RME-09 ROME WITH KIDS

Rome is more than history and art books tell us. Its ancient ruins, Baroque Churches and museums make it fascinating for the adults, but children too can have their share of entertainment if you know where to look. The city offers a wide range of child-oriented activities and we would be happy to be your driver guides.

Meet your driver in the lobby of your hotel in rome. Our first stop will be St. Peter's basilica where your will be able to climb Michelangelo's famous dome. Prepare yourselves for a challenging but unforgettable experience: 551 steps or if you want to take the elevator 'only' 320 steps up a narrow hallway will take to the top of the Dome where you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of Rome and the Vatican.

Next we'd suggest the visit of Sant'Angelo Castle , a place of mystery and intrigue and one of the coolest museums for kids. Originally built as a mausoleum for the emperor Hadrian, this labyrinthine castle has served over the centuries as a fortress, prison and papal safe house. The museum, along with its 58 splendid rooms, ramps, ramparts, cannon, and terraces is open everyday, except Mondays, while the castle's moat is a wonderful park with green spaces and some play equipment for younger children.

The must on every trip to Rome is the Trevi fountain, the largest and most famous baroque fountain in the city.  Throwing coins into the fountain has become a ritual among the thousands of visitors who want to ensure their return to the city.

If it is almost noon, you'd better hurry to the Janiculum hill, to witness a 19th century tradition of a single shot of cannon to mark the exact time. Besides a stunning view of Rome's ancient landmarks, the Gianicolo gives you a quick and slightly more modern history lesson on the Italian Risorgimento, the 19th-century movement (and wars) that unified modern Italy.On weekends, from 10:30 until noon and 5 until 7, you may enjoy one of the few remaining open air puppet shows in the city.

Even though it will only be a 2 minute photo-stop, the Mouth of Truth is worth the line waiting for the great shots it makes. Kids will be terrified, parents will have a mischievous look, all because of an ancient tradition that makes this sewer cover a lie detector.

Ancient monuments are scattered all around the city but if want to see how they were when they were first built, embark on a 45 minute journey on the Time Elevator. Originating at Disney's Epcot Center, a surround screen three-dimensional experience, takes kids on a ride through centuries of Roman history from the founding of city with Romulus and Remus to the assassination of Julius Caesar, the gladiator combats in the Colosseum, Michelangelo's work in the Sistine Chapel, ending with Italy's modern history.

Your day in Rome will not be complete until you have tasted its famous gelato before you head back to the ship, and we know the best place! So come on board for a day to remember!

You may choose to replace one or more of the activities suggested with:

Explora museum for kids of 12 and under - a miniature realistic cityscape for children under 12 whose exhibits take them through life in the big city. Though the exhibits are mainly in Italian, the visuals, effects, and touchy-feely stuff seem to hold the children's attention whatever their language. (Via Flaminia 82, near Piazza del Popolo) Tel. 06/3613776 Tuesday -Friday 9:30 - 11:30 am and 3-5 pm. Saturday, Sunday and public holidays 10 am to noon and 3 to 5 pm. Visits last 1 hour and 45 min. Reservations are necessary on weekends and holidays. Children must be accompanied by adults. Tickets 8 euros/adult (child)

Planetarium and Museo della civiltà -  Unusual as it is, Rome's new Planetarium shares space with the Museum of Roman Civilizations .Taking a trip through outer space is always an easy winner for kids. From Martians to falling stars, the folks there always put on special programs for children on the weekends. If, on the other hand you would like to further your knowledge of Roman History, the Museum of Roman Civilizations traces the history of the city, and includes some charming scale models of Rome as it once was. (Piazza G. Agnelli, 10 - EUR) - Tel. 06 820 77304  UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, THE MUSEUMS AND THE PLANETARIUM ARE CLOSED!

