Tours
VATICAN AND SISTINE CHAPEL
The tour will take you to discover the masterpieces that numerous popes have added to enrich the Vatican patrimony: it is a journey through art and history! Thank to our highly experienced guides you will visit the best galleries including the Candelabra gallery where you will see the fresco with the first camera painted in history ; the Gallery of Tapestries and the Maps' gallery where you will walk in 120 meters of corridor to discover the Italian peninsula at the end of the 1500s. You will continue your journey in the unmissable Sistine Chapel with the sublime fresco of Creation and the Last Judgment down into deep mystery and the life of one of the greatest artists in Renaisance. The tour will end with the visit to the biggest Basilica in the world, St. Peter's Basilica, to see Michelangelo's Pietà and its countless beauties. End of the tour in St. Peter's Square with Bernini's big hug and the magic point! MORE INFO
Duration of the tour 4h
On request 3h and / or tour for children
ANCIENT ROME: from republican age to the Colosseum
ANCIENT ROME: from republican age to the ColosseumDiscovering ancient Rome from the Ides of March to the symbol of eternal Rome. We begin the journey from Largo di Torre Argentina where recent research has identified the place of Caesar's murdering, the Pompeo's court, with the most important documents of Republican Rome right here. Continuing along Via Arenula , we walk through the Jewish ghetto, one of the oldest in the world to reach the remains of the Portico di Ottavia , an elaborate architectural complex dedicated by Emperor Augustus to his sister, who from the Middle Ages to the 19th century was the seat of the fish market. Then we move towards the Teatro di Marcello, one of the oldest theatre continuing up to the Capitol hill, the historical acropolis of Rome. The Capitol is still considered the heart of the city. Here overlook the monumental Altare della Patria and the beautiful church of the Ara Coeli. On the square designed by Michelangelo stands the emperor Marcus Aurelius on horseback. Following via dei Fori Imperiali, you reach the Colosseum. The Flavian Amphitheater needs no introduction, but with a guided tour you can discover every secret, such as the use of saffron-scented water sprayers against bad smells, or the velarium, a large curtain system to protect spectators from heat, operated by none other than a special fleet team. Our tour of Ancient Rome ends with the Arch of Constantine, the largest joint to us, built near the Colosseum to commemorate the victory of Ponte Milvio. The presence in the structure of parts belonging to temples and monuments of the most varied eras, makes it an interesting compendium of Roman art! MORE INFO
Duration of the tour 3h (internal visit of the coliseum)
Upon request 4h with entrance to the forum and coliseum
BAROQUE WALK: Squares And Fountains
BAROQUE WALK: Squares And Fountains A city with three thousand-year history, Rome is the cradle of the Baroque, an extraordinary cultural movement that was born in the capital around the third decade of the seventeenth century. The itinerary guides the visitor to discover the most important Baroque works and architecture present in Rome.
Piazza Navona ,a real jewel of Baroque art in Rome , one of the most famous and fascinating places in the whole city with the Fountain of the Four Rivers, a colossal sculpture created by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in 1651; the Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone, designed in the Baroque style by Girolamo Rainaldi and completed by Francesco Borromini; and Palazzo Pamphilj, with the splendid facade. The itinerary continues with a visit to the Pantheon, one of the absolute masterpieces of Roman architecture, and not to be missed is the Church of San Luigi dei Francesi, the national church of the French in Rome, world famous for the fine masterpieces made by Caravaggio in the Contarelli Chapel. Continue on to Piazza Colonna, the TREVI fountain to throw the coin and make a wish, and end with Piazza di Spagna, the fashion district and artists' shops. MORE INFO
Duration of the tour 3h
UNDERGROUND ROME
The Rome we all know is not only the ancient city with a thousand-year history but True Rome is hidden underground, and is a precious treasure that only a few know how to discover and appreciate. Choose your itineraries with us:
- the Roman catacombs on via Appia Antica
- the stadium of Domitian under Piazza Navona
- the undergrounds and arena of the Colosseum
- the Roman houses of the Celio and the Saint Clemens’ basements. MORE INFO
And more on request...ask Romulus and we will customize as a tailor any visit you want
Each tour will last 3h
ROME by NIGHT
Visit with us a romantic Rome at sunset, rediscovering a true and genuine atmosphere walking through the historic center, touching some of the main monuments from the Capitol to the Trevi fountain, Pantheon, the ruins of the Virgin Water aqueduct and breathtaking views of the city from a new panoramic point. Then continue to Piazza del POPOLO and climb up to the Pincio, the terrace of lovers and the great beauties of the eternal city. MORE INFO
Duration of the tour 3h
Surroundings of Rome: the best destinations between art and food
Cerveteri
Home to the famous Etruscan necropolis of Banditaccia, Cerveteri, a town north of Rome, is one of the richest places around Rome from an artistic and archaeological point of view. Also a must do is a tour of the Ruspoli Castle, in the historic center, and the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore.Tivoli
43 kilometers east of Rome, on the slopes of the Tiburtini Mountains, you will find Tivoli, an ancient city dotted with wonderful Roman villas. The most beautiful to visit are undoubtedly Villa Adriana, the splendid Villa d'Este and Villa Gregoriana.Subiaco
One of the most beautiful villages in Italy, as well as a place rich in history: in this village, in fact, the first book in Italy was printed. Another aspect that contributes to making Subiaco wonderful is that it is immersed in the Simbruini Mountains Natural Park. Not to be missed if you are a nature lover!Cervara of Rome
The highest village in Lazio, with its 1053 meters above sea level, which offer a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding meadows and woods. Do not miss a visit to the medieval fortress and to the Church of Maria Santissima della VisitazioneCastel Gandolfo
This city south of Rome is known for the presence of the popes' summer residence, but it is also home to numerous other wonders, such as villas, period residences and interesting archaeological sites, such as the Emissary of Lake Albano and the remains of the Villa of DomitianAriccia
If you want to taste the most typical dishes of the region, Ariccia is the hamlet that will satisfy your palate. Part of the Castelli Romani, Ariccia is famous for the presence of the typical "fraschette", where you can taste bruschetta, amatriciana pasta and porchetta, as well as sip the Castelli wine. But there is not only food in Ariccia! We recommend a visit to the Monumental Bridge and to Bernini's two masterpieces, Palazzo Chigi and the Collegiata Maria Santissima in Cielo.San Felice Circeo and Sabaudia
San Felice Circeo is a small town located on a promontory overlooking the sea, full of clubs and restaurants very popular in the summer. From the slopes of the promontory, towards Rome, you will find instead the wide and beautiful beaches of Sabaudia, dotted with establishments that offer food, snacks and aperitifs every day. The beaches are clean and enjoy breathtaking sunset views. For the more sporty, we recommend taking part in one of the water sports activities offered by the establishments, taking a walk on Mount Circeo and visiting the caves located on the promontory.Terracina
The main attractions of Terracina are undoubtedly the beaches and fresh fish. However, one cannot fail to mention the fascinating Temple of Jupiter Anxur, an ancient Roman temple located on Monte Sant'Angelo, visible from miles away, which contributes greatly to the fame of this location. It is also worth taking a tour of the historic center, especially in the Town Hall Square, where you will find the city's cathedral and an archaeological museum.Sperlonga
Sperlonga seems a painting, with its beautiful white houses perched on the promontory, interspersed with terraces and stairways. In addition to enjoying the beaches and clean water, we also recommend a visit to the remains of the wonderful villa of the Roman emperor Tiberius.Gaeta
Gaeta is a seaside resort loved by both the Romans and the Campania region, with seven beautiful beaches for all tastes. Do not miss a visit to the Split Mountain, with its rift that reaches up to sea level, and the Grotta del Turco. Here too you will find exceptional fish and shellfish, cooked in tasty local dishes. Food and relaxation, everything you need for your holiday.
During his existence Francesco went several times to Verna. The first time dates back to around 1214 when he wants to see for himself the mountain donated by the local feudal lord, Count Orlando Catani, who, struck in the heart by the words of Francis during a sermon, offers it to him for the "health of his soul" . The Fioretti narrate that the Saint, having arrived at the foot of the mountain, sees "a great multitude of birds approaching them, which with singing and flapping wings, all showed a great celebration and joy", joy interpreted as a sign of divine gratification: "I believe, dear brothers, that our Lord Jesus Christ likes it, that we live in this lonely mountain".
