Rome - Religious Studies School Trip

Day 1 - Guided walking tour

Arrive in Rome and transfer to your accommodation by coach. From here, you’ll meet your expert TCBC guide and head out into the city on a guided walking tour.

Begin your school trip to Rome with a walking tour of iconic religious sites. As you orient yourself in the city, you can visit the four major basilicas of Rome: the Basilica of St. John Lateran, dedicated to John the Baptist and the Cathedral of the bishop of Rome; the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the largest Catholic church dedicated to Mary in the city; the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, the most ancient church in the world; and the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, which holds the Tomb of St. Paul. You’ll also pass the Scala Santa, the stairs that Jesus climbed on his way to his trial before Pontius Pilate, brought to Rome in the 4th century.

As you pass these religious sites, you’ll also take in famous Roman landmarks including the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon (later converted to a church), and the Piazza Navona. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in world-famous tartufo ice cream here as you wander through the charming streets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Finally, head underground to visit the Catacombs of St. Sebastian running underneath the city. Since early Christians faced persecution at the hands of the Romans, they had to bury their dead between the 2nd and 5th centuries in these catacombs as a method for preventing the tombs from being desecrated. You can visit the crypts of the Popes, the tomb of St. Cecilia, and the Cubicles of the Sacraments.

Enjoy a meal in the hotel before unwinding from your travel.

Day 2 - Colosseum, Roman Forum, Mamertine Prison

This morning meet your guide in the lobby and walk to the Colosseum (Flavian Amphitheatre) - an iconic monument of Ancient Rome. Led by your guide, learn how the largest elliptical amphitheatre of the time was used for public spectacles such as gladiatorial contests. Tour the Colosseum to better appreciate its impressive architecture and hear the venue's bloodthirsty stories.

Your next visit is to the Roman Forum, which is, along with the Colosseum, the greatest sign of the splendour of the Roman Empire that can be seen today. The Forum was the centre of political and social activity for Roman citizens. Amongst others, you will see the remains of the Arch of Titus and the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina. Walk along the Via Sacra, where more than 20 centuries ago Julius Caesar walked. 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. Students can see the ruins of the Imperial Palaces and the Hut of Romulus and are treated to the best views of the Circus Maximus. Explore the pleasant gardens or see vibrant frescos in the House of Augustus.

Exiting the Forum Romanum, make a short visit to the Mamertine Prison (Carcere Mamertino). Marking the beginning of Christianity in the Roman Empire, legend has it the apostles St Peter and Paul were imprisoned before their martyrdom. A small altar in the Carcer commemorates St Peter. Underneath the Carcer was a lower section, the Tullianum, that was used as a death row. Used until the 4th century, in the 16th century a church of San Giuseppe dei Falegnami was built on top of Mamertine Prison.

After dining at the hotel, enjoy an evening walking tour of famous sites.

Day 3 - Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Basilica, St Peter’s Square

Today begins with a metro ride to Ottaviano Station for your Vatican City visit. This city-state, surrounded by Rome, is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and home to the Pope. Students can explore the Vatican Museums, which house ancient Roman sculptures such as the famed “Laocoön and His Sons” as well as Renaissance frescoes in the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel, famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling. It is in the latter that bishops meet to select the next pope. The Papal Gallery of Maps contains stunning frescoes of lands of the Catholic Church.

Next, stand in awe of St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest Christian church in the world, built over St. Peter’s tomb. Inside you will find Michelangelo’s famous Pietà statue and Bernini’s Baldachin, along with the Monument to Pope Alexander VII which includes statues of Justice, Prudence, Charity, Truth, and the Angel of Death. Scale the cupola of St Peter’s Basilica for an incredible view of St Peter’s Square and Rome.

Finish your day with an exploration of Rome’s Jewish quarter. The second-oldest Jewish Ghetto (1555), after that of Venice, is located on the Tiber by the Isola Tiberina. The Great Synagogue of Rome details the lives and histories of the Jewish community here. Your guide will explain how this area came to be, with a Papal Bull of 1555 requiring Jews to relocate to this small area which was locked at night.

This evening, dine in the city, sampling traditional pasta.

Day 4 - Ostia Antica

The harbour city of ancient Rome is 20 miles out of the city but is a fascinating visit. Students will enjoy exploring the extensive remains of the Roman town and often prefer it to Pompeii and Herculaneum. Founded in 620 BC, Ostia Antica is now a large archaeological site illustrating Roman urbanism that is not visible within the city of Rome itself. The site is noted for the excellent preservation of its ancient buildings, magnificent frescoes, and impressive mosaics.

In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight home after an incredible religious studies trip.