Italy
Italy at a Slower Pace: The Best of Rome & Florence
Program No. 24818RJ
Explore the iconic sites of Rome and Florence, including the Sistine Chapel, the Duomo, the Colosseum and more, at a slower pace.
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10 days
9 nights
18 meals
8B 4L 6D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
9
Palazzo Pitti, Free Time
Florence
At a Glance
Explore the rich history, culture and beauty of two iconic Italian cities, Rome and Florence, while traveling at a slower pace on this learning adventure. With independent time and relaxed walks built into your itinerary, discover the magic of Italy through its museums, villas and an expert-led after-hours private visit to the Sistine Chapel when the tourists have gone home for the day. Check cultural landmarks off your must-see list while experiencing for yourself the charm and heritage of Italy.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Climbing on and off the bus or vans for city visits, walking up to 2 miles per day and standing up to 2 hours; cobblestone streets and uneven terrain
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Visit the Uffizi Gallery to admire masterpieces like Botticelli's "Birth of Venus," da Vinci's "Annunciation" and Michelangelo's "Doni Tondo."
- Visit the Sistine Chapel after hours, led by an expert.
- Indulge in a delightful wine-tasting experience in the heart of Florence, where you'll savor Tuscany's finest wines.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Rachel Potts
Rachel Potts is a licensed excursion leader in Rome. She graduated from Manchester University with a bachelor's in Philosophy and French, and later studied garden design at the London Gardening School. Having grown up in Rome, she chose to return to Italy and share her knowledge and love of Rome and the surrounding areas.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Rachel Potts
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Rachel Potts is a licensed excursion leader in Rome. She graduated from Manchester University with a bachelor's in Philosophy and French, and later studied garden design at the London Gardening School. Having grown up in Rome, she chose to return to Italy and share her knowledge and love of Rome and the surrounding areas.
Giulietta Seme
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Julieta is a passionate student of history, specializing in the history and culture of her native city of Rome. She studied at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Roma with a concentration in painting before earning a degree in classical archaeology and art history from the Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza." Outside of history, Julieta enjoys hiking beautiful nature trails by the seaside or in the mountains of Italy.
Lara Mattioli
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Lara Mattioli is from Ancona, a city on the eastern Adriatic coast of Italy. She has an advanced degree in communications from the Università degli Studi di Macerata and has been working for many years as group leader in Italy and abroad. Lara studied and worked in Barcelona and Rio de Janeiro where she learned to speak Spanish and Portuguese fluently. When not leading Road Scholar programs in her beautiful country, she loves to travel and pursue her hobby of scuba diving.
Suzanne Myers
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Suzanne Myers originally hails from Lincoln, Nebraska and has been living in Florence since 2011. She has a BA in art history from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota and an MA in art history from Syracuse University. She works as a lecturer for several study away programs in Florence and as a licensed group leader. Suzanne specializes in Italian Renaissance art, but also loves to lecture on a wide range of subjects from the Medici family to the Black Death to Florentine fashion.
Marco A. Ceccarani
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Marco Ceccarani, a native of Assisi, holds a PhD in humanities from the Università degli Studi di Perugia. His field of expertise includes medieval and Renaissance Italian civilization and literature. He has taught for several American universities in the United States and currently teaches in Florence for American university study away programs.
Cristiana Filippini
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Cristiana Filippini was awarded her doctorate from Johns Hopkins University with a dissertation on 11th-century frescoes in Rome. She has also completed specialized study in archeology and art history from the Università degli Studi di Siena, Italy and has taught at the American University in Rome and at Trinity College’s Rome Campus.
Suggested Reading List
(8 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Italy at a Slower Pace: The Best of Rome & Florence
Program Number: 24818
A Room with a View
A classic novel that explores the themes of social conventions, love, and personal awakening. The story follows the journey of Lucy Honeychurch, a young Englishwoman who embarks on a journey of self-discovery during a trip to Italy. While staying at a pension in Florence, Lucy encounters a cast of memorable characters who challenge traditional Victorian values and open her eyes to a world of passion and romance. Through misadventures and unexpected encounters, Lucy must navigate the complexities of her heart and the societal expectations that threaten to confine her. The novel is known for its witty social commentary and beautifully evoked settings, making it a timeless exploration of human emotions and the clash between individual desires and societal norms.
The Medici
Delve into the rise and influence of the Medici family, one of the most powerful and influential dynasties in Renaissance Italy. This book chronicles the ascent of the Medici from their humble beginnings as merchants to their eventual domination of Florence's political, economic, and cultural landscape. Strathern provides readers with an in-depth exploration of the Medici's patronage of the arts, their significant contributions to the Renaissance, and their intricate role in the politics of the time. Through vivid storytelling, the book paints a vivid picture of the Medici family's enduring legacy and impact on European history. It offers a compelling narrative that brings to life the vibrant world of Renaissance Florence and the remarkable individuals who shaped it.
Angels & Demons: A Novel
This thrilling mystery novel follows Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon as he delves into a high-stakes quest to unravel a sinister plot against the Vatican. When a secret society known as the Illuminati threatens to destroy the Vatican City with a stolen antimatter weapon, Langdon teams up with physicist Vittoria Vetra to stop the impending catastrophe. The novel takes readers on a fast-paced journey through Rome's historical and religious landmarks as Langdon deciphers cryptic clues and unravels the mystery while racing against time.
Blue Guide Florence
This guidebook provides in-depth insights into Florence's art, history, and culture. Written by experts, it offers detailed information about the city's renowned museums, churches, and architectural treasures, including the Uffizi, Florence Cathedral, and the Palazzo Vecchio. The guide also covers lesser-known gems, hidden courtyards, and local eateries.
Art in Renaissance Italy
A comprehensive and insightful exploration of the art and culture that defined the Italian Renaissance. The book provides a rich and detailed overview of the period from the 13th to the 16th century, during which Italy witnessed a flourishing artistic achievement. Readers are guided through the major artistic centers of the Renaissance, including Florence, Rome, Venice, and Siena, as they delve into the works of renowned artists such as da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Raphael. The authors offer a deep analysis of the various artistic forms, including painting, sculpture, architecture, and decorative arts, while delving into the social, political, and religious contexts that shaped this remarkable period.
Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling
An engaging exploration of one of the most iconic artistic achievements of the Renaissance era. The book delves into the life and work of the brilliant artist Michelangelo as he undertakes the monumental task of painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican at the commission of Pope Julius II. Ross King provides readers with a behind-the-scenes look at the artistic process, the challenges Michelangelo faced, and the political and religious context of the time. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, the book offers a fascinating glimpse into the creation of one of the world's greatest masterpieces and the genius of the man behind it.
SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome
"SPQR" takes readers on a journey through the history of Rome, from its legendary foundation to its transformation into a mighty republic and later into an empire that spanned three continents. Mary Beard, a renowned classicist and historian, combines her deep knowledge of Roman history with a knack for storytelling to bring this ancient civilization to life. She explores various aspects of Roman society, politics, culture, and daily life while shedding light on the lives of the elite and ordinary citizens. "SPQR" offers readers a fresh and insightful perspective on Rome's enduring legacy and relevance in the modern world.
Blue Guide Rome
This authoritative guidebook delves deep into the history, art, and architecture of the eternal city of Rome. Meticulously researched, this guide provides travelers with comprehensive information on the city's iconic landmarks, such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican, and the Pantheon, while uncovering hidden gems and lesser-known sites. With detailed explanations of the historical and cultural context, this guide enhances visitors' appreciation of Rome's heritage. It also includes practical advice on navigating the city, dining, and accommodations.