ORVIETO
ORVIETO The city is known for having one of Europe's most architecturally important Cathedrals, the 14th-century Orvieto Cathedral.
Orvieto is an old town located on a tufa outcrop . The city is mostly known for its Duomo (Orvieto Catherdral) and is considered one of the most architecturally important in Europe for its Etruscan roots, and for the museums where one finds collections and displays that range over 2,500 years of history. During this tour you will walk through Orvieto’s charming, narrow alleys, and small squares. Your tour will be a very memorable experience, perfect for reflecting over while you enjoy an Umbrian meal and a glass (or two) of Orvieto Classico wine (not included). MORE INFO
PERUGIA
The marvelous town of art, culture and the chocolate! Passing through Rocca Paolina, by escalators you can get in this medieval enclosure section and get directly to the heart of the city. To visit Perugia means living a multi-sensory experience rich of museums, artistic crafts ,smell of typical cuisine and views of the Umbrian valley.
Five are the districts of Perugia, spreading like if they are almost an hand’s fingers : series of uoand down streets, alleys, stairways, underground pathways by fragments of Etruscan presence and History. You will hear talking about the lives of Renaissance masters as well as Raphael, Pinturicchio, Perugino and many other attractive things you can discover just visiting it . MORE INFO
ASSISI
ASSISI Assisi is one of Italy’s most famous pilgrimage site. Stroll through medieval streets, and visit the Basilicas of Santa Chiara and St. Francis to follow the foot steps of Saint Francis .
Located on a gentle hill beneath the summit of Monte Subasio, the fabled Umbrian town of Assisi is the most famous pilgrimage site in Italy, a consequence of being the birthplace of Saint Francis. Born in the village of warm pink stone in 1182, Francis founded the mendicant Franciscan order to which he gave his name in 1210. Prior to his birth, Assisi had been settled by ancient Umbrian tribes, and later became a Roman town.
Thanks to this rich history and blend of incredible architecture and art, it’s a multi-sided town. Discover all its facets on one emotional 3-hour walking tour, stopping to pay particular attention to the 2 churches of the Basilica of Santa Chiara and Saint Francis upper and lower including frescoes and paintings by Cimabue, Giotto, Lorenzetti and more- MORE INFO
LA VERNA
LA VERNA La Verna thus becomes one of the hermitages in which Francis loves to spend long periods of retreat every year, in prayer and penance. But La Verna is above all the place where, on 17 September 1224, the feast of the exaltation of the cross, Francis' prayer to be able to participate in the passion of Christ is heard.
Never in history had such a thing happened: Francis, even externally, is an image of Christ, his body is marked by the same wounds as the Crucifix. The miracle of the stigmata is also remembered by Dante in Paradise: “In the raw stone between the Tiber and the Arno
from Christ he took the last seal that his limbs bear two years " Paradiso, canto XV v. 106/108
On September 30 of that same year, Francis left the sacred mountain for the last time and went to the Sanctuary of Verna, surrounded by a rich forest that protects its precious treasures of art and faith, starting with the church of Santa Maria. It contains important masterpieces of art, including the Annunciation by the sculptor Andrea Della Robbia. It is accessed from the Piazzale del Quadrante, so called because of the sundial, the solar clock engraved on the wall of the bell tower. The Quadrant is paved and surrounded by a stone wall, in the center a large wooden cross stands out towards the sky and opens the gaze on the splendid panorama of hills and meadows of the Casentinese. It is these beauties of creation that attract Francis, who in particular loved to gather in prayer and meditate on the Passion in the solitary cave of the Sasso Spicco.
