March 7 through 13, 2027
SPACES AVAILABLE
Rome was a maritime empire run from a landlocked city. Every amphora of Spanish oil, every grain shipment from North Africa, every diplomatic dispatch from the eastern Mediterranean arrived here by water — and this tour follows that water from the Tiber’s ancient quays to a volcanic crater lake where an emperor floated palaces for a goddess.
Over six days, we trace the ports, rivers, and coastlines that made Rome possible. We begin on the city’s commercial waterfront before venturing out to Ostia and Portus — the twin hinges of Rome’s Mediterranean economy — and north along the Tyrrhenian coast to the Etruscan sanctuaries where sea power on this coastline was first organized. We move south through Nero’s imperial palace at Anzio, the beaches where Allied forces landed in 1944 applying the same strategic logic as their ancient predecessors, and the remarkably preserved Roman tomb of Lucius Munatius Plancus, perched 168 metres above the sea. The tour closes at Nemi, where Rome’s relationship with water turns from commerce and conquest to myth and ritual.
Throughout, archaeology meets living Italy: expert insight on site, rare access to monuments and excavations, and time to enjoy the food and landscapes of one of the country’s most rewarding coastlines.
Monday, March 8: Testaccio & The Tiber
Rome couldn’t see the sea but the sea came to Rome. We begin on the ancient commercial waterfront, walking the travertine quays that once received the wealth of the Mediterranean, before climbing Monte Testaccio: 53 million amphora fragments, the entire supply chain of an empire made into a hill. Walking day.
Meals: Lunch
Tuesday, March 9: Ostia Antica & Portus
The twin hinges of Rome’s Mediterranean economy. We explore Ostia’s forum, thermopolia, and the mosaic shipping emblems of the Piazzale delle Corporazioni, before crossing to Portus — Trajan’s vast hexagonal harbour, still under active excavation, where ocean vessels offloaded their cargo onto river barges bound for the capital.
Meals: Lunch
Wednesday, March 10: Pyrgi (Santa Severa) & Tarquinia
Before Rome, the Etruscans ruled the Tyrrhenian. We visit their sacred port at Pyrgi, where a bilingual treaty buried in gold proves the Mediterranean was already globalised in 510 BCE, before moving to Tarquinia for tomb paintings of banquets, dancers, and an afterlife painted in extraordinary colour.
Meals: Lunch
Thursday, March 11: Anzio & Nettuno
Nero’s coast, and Eisenhower’s. We explore the emperor’s sprawling coastal palace at Anzio before standing on the beaches where Allied forces landed in January 1944, applying the same logic as every commander before them: control the sea, control the land.
Meals: Lunch
Friday, March 12: Formiae & Gaeta
Cicero wrote his final letters on this coast and was killed not far from where he sat. We visit the site of his villa before ascending Monte Orlando to the tomb of Lucius Munatius Plancus — the best-preserved Roman mausoleum in Italy, 168 metres above the Tyrrhenian, its inscription still intact.
Meals: Lunch
Saturday, March 13: Nemi
We return inland, above a volcanic crater lake where Caligula floated gilded palaces for a goddess. We visit the museum holding what remains of those extraordinary ships before climbing to Nemi village for lunch — and, if the season obliges, the wild strawberries the lake has been famous for since antiquity.
Meals: Lunch, Goodbye Dinner
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, an online educational platform showcasing history and pioneering archaeology, and director of the 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
- All gratuities
- 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
- Meals not specified and premium or alcoholic beverages
- Optional activities and expenses
- Hotel Accommodations*
- 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.
$3500 USD
per person
$1750 USD
Deposit
Remaining balance due January 31 2027: $1750
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many participants will there be?
8 to 12 guests, who you’ll meet prior to the trip in monthly group Google Meets hosted by Darius each month (starting in January 2027) where he will discuss the program and field questions.
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. On shorter 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.
Is this an academically credited course? Should I be prepared for testing?
No, this is not a credited course nor will there be testing. Credit is available upon request for additional fee. We will share our curated reading list before you arrive and after your visit, you will receive a Certificate of Participation.
What happens when I submit my deposit?
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 logistics, allergies, itinerary and more. FYI – we are happy to share our suggestions for hotels, transport, and more.
