The Tuscan Coast​

Spend today exploring the city on your own. You can step out of Italy while you're still in Rome with a visit to the Vatican, an independent state. The Vatican museums are filled with magnificent art that goes far beyond such well-known pieces as the Pieta and Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling. An optional guided visit can be booked the day before at our hospitality desk.

Today's opportunities are endless. You might visit the Forum, the political and commercial center of ancient Rome when the empire was at its greatest power. Various emperors constructed the temples, monuments and other buildings here over a period of nine centuries. Today you can still see the Curia where the Roman Senate met. Take a walk up the Palatine Hill, where tradition says the first settlers of Rome built their huts under the direction of Romulus, and which was later the home of Caligula, Nero, Tiberius and Domitian. Tour Rome's famous Catacombs, located in tunnels carved out of rock along the Via Appia (“Appian Way”). Or spend an idyllic afternoon in the gardens of the Villa Borghese, one of Europe's most elegant parks. And by all means, do as the Romans do — sip espresso, savor Italian wine and, even in the middle of the rush of modern European life, take the time to enjoy la dolce vita. After a full day of independent exploration, retire to your hotel or perhaps enjoy one of Rome's fine restaurants.

An optional walking tour of Ancient Rome is available today. Highlights include the Coliseum, the Roman Forum, the Capitolio, Marcello Theater and the Jewish Ghetto. This two-hour program may be booked with your VBT hotel representative upon arrival in Rome (it may not be booked in advance of travel). The approximate price is 30 euro per person and includes the services of our local English-speaking guide.

After breakfast* you will transfer to the Rome airport (approximately 40-60 minutes depending upon traffic) for your departing flight**. Please ensure you are waiting in the hotel reception area at the designated time.

* Please note: For guests with early-morning departures, breakfast at the hotel may not be available. Please check with the Front Desk to verify the times that breakfast is served.

**Please note: VBT recommends that you check your transfer time in your “Transfer Reminder.” VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests. If you extend your stay beyond the scheduled program dates, return transportation to the airport will be at your own expense.