A weeklong journey through Rome’s imperial and papal past
This November, Ancient Rome Live invites travelers to experience the Eternal City like never before with Imperial Palaces & Popes, a new seven-day deep-dive tour exploring the shifting seats of power in ancient and papal Rome. Running from November 16 to 23, 2025, the itinerary is led by ARL’s Darius Arya.
Designed for an intimate group of just 12 guests, the tour moves beyond the usual monuments to uncover the complex layers of Rome’s identity, from the grandeur of imperial residences to the spiritual might of Christian basilicas and the secluded beauty of papal retreats in Lazio’s countryside.
“This tour connects the dots between emperors and popes, showing how the Eternal City has always been a center of authority, belief, and spectacle,” Arya says. “It’s about understanding Rome through the lens of those who ruled it, and how they left their mark on its landscape.”
Imperial Palaces & Popes is the latest in Ancient Rome Live’s growing portfolio of archaeology-rich travel experiences. Past journeys have brought small groups into the heart of Vesuvian Cities like Pompeii and Herculaneum, uncovered the urban layers of Rome in Building a Roman City, and explored the vibrant cultural crossroads of Western Sicily. Arya has also personally led sold-out tours across Southern France and Turkiye.
Coming in 2025, Ancient Rome Live will expand its offerings even further with upcoming itineraries to Egypt, Jordan, and Eastern Sicily in the spring and Tunisia in the fall, giving travelers even more opportunities to explore the ancient Mediterranean with expert guides and rare access.
As with all Ancient Rome Live tours, guests can expect curated site visits, expert conversations, and immersive experiences that go far beyond a typical tourist itinerary.
Spots are limited for Imperial Palaces & Popes, and early registration is encouraged.
More details and booking information are available here:
