School Classics Trips to Rome, Italy | Educational Trips from Rayburn Tours

The Coliseum

The most famous monument in Ancient Rome, the Coliseum is considered one of the greatest feats of Roman architecture and engineering, seating up to 60,000 citizens. Venturing inside its walls enables students to understand the complex political history behind the ancient remains and can demonstrate the use and abuse of Roman power. An expert, local guide will bring to life the importance of this monument to Imperial Roman power and cruelty for the everyday Roman citizen.

Roman Forum

According to tradition, this site is believed to have played a part in Rome’s history and is included in the stories about Romulus from as early as the 7th century BC and, later, becoming the centre of political and economic activity during the Republic’s supremacy. The Roman Forum answers many questions relating to Roman life at the height of the Empire’s power and throughout its subsequent decline, helping your students to understand more about the social and political implications of living in the Capitol.

Gladiator Training School

Located just outside Rome in stunning surroundings, the Roman Army Training Camp and Gladiator school allows you and your students to get a ‘hands on’ experience which introduces you to the life of a gladiator, their historical importance, where they came from and their use of different weapons.
Handling replicas of weaponry, and wearing authentic armoury and clothing, your group will take part in gladiator training and, for those deemed worthy enough to appear in the arena, a final battle. The opportunity to learn, train and fight as a Roman legionary is learning outside the classroom at its best, providing a deeper understanding and a new and unforgettable dimension to your students' learning experience in Rome.

Palatine Hill

One of the Seven Hills of Rome and the prime residence of the ancient city’s wealthiest residents, the Palatine Hill offers spectacular views of the Circus Maximus, Trajan’s Column and the Roman Forum. The Capitoline Museums house an extensive collection of ancient Roman statues, inscriptions and artifacts. It is also home to famous works of Medieval and Renaissance art, making it an ideal inclusion for a cross-curricular tour!

Ostia Antica Archaeological site

The ancient Roman town of Ostia, once Rome’s principal trading port played a vital role in the commercial development of the Empire. Much of this working town has been excavated to reveal clear similarities with the site of Pompeii. The Roman Theatre, Forum and large baths complex all give a powerful sense of the past. However, it is the smaller domestic details such as the fishmonger's marble slab, the bar with its wares illustrated on the wall and the communal public toilets, which make this site a true hidden gem.

Pantheon

One of the best preserved of all the ancient Roman buildings, the Pantheon was once described by Michelangelo as being of “angelic and not human design”. Originally designed as a temple to the ancient Roman Gods, it was later consecrated as a Catholic church. The large oculus embedded in its huge domed roof permits the only natural light into the building, and it symbolises the union between earth and sky that allows prayer to ascend to the heavens unimpeded.

Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps

One of the most famous staircases in Europe, the Spanish Steps, link the Trinità dei Monti and the Piazza di Spagna. A popular meeting place for Romans and tourists alike, the square at the base of the Steps is dominated by a beautiful Baroque-styled fountain designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The combination of the resplendent Trinità dei Monti overlooking the beautiful Spanish Steps and the Square beyond creates one of the world’s truly beautiful man-made attractions.

The Vatican Museums

The collections in the Vatican Museums include works by some of the world’s finest artists accumulated from around the world by numerous papal leaders. The highlight for most visitors is the Sistine Chapel painted by Michelangelo and commissioned by Pope Julius II della Rovere. The work was completed between 1508 and 1512 and although Michelangelo is reported to have resented the commission, the ceiling and the Last Judgment are two of his finest works. Also available to visit on the tour is the Hall of Maps, Raphael’s rooms and other timeless masterpieces by Da Vinci, Caravaggio and Titian.

The Tiber River Cruise and Ostia Antica

On a cruise down the river Tiber you will see Rome from another point of view. From your departure point at the Ponte Marconi all the way out of the city in the direction of the Mediterranean Sea, you will see how Rome has grown and how the busy centre changes to a lush and beautiful landscape. After two hours you will then arrive at Ostia, once Rome’s chief harbour and where, today, you can visit the excavations of the old town.

On all of our study excursions you have the option of being accompanied by a local expert guide.

All of our tours are bespoke, therefore the itinerary below is simply an example; the duration, educational visits, leisure excursions and accommodation centre used will be selected to match the requirements of your group. Please contact us to discuss your bespoke itinerary.

Day 1

The group arrived in Rome and enjoyed an evening meal at a restaurant near to their hotel.

Day 2

After breakfast, the day commenced with a visit to Ostia Antica followed by afternoon visits to the Coliseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, ending the day at the Capitoline Museums.

Day 3

The day was spent at the Vatican City, taking in PSt. Peter's Square, the Basilica and the Vatican Museums including the Sistine Chapel. A visit to the nearby Castel Sant’Angelo was enjoyed before returning to the hotel for an evening meal at a nearby restaurant.

Day 4

After an early breakfast, the group departed back to the UK.

An optional 'Rome by Night' guided coach tour can be arranged.

Hotel Portamaggiore

This welcoming hotel, located within walking distance of the Coliseum, has comfortable rooms, a bar area and a function room that can be used in the evenings. Students will be accommodated in multi-bedded rooms and staff in singles or twins, all with private facilities.