal Summer and Roman Ships

Explore the papal palace and gardens at Castel Gandolfo, then visit the Roman Ship Museum on Lake Nemi, and end with a stop at Albano’s historic church, set above the ancient Castra Albana.

Meals: Lunch, Aperitivo

Saturday, November 22

Baroque Rome: Palaces of Power

Wrap up the week with three spectacular Roman palaces: the private galleries of Galleria Doria Pamphilj, Palazzo Altemps and Palazzo Barberini, housing masterpieces from Raphael to Bernini.

Meals: Lunch, Goodbye Dinner

Sunday, November 23

Arrivederci, Roma!

Departure

Optional breakfast gathering. Individual departures.

Travel With Context

Every destination becomes richer when you understand the people who lived there, the events that shaped it, and why it still matters today.

Led by an Archaeologist

Experience Rome alongside someone who has dedicated his career to studying, teaching, and sharing its history.

Thoughtfully Sized Groups

Small groups create space for conversation, flexibility, and meaningful engagement throughout the journey.

Stories Beyond the Guidebook

Discover unexpected connections between archaeology, architecture, food, culture, mythology, and everyday life.

Local Perspective

Benefit from decades of living and working in Rome while exploring both world-famous landmarks and lesser-known places that reveal another side of the city.

What's Included

Included:

All meals and beverages, as detailed in the itinerary
All guided touring, admission fees, site transport and activities, as detailed in the itinerary
Expert guides and drivers, including your host and the 24/7 support of Ancient Rome Live’s partners on the ground
Expert travel team to plan all excursion details
Custom trip planning for add-on travel is available; please inquire
Participants can opt to receive educational credit for an added cost of $75 per person

Not Included:

Hotel Accommodations
Airport Transfers
Optional activities and expenses
All gratuities
Trip insurance

From Past Travelers

stars

“Darius made archaeology feel immediate and human. The conversations were just as memorable as the places we visited.”

Traveler Name
Location
stars

“Darius has an extraordinary gift for making Rome’s history feel alive. With decades of experience living, working, and studying in the city, he knows its layers like few others. Every story he tells feels like stepping through a portal to Ancient Rome. Exploring the city through his eyes is an unforgettable experience.”

Laura and Jim
Palm Beach, FL
stars

“Darius helped us see connections we never would have noticed on our own. Every place became part of a much larger story.”

Traveler Name
Location
stars

“Darius made archaeology feel immediate and human. The conversations were just as memorable as the places we visited.”

Traveler Name
Location

Frequently Asked Questions

How many participants will there be?
Is this an academic trip?
What if I have some questions?
How do I sign up?
What happens next?
When is final payment due?
What’s the best airport?
The visits are in the mornings. What is there to do in the afternoon?

Continue Exploring

Explore all Experiences

Ready to Explore History Beyond the Guidebook?

Reserve your place on the next journey, or reach out to Darius directly with any questions about the itinerary, group, or destination.

Travel with Darius