Going up from the Sasso Spicco, you can visit the Cappella delle Stimmate, built in 1263 at the point where Francesco receives the stigmata. The precise place is indicated by a red marble frame and protected by a glass plate just in front of the altar. MORE INFO
GUBBIO
GUBBIOGubbio, the city that first, at the beginning of 1207, welcomed the Poverello admiring his virtues and recognizing in him a man sent by God. In that winter, Francesco arrived at Porta S. Pietro (now Porta Vittoria) and headed without hesitation towards the home of friends Spadalonga, in Piazza del Mercato, where he is warmly welcomed, refreshed and covered with a tunic made of a poor and rough, gray colored fabric, which will represent the first habit of the Franciscan Order. From here begins his life as a "new man" approaching the most needy people. There are various theories on the arrival of the future saint in Gubbio: it is possible that Francis chose it because of the presence of many hospitals, hospices and welcoming places for the poorest, whose existence indicated the singular "pietas" of the eugubines; or, departing from Assisi, he directed his friend Giacomello Spadalonga, with whom he had spent a period of prison in Perugia; last, but not least, the fame of Sant'Ubaldo, bishop of Gubbio and great reformer of the church, who died fifty years earlier.
The hospital where Francesco treats lepers is that of San Lazzaro a few hundred meters from the Church of Vittorina which, together with the churches of San Francesco and San Francesco della Pace, is one of the most suggestive and loved places of Franciscanism. The Umbrian town, gently nestled at the foot of Mount Subasio, is the place where Francesco was born and spent his carefree and worldly youth. Son of the rich textile merchant Pietro di Bernardone, Francesco is educated in Latin and French and destined for the "lucrative business activity". MORE INFO
PIETRALUNGA
PIETRALUNGA Pietralunga, founded by the ancient Umbrian populations and destroyed in the period of the barbarian invasions, was rebuilt on today's hill in the 7th century. The town retains the appearance of a medieval village, surrounded by walls and gathered around the pentagonal Lombard fortress erected in the 8th century. The construction of the Pieve di Santa Maria, today the parish church of Pietralunga, with a beautiful Romanesque portal can also be traced back to this period. The church has a single nave, simple and unadorned, interrupted only by large ridges that support the pointed vaults. Remarkable chromatic and harmonic effects in the figures of the martyrdom of San Sebastiano, fresco attributed to Raffaellino del Colle. The name derives from PRATALONGA, due to the extensive pastures that surrounded the territory.
Pietralunga is an important stop on Francesco's frequent pilgrimages from Assisi to Gubbio and Verna, given that an important medieval road passed through Pietralunga which connected the Adriatic to the Tyrrhenian side.
On the way stop in a local restaurant to taste special local food at Hotel Candeleto Restaurant and for a rest on poolside in a spell atmosphere in a great green area. MORE INFO
WHY NOT BY BIKE ? WHY NOT ON HORSE ? OR BY CAR ?
Bicycle Path
With a few small variations from the walk, Francesco's path can also be traveled by mountain bike. For road bikes, however, we recommend following the suggested route for cars.The long ride to Assisi starts from the wonderful sanctuary of Verna, immersed in the silence and peace of a beech and fir forest. The route is immediately uphill until you reach the highest point of the path, the top of Mount Calvano (1254m), characterized by an immense meadow between Casentino and Valtiberina. Then a long descent, about an hour from the start, leads to the village of Pieve Santo Stefano (432m), located in a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains. From here the route to the hermitage of Cerbaiolo (861m) is very demanding, it is almost two hours uphill, with a short stretch in which you are forced to get off the saddle and accompany the bike by hand. But it's worth it: the hermitage, less known than La Verna.
From here a short but tough climb leads to Citerna (480m), a town located on a hill from which you can enjoy a wonderful panorama of the Tiber valley. Not even an hour of pedaling to go down to the next destination: Città di Castello (288m), which still preserves precious treasures of art and culture within the sixteenth-century walls.
The route now heads towards Pietralunga, alternating stretches of paved and unpaved road, and without any particular difficulty, in about three hours, you get to Pietralunga (566m), perched on top of a hill and immersed in the green woods of the Apennines Umbrian - Marche.
A new climb leads to Gubbio (522m), one of the cities most dear to the saint. Rich in Franciscan history, art and memories, the city deserves a day off to visit the many monuments and ancient churches. In this city Francesco met the Wolf.
From Gubbio, along a stretch parallel to the highway you reach the bridge over the Saonda stream and continue straight on the state road for a short distance. After passing a farm, the paved path starts uphill in the hamlet of Colonnata on the opposite side. After almost an hour, you meet the road (637m) that comes from Vallingegno, on the right you can admire the castle and higher up the abbey of San Verecondo di Spissis, where St. Francis sought refuge after the assault by the brigands.
