Rome - History School Trip

Day 1 - Key sights, Fascism walking tour

Arrive in Rome and transfer to your accommodation by coach. Begin this morning with a guided walking tour of the most famous and inspiring sights in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, such as the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Navona.

After a coffee break, you’ll meet your expert TCBC guide and head out into the city on a guided walking tour of the rise and rule of Mussolini. ‘Il Duce’ planned to restore Italy’s glory, and central to this was the modernisation of Rome, with new buildings and monuments as a testament to the power of the new regime, or “The Third Rome.”

Visit the Imperial Fora, the centre of the Roman Republic and Empire, which was restored by Mussolini. A parade was held here on 6 May 1938 to celebrate Hitler’s visit. Hitler, Goebbels, Hess, von Ribbentrop, and other Nazi officials, joined by the king and queen, Mussolini, Ciano, and other fascist leaders, all watched the two-hour parade from the balcony on Via dei Trionfi. Military units used the Nazi goose step and Mussolini’s “passo romano.”

You’ll also see Ostiense station, reconstructed for Hitler’s visit with fascist iconography, and Foro Italico, a sports centre with a Carrara-marble obelisk erected by Mussolini that bears his name. You'll see the sites that form this complex, such as the Stadio dei Marmi. Part of the Olympic district of Rome, the Stadio dei Marmi sports stadium features 60 marble statues of male athletes.

Return to your accommodation for dinner. You can choose to visit the cinema this evening.

Day 2 - Glories of Third Rome

This morning you’ll have time to explore the EUR district. Esposizione Universale Roma (EUR) was Mussolini’s chosen site for the 1942 World Fair, and work began on creating a space using “Rational Architecture” – modern, exaggerated authoritarian structures that likened themselves to Ancient Rome through their use of the same type of stone as the Colosseum. Explore the district, which stands as an example of fascist town planning, reflecting on the power of its style.

Pause at the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, the headquarters of the Fascist regime. Known as the “Square Colosseum,” the links between Ancient Rome and Mussolini’s vision of the future are striking. Its 216 arches recall Roman architecture, while 28 marble statues celebrate Italian genius. Mussolini hosted Hitler on his visit in May 1938 to underscore the co-operations between the two right-wing extremist regimes.

This afternoon, visit the Fosse Ardeatine Memorial and Museum. A National Monument and Memorial Cemetery, the location became a symbol of the resistance movement after occupying German troops executed 335 innocent youths and adults in reprisal for an attack carried out by partisan fighters in the city centre.

Tonight, dine out at a local restaurant in the city centre and enjoy traditional pasta or pizza.

Day 3 - Ancient Rome and the fall of Mussolini

Your next stop is the Roman Forum, which was at the centre of political and social activity for Roman citizens. You’ll see the remains of the Arch of Titus and the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina. Students can take in the Palatine Hill, the centre-most of the Seven Hills of Rome and one of the most ancient parts of the city. It offers incredible views of the city, including the best view of Circus Maximus.

From here, the focus shifts to Ancient Rome. Visit the Flavian Amphitheatre—an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome. Led by your guide, learn how the largest elliptical amphitheatre of the time was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. You’ll also see the Pantheon, a former Roman temple said to have influenced the design of Hitler's Volkshalle, the planned centrepiece of the new Nazi capital of Germania. Tour the Colosseum to better appreciate its impressive architecture, which was also an inspiration to Mussolini.

Pause at the Vittorio Emanuele II National Monument. Situated in Piazza Venezia, the 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.

From here, it's time to explore the fall of Mussolini. In July 1943, Italy shifted position, Mussolini was voted out of power, and by September the Nazis' nine-month occupation of Italy began. Visit the Historical Museum of the Liberation to explore the period of German occupation of Rome, the persecution of Rome’s Jews, and its subsequent liberation. Located on Via Tasso, the building itself was used by the SS to torture members of the Italian Resistance in the first half of 1944.

Finish with some free time for a gelato, coffee, or souvenir shopping.

Day 4 - Vatican City, Sistine Chapel

Today, travel to Vatican City. This country within a country forms the headquarters of the global Roman Catholic Church. Sights here include the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s masterpiece ceiling. Climb the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica to look over the whole city. Finish with the Vatican Museums.

Later that day, your coach will pick you up from your accommodation and take you to the airport to catch your flight back home after an incredible Rome educational tour.