Rome - Art & Design School Trip

Day 1 - Renaissance Art and the Baroque period

Welcome to Rome! Begin your journey by transferring to your centrally located accommodation via coach. The focus for today is the art and architecture of Renaissance Rome, immersing students in the works of Renaissance masters, including Michelangelo and Raphael. Rome’s ancient ruins made it a hub for artists studying the classical revival at the heart of the movement.

There are so many museums to choose from. Depending on your focus, we can recommend Palazzo Barberini, part of the National Gallery of Ancient Art, featuring works by Caravaggio, Raphael, and Titian. For those focusing on the 17th and 18th centuries, Galleria Spada’s collection includes Rubens, Dürer, Caravaggio, Guercino, Domenichino, and many others. Or choose Galleria Borghese, a superb collection combining painting and sculptures, ideal for a compact visit. Housed in just 20 rooms, it can be explored in as little as two hours. Begin with a visit to the Borghese Gallery to see Bernini’s sculptures.

Next, head to Vatican City, the heart of the Roman Catholic Church and the Pope’s residence. Start with a visit to the Vatican Museums, home to treasures like the "Laocoön and His Sons" and Michelangelo’s masterpieces. Wow students with a Sistine Chapel tour. Stand in awe of St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest Christian church in the world, built over St. Peter’s tomb. For an unparalleled view, climb the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, overlooking St. Peter’s Square and the sprawling city of Rome, appreciating the blend of art and architecture.

Enjoy a meal in your accommodation before unwinding for the night.

Day 2 - Art and architecture in Ancient Rome

Today, focus on the inspiration for the Renaissance, the art and architecture of Ancient Rome.

Meet your expert TCBC guide and head firstly to the majestic Colosseum, where your guide will unravel tales of gladiatorial contests and grand spectacles that once filled this iconic amphitheatre, an ancient marvel of engineering and design.

Continue to the Roman Forum, the heart of ancient Rome’s political and social life. Walk along the Via Sacra, where Julius Caesar once trod, and explore the Palatine Hill, offering breathtaking views of the city and the ancient Circus Maximus, a site of historical and architectural significance.

Next, give your students time to explore the Capitoline Museum. Situated on top of the Capitoline Hill, this fabulous museum will inspire your students with its excellent collection of Roman statues, inscriptions, and other artefacts. It houses an impressive collection of 14th to 17th-century paintings and some of the oldest sculptures in the world with a focus on important ancient bronzes, ancient Roman statues, medieval and Renaissance art, as well as jewels, coins, and other artefacts.

This evening, experience Rome by night, highlighting the city's stunning nighttime aesthetics. With your expert guide, marvel at the Spanish Steps with their Baroque design, toss a coin into the intricately crafted Trevi Fountain, and stand in awe of the Pantheon’s architectural prowess. Soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Piazza Navona while enjoying the design of Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in world-famous Italian gelato as you wander through the charming streets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 3 - Modern and contemporary art and design

This morning, it’s time to learn about the Third Rome planned by Mussolini and the new school of “Realist” architecture. Heading to the EUR District, you can explore Fascist architecture and modernist design. Start at the striking Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, also known as the "Square Colosseum," where Mussolini's vision for a new Rome intertwines with ancient influences. Explore the Imperial Fora, restored to reflect the Fascist regime's power, and envision the grand parade that marked Hitler’s visit in 1938. Walk down Via dei Trionfi, tracing the steps of history's infamous leaders, and admire the architectural styles that defined an era.

Later on, visit the Vittorio Emanuele II National Monument. Situated in Piazza Venezia, this white marble memorial is dedicated to the founder of unified Italy and is an example of grandiose 19th-century neoclassical architecture. Following WWII, it now incorporates the memorial to Italy’s unknown soldier. Major Italian celebrations are marked here, including Liberation Day (25 April), Republic Day (2 June), and Armed Forces Day (4 November). Take the elevator to the top for a spectacular view across the city, an architectural marvel in itself.

This afternoon, explore modern and contemporary art and design. The National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art houses works by Van Gogh, Monet, Klimt, and many Italian artists. Alternatively, explore MAXXI - National Museum of 21st Century Arts.

Highlights include contemporary art and architecture. The building itself is designed by Zaha Hadid, and you can take a MAXXI audio guide to learn about Hadid’s design as well as the Museum’s exhibitions.

In the evening, head to Parco Leonardo Shopping Mall. Here, you can dine and unwind with a game of bowling and a visit to the arcade, enjoying modern Italian design in a recreational setting.

Day 4 - Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna

Round up your incredible trip with a visit to Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna. This gallery contains works from the 19th century to the present. Among its 20,000 works are expressions of neoclassicism, impressionism, avant-garde, futurism, and surrealism. Students can see works by Giacomo Balla, Umberto Boccioni, Giorgio De Chirico, Marcel Duchamp, and more. The gallery offers inspirational examples in disciplines such as sculpture, installation, and painting, as well as drawing and sketches. With such a broad collection spanning so many movements and disciplines, this visit promises to appeal to each individual as much as it will to your entire group. Allow students free time to sketch and explore.

Later, your coach will transfer you to the airport for your flight home, marking the end of an unforgettable student art and design trip to Rome.