| ROME PRE-CRUISE SPECIAL EXCURSION |
| Monday, May 31 - Wednesday, June 2 |
Monday, May 31
Upon arriving in Rome, you will be met at Fiumicino Airport and transported to the luxurious Grand Hotel Parco dei Principi.
Welcome Reception
In the late afternoon, we will gather for a welcome reception. Join the Hillsdale College group for an informal
get-together. After the reception, we will depart the hotel for a private tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine
Chapel.
The Vatican Museums
In the late afternoon, we will depart the hotel for a private tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. We will see
a beautiful collection of Roman statues, stroll through the Galleria degli Arazzi, which includes 16th century tapestries
 woven in Brussels by Pieter van Aelest, and explore the Galleria delle Carte Geografiche, commissioned in the second half
of the 16th Century by Pope Gregory XIII.
Sistine Chapel
Built between 1475 and 1481 by Giovannino dé Dolci, this renowned chapel was commissioned by Pope Sixtus IV. In
1508, Pope Julius II entrusted Michelangelo Buonarroti with the task of changing the vault’s decor. The result is
the beautiful ceiling still on view today.
Enjoy the evening and dinner on your own. |
Tuesday, June 1
The Colosseum and the Forum
Following a group breakfast at the hotel, we will tour the Colosseum and the Forum. Emperor Vespasian, first member of
the Flavian Dynasty, started construction of the Colosseum in 72 AD, and it was completed in 80 AD, the year after
Vespasian’s death. The amphitheater was the largest structure of its type in the ancient world.
The Forum was the center of political life in ancient Rome. It features the Curia, where the Senate assembled, the Temple
of Castor and Pollux, the Temple of Saturn, and the Temple of Vesta.
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Lunch with Ross King
Following the morning tour, we will stop for lunch at a local trattoria. Historian and novelist Ross King will speak
about Michelangelo and the painting of the Sistine Chapel ceiling.
San Pietro in Vincoli
(Saint Peter in Chains)
woven in Brussels by Pieter van Aelest, and explore the Galleria delle Carte Geografiche, commissioned in the second half
of the 16th Century by Pope Gregory XIII.
Enjoy the evening and dinner on your own. |
Wednesday, June 2
The Pantheon
Following a group breakfast at the hotel, we will visit the Pantheon. Originally built as a Roman temple by Marcus Agrippa,
the Pantheon has been a Christian church since the 7th century. An architectural marvel, it features one of the
world’s largest unreinforced concrete domes.
Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano
The basilica was Rome’s first church and the adjoining Lateran Palace was the papal residence until Pope Clement V
moved the papacy to Avignon in 1305. As the seat of the bishop of Rome – currently Pope Benedict XVI – it serves as
Rome’s cathedral.
After lunch, we will board our motor coaches for a leisurely ride to Civitavecchia and embarkation on board the
Crystal Symphony.
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Attendance is limited; you must pre-register to attend this special excursion, which includes two nights at the Grand
Hotel Parco Dei Principi, lecture by Ross King, transfers, porterage, tours, breakfasts, lunches, and welcome reception.
Please call for pricing.
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12 SPECTACULAR DAYS WITH CABINS STARTING AS LOW AS $ 7,430.
PLUS $1,000 PER PERSON SHIPBOARD CREDIT.
CABINS SELL OUT FAST—CALL 800/797-9519 NOW FOR THE BEST SELECTIONS! |
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Deluxe VIP Package
- 12 spectacular days for two aboard the six-star Crystal Symphony
- Gala welcoming and farewell receptions and hosted dinners with speakers and like-minded friends
- Seminars-at-sea with distinguished scholars
- All gourmet meals and amenities on board
- Sodas, bottled water, and specialty coffees in the Bistro
- $1,000 per person shipboard credit to spend as you wish
- Port taxes
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Itinerary
Explore the crown jewels  of the Med, from capitals of art and architecture to destinations renowned for their wines and infinite style.
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