The road leading to the abbey is not feasible by mountain bike, therefore, if you want to visit Vallingegno, the only alternative is to take the state road at the previous crossroads in Mengara and, after visiting the abbey, go back to resume the pathway.
From the Vallingegno crossroads, you continue pedaling for half an hour until you reach the hermitage of San Pietro in Vigneto (462m). Restored and made functional by the hermit Father Basilio Martin, it is a place of profound spirituality and peace. At the bottom of the hermitage descent, do not turn right following the walkers' itinerary but go straight to the banks of the Chiascio. Follow the river dam to a crossroads, where you turn right, thus taking the signposted route again. Arrived after about an hour, at the crossroads of Coccorano, after crossing the bridge, go up to Valfabbrica and continue to Assisi. MORE INFO
The horse trail
The Path of Francesco, in the stretch that runs between the beautiful hills of Gubbio and Assisi, can also be traveled on horseback on the same track accessible by mountain bike. It is recommended to embark on this adventure of the spirit by wearing the cap, the protective "helmet" for horse riders, and wearing appropriate shoes to tackle even small stretches on foot, where the most luxuriant vegetation should not allow you to ride the animal.The path by car
It is possible to visit the suggestive Franciscan places, from La Verna to Assisi passing through Gubbio, by car. On four wheels, reducing travel times, you can choose to go to see other cities, castles and hermitages which, although not located directly along the path, are worth a visit. By car, it must be said, you lose the magic and charm of the pristine nature so loved by the Poverello, you don't enjoy the silence of hills full of vegetation and contact with those dirt roads where Francesco's bare feet touched the ground, but however, it is a way to discover the life of the Saint up close.The journey always starts from Verna, the Franciscan Golgotha, where the Saint receives the Sacred Stigmata. After visiting the wonderful sanctuary, you can continue on the provincial road 208 and, after about 20 minutes, reach the village of Pieve Santo Stefano, located in a splendid valley surrounded by mountains. Here it is worth visiting the hermitage of Cerbaiolo, perched on a hill (to get there, you need to leave the car and continue on foot in the last and steep stretch). The hermitage, less known than La Verna, is equally impressive and the glance pleasantly surprises the visitor. A quarter of an hour from Pieve Santo Stefano, there is Caprese Michelangelo, which, located in a splendid natural setting, recalls Francesco's moved greeting at the sacred mountain of La Verna at the hermitage of the Casella.
Another important stage of the Tuscan journey of San Francesco is the medieval town of Sansepolcro.
Before leaving Tuscany, one must not pass through Anghiari (10 minutes from Sansepolcro) and the castle of Montauto (30 minutes from Sansepolcro). Among the most beautiful villages in Italy, Anghiari tells the story of Francesco's passage through the church of the Cross. Once in Umbria, we find Citerna on a hill with a splendid panorama of the valley crossed by the Tiber. Five minutes from the Umbrian town, Monterchi is worth a visit, made famous by the presence of a masterpiece of art: the fresco of the Madonna del Parto by Piero della Francesca, an artist who repeatedly immortalized those lands in his paintings.
20 minutes from Citerna, stands Città di Castello where Francesco, as the biographers tell, performs many miracles. Continuing towards Gubbio, you can visit Umbertide (not located directly along the path), Pietralunga (half an hour from Città di Castello) . Known for the famous wolf, Gubbio presents many Franciscan memories, in its ancient churches, abbeys and hermitages. In the city, the church dedicated to the saint and the church of Vittorina, where the meeting between Francis and the Wolf was held, is worth visiting. A few kilometers from Gubbio, along the path that leads to Assisi, in the splendid Chiascio valley, you can admire the abbey of Vallingegno, where Francesco sought refuge after the attack by the brigands. A half hour's drive from Gubbio leads to the small town of Valfabbrica, crossed by Francesco's path. Near Valfabbrica, there are the suggestive castles of Coccorano and Giomici.
Once in Assisi, there are many places related to the life of the Saint: Spiritual strongholds of Franciscanism are the Porziuncola of Santa Maria degli Angeli and the basilica of San Francesco.
