Take a walk past Rome's most beautiful and unusual Baroque fountains. At the foot of the Spanish Steps, elegant cafes surround the central fountain. The water pressure here was so low that the artist had to sink the fountain into the ground to get any water going through it, so he went ahead and designed the fountain to look like a sinking ship. There's no shortage of water pressure at the nearby Trevi Fountain, a Baroque extravagance designed by master sculptor Bernini.

View the Trevi Fountain, where it is traditional to toss a coin into the fountain to ensure a safe return to the Eternal City.

We will spend some time in the Piazza Navona area. Built on the foundations of Domitian's Circus, this magnificent square was designed by Borromini in 17th century. It is full of life and is highlighted by one of Rome's most spectacular fountains, the Four Rivers designed by Bernini. The square is often filled with local artists. The surrounding neighborhood is also one of the best places in Rome to get a tasty tartufo or gelato ice cream

Visit Santa Maria Maggiore. One of Rome’s four patriarchal basilicas, the church dates back to the 5th century. Along with its Baroque interior and Romanesque bell tower, the basilica is noted for a cycle of mosaics from the 5th century that decorate the arch and nave, depicting biblical scenes.

Gods and gladiators, glory and gore. Ancient Rome lives on in its spectacular monuments, flavoring the frenetic present with tastes of the past. Don a space-age Whisper headset to get the inside scoop on the most spectacular, the Colosseum, a grisly battle arena that seated more than 45,000. An enormous retractable roof awning system kept spectators cool on sunny days. The nearby Forum provides a glimpse into everyday ancient life, with markets, meeting places, and temples all combined into one vast space.

The Colosseum, considered to be the greatest symbol of Ancient Rome's power and glory, was completed under Titus in 80 A.D. The Colosseum could hold 55,000 spectators, on a par with many of today's modern sports stadiums. Among the sights included is the Arch of Constantine, a triumphal arch finished in 315 A.D., commemorating the victory of Constantine I over Maxentius in the year 312 A.D.

Tour the ruins and excavations of the Roman Forum, which features the remains of magnificent temples, basilicas, and triumphal arches that once formed the heart of the Empire.

Visit St. Peter’s Basilica, with its vast colonnades that seem to embrace the world. Inside, admire Michelangelo’s soaring dome, rising 452 feet above the ground, and his renowned Pietà. Then step into the Sistine Chapel, where the artist reluctantly painted frescoes that today stand among the world’s greatest masterpieces. Please note that the Sistine Chapel portion of the visit is unguided and will be explored independently.

One of the finest collections of Renaissance sculpture in Italy, the Bargello contains works by all of Florence’s heavy hitters: Michelangelo, Donatello, Ghiberti, Brunelleschi. See Michelangelo’s early Bacchus (tipsily swaying after a bit too much celebrating), Donatello’s bronze and marble Davids and revolutionary St. George, and Ghiberti and Brunelleschi’s entries for the competition to design the city’s baptistery doors. (Ghiberti won, which freed Brunelleschi to design the famous dome of Florence’s cathedral.)

Explore Florence’s rich history on a guided walking tour through its medieval and Renaissance heart. Learn about the Baptistery’s role in civic and religious life, the Church of Santa Croce as the burial site of Italian icons like Michelangelo and Galileo, and the Duomo’s architectural significance as a symbol of Florentine ingenuity. Cross the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval bridge that has survived centuries of change, once home to butchers and now lined with goldsmiths.

Stroll along the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest of Florence's six bridges and one of the best-loved sites of Florence. Lined with numerous shops, visitors often do not realize they are on a bridge until the reach the center arches that look out over the Arno.

Founded in 1563, the Accademia in Florence is one of Europe’s earliest institutions dedicated to training artists in drawing, painting, and sculpture. Today it’s best known as the home of Michelangelo’s David, the towering Renaissance masterpiece that captures the biblical hero at the moment of poised determination. The museum also showcases works by other Florentine masters, offering a deeper look into the city’s artistic legacy.

Bring your appetite with you and cook up a traditional Florentine meal. With our chef as our guide, we will prepare some traditional Italian dishes and learn about Italian culture through the art of cooking.