Overview

Never since the days of Indiana Jones has archaeology had the chance to find a change of image. We at Arts and Travel have dedicated ourselves to the understanding of history and culture and within this we have taken on one of our favorites disciplines, archaeological study.

We believe in really getting in touch with the excavations, the experts who are conducting it and making ourselves useful whilst learning the wonders of ancient civilizations.

We also believe in luxury and the relaxation afforded by the little comforts in life. We think that we should spend the day learning and contributing to archaeology and the evening in a great restaurant discussing the day only to wrap it up in the crisp white sheets of some of the best hotels in the world.

Below is a sample day from an itinerary to Rome we have worked on. We can adapt this itinerary to any of your requirements and to any location in the Mediterranean. At the moment we are producing two great expeditions to Sicily and Pompeii, why don’t you join us?

Typical Day Itinerary

Morning

• A great Breakfast in the hotels private garden
  Our very own secret garden in the very centre of Rome.

Late Morning

• Guided Site Visit
  We begin the day with a guided visit of the beautiful excavation in the centre of Trajan’s Market by the excavation director. This is our chance to ask questions and better understand one of the most important archaeological excavations currently under way in the city.

  Built by the Emperor Trajan, the markets were a commercial center of about 150 shops and offices, set into the side of the Quirinal Hill and completing Trajan's Forum, which it overlooked. Both monumental and functional, it is typical of ancient Roman architecture.

  The semicircular brick building is set into the hill above which are tiers of terraces ascending the slope. At the upper end of the hill, a two-story market hall with a series of groin vaults was lined with shops on either side of a central promenade with a balcony level and clerestory openings above.

Lunch

• Lunch at the wonderful “Angoletto” where we can discuss our morning and look forward to a busy afternoon whilst recharging the batteries.
  

Afternoon

• During this in-depth look at the Column of Trajan with an expert archaeological guide we will get a great overlook of the Trajanic complex in a bid to completely understand the whole area in its wholeness
  

  Trajan's Column is a monument in Rome raised by Apollodorus of Damascus at the order of the Senate. It is located in Trajan's Forum, built near the Quirinal Hill, north of the Roman Forum. It was completed in 113, the spiral bas-relief commemorates Trajan's victory in his military campaigns to conquer Dacia.

  The structure is about 30 meters (98 ft) in height, 38 including its large pedestal. The shaft is made from a series of 18 colossal Carrara marble drums, each weighing about 40 tons, with a diameter of about 4 meters (13 ft). The 200 meter (656 ft) frieze winds around the shaft 23 times.

  According to coins depicting the column, it was originally topped with a statue of a bird, possibly an eagle and later by a statue of Trajan himself. In 1588, it was replaced by a statue of St. Peter (which still remains) by Pope Sixtus V.

Evening

• Private event and Cocktail in the British School at Rome
  A chance to see one of the most important centers for Archaeological study in Europe on the inside. We will get a special talk by the director and enjoy a cocktail with some of the students currently advancing archaeological study in Rome.
  
• Dinner at Penna d’Oca
  The Chef Francesco Tola will be hosting us in his intimate and warm restaurant, where he will personally prepare our menu. The food has a southern Italian flair with Roman influences and is heavily based on the specialties available to him in Rome’s fresh food markets.

Overnight

• Hotel de Russie
  The Hotel de Russie is a luxury five-star hotel located in the heart of the beautiful city of Rome between the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo on the Via del Babuino.
  The hotel is within easy walking distance of Rome's key attractions, fashion houses and Via Condotti. The Vatican City, with St Peter's and the Sistine Chapel, is just a ten-minute walk from the Hotel de Russie while Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain are also within easy access.

  The most unique luxury hotel in Rome, Hotel de Russie provides a stunning feature - extensive, terraced gardens which provide a tranquil oasis amidst the bustle of central Rome where you can dine alfresco or enjoy a peaceful stroll. One of the few Butterfly Oasis - created in collaboration with WWF - is located in the Secret Garden and you can observe these graceful insects, once so common but nowadays extremely rare in inner city gardens. The hotel also has one of Rome's best health clubs and spa with a hydropool, jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish steam bath, beauty treatments and gym.

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