Known for its landscapes, history and art legacy. It is regarded as the cradle of art and Renaissance with its well known museums, villages and bucolic countryside.
A part from the most famous places, we want to guide you in the most seret and vibrant part of Tuscany full of fun and interest.
FLORENCE
The cradle of Renaissance with us. A real human size city , so compact that you can enjoy its beauties in just one day , walking on the river bank of the Arno and strolling directly to piazza del mercato, to play the game to the wild boar, then trough the medieval streets flanking the historical , palazzi, you get at piazza della Signoria with the Neptune fountain, and many of the statues intriguing us like Medusa and Perseus. Then strolling through Ponte Vecchio that shows us the best of jewellers’ crafts like a live gallery of golden treasures, you reach palazzo Pitti, and hear more about the powerful Medici family and the Duomo where you can appreciate the amazing chuech and the Battistero. MORE INFO
“ACQUA VILLAGE” Cecina and Follonica
Let's start with one of the most popular attractions during the summer and expected during the winter: the Cecina and Follonica water parks!
With 7 pools and 2 kilometers of slides in total, everyone will love these corners of Hawaii, their surfing hills, pools with artificial waves, waterfalls and sensory showers!
The sword in the Stone
Is your child a cartoon lover? Didn't you miss even a Disney classic?
Here's how to transform a cultural trip into a fun adventure for the little ones: the Abbey of San Galgano, in addition to its beautiful church without a ceiling, also houses the famous sword in the rock, the same that the young king Arthur managed to extract in front to the amazed eyes of the knights.
Find out more about this story here. MORE INFO
THE TAROT GARDEN OF CAPALBIO
A few kilometers further south, towards Capalbio, Tuscany preserves a mysterious, magical and spiritual garden, inspired by Gaudì's Park Guell in Barcelona: the Tarot Garden.
Its author Niki de Saint Phalle began construction in 1979 together with her husband, building 22 monumental structures in reinforced concrete and covered with mirrors, glass and ceramics of all colors over the years.
The immense statues depict, as the name suggests, the arcana of the Tarot, or the most esoteric and symbolic characters of the deck of playing cards: the Popess, the Magician, the Emperor, etc.
The Tarot Garden is located less than 2 hours from the Villages and is the ideal place to inspire the imagination of your children. MORE INFO
THE HANGING GARDEN
And the time has come to turn into Tarzan with the acrobatic paths of the Adventure Park, the Hanging Garden, very close to the Villages. The activities organized in the park are many and of various difficulties: expert instructors and devices for your protection, such as helmets and harnesses, will make the experience even more fun and safe.
You will experience the thrill of sliding from one tree to another through a system of pulleys, crossing bridges suspended in the woods and hanging on lianas like monkeys!
During the summer season, the park is open every day from 10:00 until sunset. MORE INFO
THE GALLOROSE PARK
The Gallorose Park is a green oasis that extends over 5 hectares and hosts animals from all over the world up to the traditional ones of the Tuscan farm, enhancing awareness and respect for the diversity between species. Red kangaroos, giant squirrels and lemurs from Madagascar: these are just some of the encounters you can have inside the park. If you want to let your children discover the wonders of nature, don't miss a visit to the park, just 15 minutes from Montescudaio and 30 from Park Albatros! MORE INFO
THE LIVORNO AQUARIUM
Staying on the subject, there is another mandatory stop for lovers of the animal world: the Aquarium of Livorno, the largest in Tuscany! With 33 tanks and various edutainment activities, the aquarium houses many different species of aquatic animals, from turtles to jellyfish, to blacktip sharks.
Furthermore, since 2018 the family has expanded making room for leaf-cutting ants, social and responsible insects, with very specific habits and tasks.
The facility is open all year round and is less than an hour from the Villages. MORE INFO
Cavallino Matto from Livorno
We close with a classic for the little ones: the Cavallino Matto amusement park.
Inside there are 30 attractions divided by theme and age, from those for children to the most adrenaline ones such as the Shocking Tower or the Freestyle rollercoaster.
Completely immersed in the green of the Tuscan pine forest, the park is located in Marina di Castagneto, less than half an hour from both Park Albatros and Montescudaio.
Now you can be sure that your vacation will be anything but boring! MORE INFO
