Tour of Rome Aboard a Vintage Fiat 500

The tour starts from Piazza Venezia where we will admire the majestic Altare della Patria, the tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the beauty of the Roman Forum.

The Tour continues its itinerary towards Trajan's Column, the imposing monument erected in Rome to celebrate the conquest of Dacia (now Romania) by the emperor Trajan. In fact, all the salient moments of the military campaign are recalled on its marble surface.

We will pass in front of the splendid Teatro di Marcello, the theater of ancient Rome, still partially preserved, erected at the behest of the Emperor Augustus in the southern area of the Campo Marzio (known as the Circus Flaminius) between the Tiber river and the Campidoglio.

The Temple of Ercole Vincitore or Ercole Invitto or Ercole Oleario, stands in Piazza della Bocca della Verità in Rome, not far from the Temple of Portuno inside the Boarium forum. Due to an erroneous attribution, which arose during the Renaissance, the temple is sometimes still popularly referred to as the Temple of Vesta; the error is due to its circular shape which makes it similar to the real temple of Vesta located in the Roman Forum. Dating back to 120 BC. approximately, it is the oldest preserved marble building in Rome (the oldest of all was the temple of Jupiter Stator in the portico of Metellus, from 146 BC, now lost).

During the tour we will stop at the legendary Bocca della Verità, an ancient mask in Pavonazzetto marble, walled into the wall of the pronaos of the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin in Rome since 1632. The mask represents a bearded male face; eyes, nose and mouth are pierced and hollow. The face has been interpreted over time as a representation of various subjects: Jupiter Ammon, the god Ocean, an oracle or a faun.

The Circus Maximus is an ancient Roman circus located in Rome. Located in the valley between the Palatine and the Aventine, it is remembered as a place of games since the beginning of the city's history: the legendary episode of the rape of the Sabine women would have taken place in the valley, on the occasion of the games called by Romulus in honor of the god Consus. Certainly the large flat space and its proximity to the landing place of the Tiber where trade took place from the most remote antiquity meant that the place constituted, right from the foundation of the city, the elective space in which to carry out market and exchanges with other populations, and - consequently - also the connected ritual activities (think of the maximal altar of Hercules) and socialization, such as games and competitions.

After discovering the Circus Maximus, we will continue towards the Palatine Hill where we will admire the spectacular Arch of Constantine: the largest triumphal arch of Ancient Rome, located a short distance from the Colosseum. The arch was wanted by the senate who dedicated it to the emperor to honor the "liberator of the city and bringer of peace", partly to ingratiate themselves with him, as indeed they did with every emperor, partly perhaps because he was effectively a valiant leader capable of defend the empire.

After seeing the Palatine Hill, we will pass by the Colosseum and then take a long break with a panoramic view of the majestic Flavian Amphitheater. We will take many photos and sip an excellent glass of bubbles overlooking the Colosseum. Note: the visit is from the outside only

After enjoying a breathtaking view of the Colosseum, we will continue to the vault of the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the four Papal Basilicas of Rome and the only one that has preserved the early Christian structures.

We will go to the discovery of the "Mater et caput" of all the churches of Rome and the world, the Archbasilica of the Most Holy Savior and of Saints John the Baptist and Evangelist, commonly known as San Giovanni in Laterano.

The tour ends at the Giardino degli Aranci, the name by which Parco Savello is indicated, a park in Rome of approximately 7,800 m², located on the Aventine hill, in the Ripa district, from which you can enjoy an excellent view of the city. Note: The remaining time on the tour will be spent commuting between attractions and having free time.