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IMPERIAL PALACE & POPES
ROME AND BEYOND

Sunday November 16 – Sunday November 23 2025

SPACES AVAILABLE

Rome is a city with a universal spirit. This spirit wants to be at the service of charity, at the service of welcome and hospitality.

Pope Francis, 2024

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

Arrival – Sunday November 16

Benvenuti a Roma!

Welcome Aperitivo & Dinner

Monday, November 17 – ROME

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 – ROME

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 – SPERLONGA & TERRACINA

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 – ARCINAZZO & SUBIACO

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 – COLLI ROMANI

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 – ROME

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 – Departure

Arrivederci, Roma!

Optional breakfast gathering. Individual departures.

No one knows Rome better than Darius Arya. He has studied, lived and worked in Rome for decades, and clearly knows every brick in the city, and then some! When Darius shares the stories, you immediately time travel to Ancient Rome. It's a privilege to see Rome through his eyes!

Laura and JimPalm Beach, FL
ABOUT YOUR HOST

Dr Darius Arya Ph.D.

Darius Arya is an archaeologist, scholar, lecturer and television host who has been immersed in Ancient Rome since childhood. He has a BA in Classical History from the University of Pennsylvania and a PhD in Roman Archaeology from the University of Texas (Austin).

As a practicing field archaeologist, he has supervised excavations in the Rome Forum, Roman suburbs and Ostia Antica. Darius is the founder of Ancient Rome Live, a online educational platform showcasing history and pioneering archaeology, and director of the of 501(c)3 non-profit American Institute for Roman Culture. Immersive content is his passion and has led him to host more than 20 international documentaries for History Channel, PBS, Wondrium, RAI5, National Geographic and Discovery, as well YouTube channel @DariusArya.

Fellow of the UNC
Global Research Institute
Fellow of The Explorers Club
Fellow American Academy (2002)
Fulbright Scholar

Inclusions

  • 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

Exclusions

  • Hotel Accommodations
  • Airport Transfers
  • Optional activities and expenses
  • All gratuities
  • Trip insurance
Itineraries may be subject to change should there be any unforeseen events or closures. We do not accept liability for change in itinerary due to reasons beyond our control. We will be flexible and take advantage of our deep knowledge and network to provide the best possible experience. Uncompleted portions of the itinerary are not cause for refund.

$3800 USD per person

Deposit: $1900

Remaining balance due August 1: $1900

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many participants will there be?

6 to 12 guests, who you’ll meet prior to the trip in group Google Meets hosted by Darius each month (starting in July 2025) where he will introduce everyone, discuss the program and field questions.

Is this an academic trip?

No, this is not an academic trip nor credited course. That being said, Darius is happy to share his curated reading list before you arrive, and, if interested, you can receive educational credit.

What if I have some questions?

Sign up for a Google Meet chat with Darius.

How do I sign up?

Easy. Send sign up request to assistant@romanculture.org. We will send you deposit payment information. Your deposit secures your spot.

What happens next?

Once confirmed, Darius will send you a Calendly link so that you can set up a private Google Meet to talk with him one-on-one about itinerary and more.

When is final payment due?

Balance remainder is due on August 1, 2025. We’ll send you a reminder. Click here to review our Terms & Conditions.

What’s the best airport?

Leonardo da Vinci Rome Fiumicino Airport FCO.

The visits are in the mornings. What is there to do in the afternoon?

Site visits are programmed each day between 8:30 and 2pm, giving you the afternoon to explore, however there will be some full days. Darius will be walking around and is always happy to have you join him. Evenings are yours to enjoy and if you want a little help, we have suggestions for restaurants.