Meet your guide in central Rome and, if required, put on a supplied audio headset so you can hear the commentary clearly. Then, set off on your walking tour of Celio Hill.
As you walk, learn about Celio's history as one of Rome's original seven hills, and hear more about its historical highpoints, including its excavated Roman houses and cluster of beautiful churches.
On arrival, walk along the Clivo di Scauro, Celio's ancient Roman road, and visit the Basilica of St John and Paul (Basilica Santi Giovanni e Paolo), the 4th-century church under which the Roman houses were found.
Marvel at the interior, with its ornate chandelier, and learn how the church was built over the home of two martyred Roman soldiers, John and Paul. Hear how, in 1887, a search for their tombs uncovered 20 decorated rooms that were believed to have been once part of five Roman villas.
Then, descend into the ancient rooms (own expense) to behold their still largely intact window arches, floors and walls as your guide explains how they once stood in one of Rome’s wealthiest neighborhoods.
Walk from room to room to see the stunning frescoes that grace many walls, including the most vivid ─ a sublime depiction of the Roman goddess, Proserpina. Hear how the rooms were used and gain fascinating insight into the daily rituals of those who lived here sometime between the 1st and 4th centuries AD.
Step back outside and continue to the nearby Oratory of St Andrew (Oratory of S. Andrea). Go inside the tiny, 17th-century chapel and marvel at its majestic frescoes, including the showpiece work, The Flagellation of St Andrew, by Domenichino.
Finish at the Church of St Gregory (San Gregorio Magno al Celio), a graceful Baroque-style church set between the Celio and Palatine Hill.
Explore the decorative interior and arcaded portico, and stroll outside to see the fragments of more Roman ruins, including what’s believed to be a baptismal pool.
Your tour then ends here when your guide departs.
