Gearing up for Rome

I am getting ready to take 11 students on a trip to Italy to visit the world's largest archaeological site: Rome. This trip has been in the works for 10 months and its finally coming to fruition. There is going to be so much to see and do -- I'm trying hard not to over-plan so that we also have plenty of flexibility. Here's my thoughts for a tentative plan:

Sunday, May 22, to Monday, May 23: Travel between Houston and Rome

Tuesday, May 24: Rome in a day

We will take it easy our first full day in Rome. With no planned events, we'll possibly take a bus-tour of the city so we can get our bearings. We'll also take care of business today, go shopping, buy things we need, etc.

Wednesday, May 25: Ancient Rome

We will spend the afternoon in the heart of ancient Rome. We will visit Palatine hill (legendary place where Remus and Romulus were suckled by a she-wolf), the Colosseum, and the Forum (where many of the ancient temples and government buildings were located). Time permitting I would love to visit the Capitoline Museum (The most ancient public museum in the world) and possibly the Palatine Museum as well.

Thursday, May 26th: Borghese Gallery and really cool walking tour

The Borghese gallery is Rome's most well-know art museum (but also contains a fantastic musical instrument collection). After leaving the Borghese we will take a nice walking tour that hits a lot of really interesting places, including the amazing church made of human bones (Capucchin Church of the Immaculate Conception), Spanish Steps, and a few locations featured in Angles and Demons.

Friday, May 27: Venice

A long day trip to the sinking city. We will travel by train, get out and say "ah Venice!" then come home.

Saturday, May 28:

Day trip to Ostia, one of Ancient Rome's oldest colonies (back when "Italy" was considered the frontier!). This ancient city is set in the forest, and one can see a much more thorough glimpse of ancient life than in downtown Rome -- and less touristy. There is also a recently discovered shipwreck in Ostia -- We will find it if we can. If possible, I'd like us to continue on to the coast and spend some time at the beach before coming home.

Sunday, May 29: Rome (Optional: Christian Rome)

I think we'd be remiss if we didn't watch a Roman Catholic mass at some church of great historical significance while we are there. Rome is, after all, the birthplace of Roman Catholicism (and also the extermination of paganism, but we cover that most other days). This might be a good time for Lawhon to give his "Christian Rome tour" where he hits up the sites of importance to early christians. I might lead an alternate group to the Field of Mars. Anyone want to see an Opera at the Teatro Dell'Opera di Roma?

Monday, May 30: Pompei

The famous city destroyed by Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. I personally think that this is an all-day thing and we should just spend the night at Pompeii so we can visit Herculaneum in the morning (Herculaneum is another city destroyed by the same event).

Tuesday, May 31: Herculaneum

Spend some time at Herculaneum and then head back to Rome. Hopefully we can stop along the way and see a few interesting things. Lawhon suggests we take the Circumvenza, a regional train used by the locals, which is apparently a great cultural experience.

Wednesday, June 1: Rome Vatican

Guided tour of the Vatican lead by the Pope himself. If the Pope is not available, we might have to take a different private tour.

Thursday, June 2: Florence

Another day trip, we'll head to the birthplace of the Renaissance. Anyone want to see Michaelangelo's David? Theres a lot of Renaissance artwork to be seen in Florence, and some of the most amazing architecture in all Italy. Also, this is wine country (just saying).

Friday, June 3: Rome (American Academy in Rome)

The American Academy in Rome is the oldest American overseas center for independent study and advanced research in the arts and humanities. We will try to meet with Professor-in-Charge, T. Corey Brennan, who will show us their archaeological study collection.

Saturday, June 4: Rome (shopping)

Our last full-day in Rome is reserved for last-minute shopping.

Sunday, June 5: Paris

Monday, June 6: Arrive Houston

Does that sound over-planned? It might be. I left out a lot of things I want to do, such as underground catacombs, Appian Way, the Pantheon, Circus Maximus, visiting a historically significant synagogue, the Museum of the Roman Ships, and much more. That's enough for now. Stay tuned to this blog to see how far we stray from my plans.

Location:Houston,United States