Santa Maria Maggiore in Spello

After meeting the staff at the meeting point, you will start your trip to Rome as scheduled. After 1 hour and 15 minutes you will begin your tour with a visit to Vatican. Spend an hour exploring the Basilica's exterior architecture, the St. Peter's Square and the impressive colonnades designed by Bernini. Relax in the comfort of the minibus as you enjoy a panoramic drive through Rome. Start with views of the Lungotevere along the Tiber River, pass by the enchanting Isola Tiberina, and marvel at the historic Circus Massimo, once the largest chariot-racing stadium in ancient Rome. Continue past the majestic Palatine Hill, where Rome was founded and the impressive Arch of Constantin. Step into the heart of ancient Rome with a 40-minute stop outside the Colosseum. As you approach this emblematic amphitheatre, you will be transported back in time to an era of gladiators and lions fights and grand spectacles. The trip by minibus will continue for a third stop just few steps away from the Mouth of Truth, a famous marble mask located in the portico of the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. The tour leader will take you on a short and fascinating walk passing by Piazza Venezia, where you’ll see the impressive Vittoriano monument, also known as the Altare della Patria. This grand structure is dedicated to Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of unified Italy. It also houses the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. You will arrive to the Trevi Fountain, the largest Baroque fountain in the city. Toss a coin into the water to ensure your return to Rome and enjoy the beautiful sculptures that adorn this beloved landmark. There will be a chance to stop here to enjoy a relaxing lunch before continuing with the walk through the city streets. Otherwise, the lunch stop will be at the end of the walk near Piazza Navona. After taking beautiful photos in the most symbolic fountain in Rome, we will continue to the Pantheon, one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings. Admire its enormous dome and the oculus that lights up the interior. Conclude your tour at Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most beautiful and lively squares. Admire the baroque fountains, especially Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere filled with artists, musicians, and street performers. The tour leader will take you to join the minibus to begin the journey back to the port of Civitavecchia at 16:00, to arrive back by 17:30 pm.

Spello, known as one of the most beautiful town in Italy thanks to its wonderful medieval buildings made of pink limestone and colorful flowers, dominates the amazing Umbrian Valley from the slopes of Mount Subasio. Particularly beautiful are the remains of the Ancient Roman city, called “Splendidissima Colonia Julia” (“Most Beautiful Julia Colony”) by Emperor Augustus: imposing walls, majestic city gates and, above all, the Villa of Mosaics, one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the last 20 years. You will visit a wonderful Roman villa, that takes its name from the splendid colorful mosaics that refer to the beautiful Umbrian countryside, depicting wild birds and grape harvest, but also to exotic and fantastic animals, such as panthers and sea monsters. Entering the city through the Roman Porta Consolare (Consular Gate), you will enjoy the fascinating alleys of the medieval Spello and its wonderful churches. In the Church of Sant’Andrea Apostolo you will admire a sixteenth-century masterpiece painted by Pinturicchio, one of the greatest artists of the time, nicknamed “the Little Painter”. This notorious Umbrian artist is also the author of the frescoes of the Baglioni Chapel in the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Maggiore: here you will also admire a splendid floor made of Deruta ceramics and the famous self-portrait of Pinturicchio, discovering all the details hidden in his masterpieces! Finally, enjoy the spectacular Porta Venere, built in Roman times but flanked in the Middle Ages by the mighty Towers of Properzio, and the breathtaking view of the Umbrian Valley!

On board the calessino you will discover the colors and the lights of Spello with a comfortable and fun vehicle! A perfect trip for the enjoyment. Starting from Villa Fidelia, Piazza Kennedy, admiring Porta Consolare and its Torre di Borgo, Porta San Sisto, the Church of Sant'Anna, we will reach Piazza della Repubblica and along Via Giulia we will arrive in Piazza Vallegloria (Monastery of Clarissas). Continuing through the Arco dell'Arce, up to reach the Panoramic Belvedere and the San Severino Church, then go down through the streets of the city centre to admire Porta Venere and the Towers of Properzio, Porta Sant'Angelo and Porta Urbica.