One of the most organized events in Rome is the Christmas Market in Piazza Navona. Around the square, from December 8th until January 6th, stalls selling sweets, Christmas stockings, toys, gifts and Christmas tree decorations and figurines for a nativity scene are to be found. Visiting the market you can meet clowns, fire eaters, stilt walkers and a host of street performers to enliven the evenings with their shows and Father Christmas and the Epiphany willing to take a picture with you on a sleigh pulled by reindeer stuffed animals. Piazza Navona is not the only organized market in Rome - in many streets and alleys of the city at this time of year, you will find stands and stalls where you may buy everything for your Christmas presents. On December 21st and 28th there is the possibility of attending a Papal Audience combined with a private tour of the Vatican city. If your dates do not fall on either of these dates alternative tours can be arranged for you during your stay in this eternal city.

Rome, the 'Eternal City', is the capital of Italy. The historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Make sure to explore the sites of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. A few blocks away, Old Rome is the center of the medieval and Renaissance periods, with beautiful plazas, cathedrals, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Fountains of Trevi, Campo de' Fiori, Spanish Steps, and plenty of shopping and dining. Just across the river is the Vatican, the Papal City State and its endless treasure troves of sights, relics, and museums, as well as the surrounding Italian neighborhood, Vaticano. Via Veneto leads north into modern Rome to the train station and is lined with glitzy shops and hotels for every budget.

Enjoy a private Airport (Fiumicino/Ciampino) transfer with a private vehicle and driver.

A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

Hotel Artemide (4*) is a 19th-century property overlooking Rome’s central Via Nazionale, 500 metres from the Exhibition Palace and one kilometre from the Trevi fountain. Reception rooms at the Artemide Hotel retain original Art Nouveau features and the restaurant terrace boasts views of Rome’s city centre. Air-conditioned guestrooms feature minimalist or Art Deco-style decor with marble bathrooms and soundproof windows together with Internet access.  Under new Roman law, hotels charge a small amount per traveller per day as a “tourist tax”, which needs to be paid locally through your hotel in Rome. Amounts may vary, but currently the cost is 2EUR per person for 2* & 3* hotels and 3EUR for 4* & 5* hotels. The charges will be added to your bill upon check out and are non-negotiable.

Overnight at Artemide (4*).

Start your tour of the Baroque Rome period with a visit to Europe's longest and widest staircase, The Spanish Steps built by architect Alessandro Specchi in 1721. These steps were dominated by the Christian church in the 18th century to connect the Bourbon Spanish Embassy to the Holy See. Next you will stand in the presence of the majestic and famous Trevi Fountain which stands at 85 feet high and 65 feet wide, it is the largest Baroque fountain in the city. Before leaving, don't forget to make a wish and thrown a coin behind you into the fountain for luck! Time to visit the Pantheon, built as a temple to the ancient Gods of Rome and rebuilt in the early 2nd century AD. Walk through the halls in the footsteps of ancient Roman leaders and other historical figures. Lastly, you will come to Piazza Navona, originally built for the agones or "games" for Rome. The Piazza Navona is now the pride of Baroque Roman architectural and art history. From December 8th until January 6th, stalls selling sweets, Christmas stockings, toys, gifts and Christmas tree decorations and figurines for a nativity scene are to be found. Visiting the market you can meet clowns, fire eaters, stilt walkers and a host of street performers to enliven the evenings with their shows and Father Christmas and the Epiphany willing to take a picture  with you on a sleigh pulled by reindeer stuffed animals. (Please refer to grid above to see if vehicle and driver is included or not - both Guide only and Guide with vehicle and driver are available).

There are so many things to do in and around Rome but here are a few suggestions that you may be interested in; consider a private tour taking in any of the following; the Vatican city, the main monuments and history of Rome, go back in time as you discover the ancient Appian way, visit the Christian or Jewish sites of the city as well as the underground catacombs, visit the magnificent Borghese gallery and Parks, enjoy some exclusive wine tastings, take an excursion into the countryside in a vintage car, enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride as you sip on champagne, or embark on a personal shopping extravaganza with a Shopping Expert. If you feel like exploring outside of Rome you could take a private tour to the Roman castles - picturesque hilltop towns surrounding the city, or go futher afield to the Amalfi coast for the day. Please let your Sales Advisor know if any of these private tours are of interest.

Overnight at Artemide (4*).

Meet the Pope this morning (Available Dec. 7, 14, 21 and Dec. 28th only and subject to confirmation) with a public Papal audience - a very special event in itself, and then enjoy a private Vatican city tour. The centre of Christianity, the Vatican city reflects the artistic and spiritual heritage, which is testimony of 2000 years of faith and culture. Your private Vatican city tour will include a visit of the Vatican Museums with the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and St. Peter’s Basilica. Inside the Basilica it is not allowed to speak at high tone; for this reason your guide will whisper in a microphone and you will be provided with a radio headset to clearly hear the description of one of the biggest wonders of Christianity. (incl. entrance fees of Vatican & Papal Audience). It is possible to see the Vatican crib from December 24th.

Conservative dress is encouraged for attending the Papal Audience, even if you are one of hundreds. Women are recommended to wear dark-colored dresses, with unrevealing necklines and long sleeves, and cover their heads. Shoulders must be covered. Shorts are not permitted, and skirts should fall in length below the knee. Men are recommended to wear conservative business suits or smart attire.

Overnight at Artemide (4*).

Enjoy a private Airport (Fiumicino/Ciampino) transfer with a private vehicle and driver.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).