The prestige of Ancient Rome, the beauty of the Renaissance and the power of Fascist Italy: Rome has been at the heart of human history. Setting trends in language, breaking convention in art and witness to tidal waves in politics and philosophy, it is as always, Roma invicta!
Rome - Cultural School Trip
- 3 days
- +1
- Italy
- Approx. 2hrs
- Guided walking tour
- Colosseum
- Roman Forum
- Vatican City (Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Square, St Peter’s Basilica)
- "Rome under Mussolini's rule" walking tour
For the latest travel advice, including passport and visa information, visit the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website
Sample itinerary
This sample itinerary is offered as a guideline. The trip focus, length and itinerary/activities can be tailored to meet your learning objectives.
- Day
Day 1 - Fly to Rome, Guided Walking Tour
Welcome to Rome! Begin your journey by transferring to your centrally located accommodation via coach. Meet your expert guide and set off on a captivating walking tour of Rome’s most iconic sights. Marvel at the Spanish Steps, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, stand in awe of the Pantheon, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Piazza Navona. 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.
Next, visit Via del Corso. This main street forms an absolutely straight channel through the labyrinthine alleys of ancient Rome. At approximately 10 metres wide, it was considered a wide street in ancient times. It links the northern entrance gate to the city, the Porta del Popolo and its piazza, the Piazza del Popolo, to the heart of the city at the Piazza Venezia, at the base of the Capitoline Hill. On the north side of Piazza del Popolo, you can visit the Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo, which contains artwork by several famous artists.
Finish with a visit to the Vittorio Emanuele II National Monument. Situated in Piazza Venezia, this white marble memorial is dedicated to the founder of unified Italy. 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.
This evening, head to Parco Leonardo Shopping Mall. Here, you can dine and then unwind with a game of bowling and a visit to the arcade.
Day 2 - Ancient Rome and the rise and fall of Mussolini’s Third Rome
Begin your day at the majestic Colosseum, where your guide will unravel tales of gladiatorial contests and grand spectacles that once filled this iconic amphitheatre.
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.
This afternoon, embark on a riveting exploration of Rome under Mussolini's rule. Discover how the fascist leader took the architecture of Ancient Rome and reinvented it into modernist “Realist Architecture.” 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 architectural 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.
This evening, you can enjoy Rome by night. Take a guided coach tour or walk with our expert TCBC guide to see the sights in a more romantic light.
Day 3 - Rome in the Renaissance and Baroque period
Today is dedicated to the art and architecture of Renaissance Rome, from the mid-15th to mid-16th centuries. Students are treated to 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. You could explore and stay in the city, visiting the Borghese Gallery for the works of Bernini, Caravaggio in the Capitoline Museums, and the Mostra di Leonardo for the machines and inventions of Leonardo Da Vinci.
Alternatively, make a full-day visit 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 in the Sistine Chapel. 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.
Later, your coach will transfer you to the airport for your flight home, marking the end of an unforgettable journey through Rome’s ancient and modern legacies.
Day 4 - Free time, Flight home
Depending on flight times, you could finish your trip by visiting a museum of your choice or simply relaxing with coffee in Rome’s beautiful public squares.
Later, your coach will transfer you to the airport for your flight home, marking the end of an unforgettable journey through Rome’s ancient and modern legacies.
What’s included
Full TCBC support from the moment you book until you return home
Full itinerary flexibility to ensure the perfect tour for your students
We'll source the best available flights based on your school's location
You'll have all our necessary contact details to hand should the need arise
Knowledgeable TCBC guide ready to bring your walking tours to life
Detailed itinerary, with all entrance fees included, no hidden costs
Return flights, 1 piece of hold luggage per person, airport taxes and security charges and ATOL Protection Contribution
Airport transfers upon arrival and departure. We can also arrange your UK airport transfers if you wish
Experienced local TCBC guide in Rome for your included tours
One-way metro tickets are included for guided walking tour of Rome main sights
2 nights' hostel accommodation, with multi rooms for students and single rooms for teachers
Breakfasts and dinners daily at hostel, but we can arrange meals in local restaurants if preferred
Guided tours of Rome main sights, Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill, Vatican Museums
There will be no hidden costs on tour, everything will be clearly explained before departure
24 hour emergency contact details of TCBC's office and your local guide's mobile number
The normal free staff place ratio is 1:10 but this is flexible and we'll work to whichever ratio you require
Please check at school to ensure you are covered by an adequate travel insurance policy which we will need to see a copy of. We can help you source cover if you need
We generally don't include lunches unless requested. We prefer to let the students explore the local options and choose for themselves
If you feel you have received excellent service, then our local guides and drivers will appreciate being tipped. Guidelines will be outlined in your quote
Event availability isn't usually known at the time of booking. We will inform you of options and ticket prices closer to departure
Reasons to travel with us
We honestly believe we are the best in what we do. We'd love the opportunity to show you.
Safety & reliability
The safety of all our travellers is our number 1 priority. We have a robust Safety Management System in place to ensure that our tours are run to the high levels you expect.
Experience & expertise
We have years of experience in planning school tours. Our expertise lies in our organisational skills, attention to detail and an understanding of what you need to make your trip a success.
TCBC local guides
Our guides are our greatest assets and consistently lauded. Highly experienced, knowledgeable and trustworthy, most are hand-picked and have worked with us for years.
Complete peace of mind
Our accreditations (ATOL, ABTA, STF, LOtC) provide you with the reliability, assurance and financial security expected from a specialist tour operator.
Customer
service
Our dedicated team is on hand to offer help and advice at every stage. We are positive you will be impressed with the high level of service you receive from us.
Flexibility & customisation
We customise every trip to suit your needs and offer maximum flexibility in planning your itinerary. We won’t rest until we get it right!
The personal touch
Getting to know our clients is very important to us. It’s very likely therefore that you’ll meet one or several of us at some point, either at school before departure or on the tour itself.
Total transparency
We include as much as possible in our quotes and are very transparent about what is and what is not included. There will be no hidden or surprise costs.
Pre-departure support
We understand how much work goes into planning a school trip. You will be dealing with the same people throughout the pre-departure process allowing us to respond quickly and accurately.
Repeat business
99.9% of teachers are so happy with our tours and our service that there is no need to travel with anyone else. We are confident you will feel the same way.
TCBC has a family run feel about it and provides a personal touch that many large scale school tour operating companies cannot replicate. The trip was outstanding in my view and cements the high regard in which we at the history department hold your company.