12/02/2025
We are very excited about our trip to Rome next year. The dates are May 29-June 9 and our theme is Rome: The Waters of Life. The city of Rome was founded nearly 3,000 years ago on the Tiber River, which flows down from the Apennine Mountains. The Ancient Romans built substantial stone bridges across the river, as well as sewers to drain the marshes between the famous 7 hills. They also constructed numerous aqueducts that were marvels of both engineering and architecture. The enormous amounts of fresh, clean water they brought into the city allowed it to grow to more than 1 million inhabitants. The emperors built temples, stadiums, and enormous public bath complexes as well as villas with extensive gardens. When the barbarians destroyed the aqueducts in the 5th century CE, the city depopulated, with the remaining inhabitants moving down to the river plain where they created the ad hoc warren of cobbled streets that still exist in central Rome today. The Popes restored the aqueducts during the Renaissance and kicked off an extensive building program that included substantial private palaces as well as churches, gardens, and public works . During the Baroque period that followed, charming public piazzas were created with numerous fountains that were also stunning works of art. We will show you all of these historical artifacts and more in our upcoming trip.
Highlights of our trip include a private guided city tour via electric cart, an exclusive private guided tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica, a day excursion to the hill town of Tivoli with its Medieval streets and the Renaissance palace and gardens of the Villa d'Este, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Of course we will ensure that you see "the big stuff": the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, and the Colosseum. But we will also help you discover off-the-beaten-path piazzas, palaces, art and architecture on our exclusive guided walking tours. We will also help you to experience "la dolce vita" - the Italian "sweet life" - in markets and piazzas and through curated meals and experiences. Click on each of the itinerary pages below to read the full narrative.
We stay in a convent guesthouse in a prime location on the Aventine Hill, just above the famous Circus Maximus. Literally right outside our door is Rome's Communal Rose Garden. Since we are visiting Rome in the late Spring, the roses will be in full bloom and you will be able to see and experience them every day. Indeed all of Rome will be abloom during next year's trip. At the Foresteria (Guesthouse) you will have your own room with a private bath and your own front door key. There is no curfew, so you can come and go as you please. We will provide resources to help orient you, as well as guidance to pursue your own interests in your free time. In addition to accommodations, your trip fee includes daily breakfast and 12 lunches or dinners, ground transportation in Rome and Italy, entrance fees to all scheduled museums and historical sites, and our exclusive guided art and architecture walks. Furthermore, at the Foresteria you have access to beautiful private gardens and terraces, perfect for relaxation, meditation, and enjoying our exclusive Evening Garden Conversations, where you can get to know your fellow travelers, share reflections on that day's activities, and learn about upcoming adventures.
The price for next year's trip is $3,900 per person. This includes everything mentioned above, excluding only airfare and travel insurance. If you are comparing this trip to Rome and environs with trips offered by other companies, note especially the location where we stay, the number of meals included and the fact that we are your concierge guides. We stay at the Foresteria with you, conduct the art walks and excursions, and are available to do whatever we can to facilitate and enhance your trip. Also, we charge no single supplements - single travelers pay the same standard fee and get their own room. We are proud of the reviews we have received from previous travelers - check them out on this page under Reviews.
We hope that you will consider joining us next May 29 - June 9 for our Intelligent Adventure in Rome. A $500 deposit will hold your place, with full payment expected by March 1, 2026.