Gladiator school - If you want to learn how to fight like a Roman Gladiator and live the thrills of battle you should join the Gruppo Storico Romano for a two-hour lesson! (Via Appia Antica 18 Tel.: +39 06 51607951)  Visits must be booked at info@gruppostoricoromano.it

Museo Civico di Zoologia - An important educational and observation facilty with more than 5000 specimens, including an extensive collection of shellfish, insects and birds displayed throughtout 18 rooms. There's also a notable collection of reptilian, bird and mammal skeletons for osteo enthusiasts.  Via Aldrovandi, 18  (on the Parioli side of the gardens, neighboring the American ambassador's residence), Tel 06 671 09270  Tuesday-Saturday, 9 am-7 pm. Tickets 4,50 euros / adult. Free to children under 18 or over 60

Museo delle mure - Learn how one of the most advanced examples of military defense systems was built, Via di Porta San Sebastiano, 18. Tel: +39 060608 Tuesday-Sunday: 9.00 am - 2.00 pm, 24 and 31 December 9.00 am - 2.00 pm; Closed Monday; 25 December; 1 January; 1 May. Last admission 1/2 hour before closing time. Tickets: 5 euros / adult (child)

Villa Borghese - Enjoy a relaxing stroll through the gardens that have become the center of Rome's recreational life. You can also rent bikes, kid's bikes, tandems, pedal carts, on the Pincio (Viale dei Bambini and Viale di Villa Medici) and in front of the zoo, the Bioparco di Roma. The villa is home to Galleria Borghese one of the most importand museums of the city, housing one of the finest private collections of art in the world originally conceived by Cardinal Scipione Borghese. Piazzale del Museo Borghese 5, Tel. +39 06 8413979. Monday closed; from Tuesday to Sunday  from 8.30 am to 7.30 pm. Closed the January 1st, December 25th. Access up to half hour before the closing time. Ticket reservation is needed.

Capuchin Crypt - “As you are, we once were. As we are, you will someday be.” With this motto the monks invite you to visit their beautifully ornated crypt using the bones of more than 4,000 of their brethren. The visit will give you the chills even on a hot summer's day! The crypt is beneath the Santa Maria della Immacolata Concezione on Via Veneto near Piazza Barberini. It’s open Friday through Wednesday from 9:00am to 12:00 noon and from 3:00pm to 6:00pm, and it’s closed on Thursdays. There’s 5 euro entry fee.

NOTES:

The order of the sights visited may vary according to the local traffic conditions:

Admisison fees:

Dome of St Peters’: from 8:00 am to 18:00 (from April until September) and from 8:00 am to 16:45 (from October until March) website Ticket 7 Euros/person for elevator, 6 Euros / person for stairs

Castel S Angelo: Ticket office tel. +39 06 6896003, Monday closed. From Tuesday until Sunday from 9.00 am to 7.30 pm The last entrance is one hour before the closing time. Closed on December 25 and January 1st. Castelsantangelo Ticket 10.5 euros / person (the cost may vary slightly according to the exhibitions going on at the moment of your visit)

Time Elevator - Open daily from 10:30 am to 7 pm tel 06 6992 1823, Via dei Santi Apostoli 20 (off Via del Corso) TIME ELEVATOR Tickets 12 euros/ adult; 9 euros/child

Highlights:

Choose the perfect itinerary with your friendly driver

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Important information

- This tour includes a professional informative English-speaking driver. Due to strict Italian laws & regulations that protect officially licensed guides, our drivers cannot walk with you into any site but can answer any question you have from the vehicle. A Professional licensed guide, where needed, can be hired on request at an extra cost.

- Keep an eye on your wallet and purses at all time. Do not wear jewelry or carry large amount of cash.

Inclusions

- Professional informative and friendly English-speaking driver
- Private vehicle for the day
- Pick up and drop off at your hotel
- Flexible itinerary

Exclusions

- Lunch
- Admission fees if not mentioned
- Tips to driver and guide ( please read below for more information)

Gratuities

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