Private
3 hrs
Discover the rich cultural legacy and way of life of the Ancient Romans on this fascinating private tour of three unique venues: Palazzo Massimo, Diocletian’s baths, and the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli.
On this tour you will visit Palazzo Massimo, a Renaissance villa now home to the National Museum of Rome, which houses an extensive collection of world-famous marble and bronze antiquities. You will also visit the majestic ruins of the Baths of Diocletian, the largest imperial baths in ancient Rome.
Finally, you will also visit the astounding Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri. Designed by Michelangelo, and built into the walls of the ancient bathhouse, this vast basilica embodies the layers of Rome with its fusion of ancient engineering, Renaissance architecture, and Christian spirituality, superimposed onto a pagan past.
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Eco-sustainable tourism, designed to respect and support local culture, art and traditions
Your top-rated private guide will meet you at the entrance to the Palazzo Massimo, a magnificent Renaissance palace housing Rome’s impressive collection of classical art and artifacts.
As you step inside the world of Ancient Rome, admire famous 2000-year-old sculptures like The Boxer at Rest, the Discus Thrower, and the emotive statue of the Dying Niobid, the queen of Thebes depicted in a moment of writhing struggle.
Explore the opulent recreations of Roman villas, including the Villa Livia and the Villa Farnesia – admiring the vibrant frescoes and intricate mosaics that offer tantalizing glimpses into the daily life of a rich Roman family.
A short walk away are the Baths of Diocletian. Built between 298-306 AD during the reign of Emperor Diocletian, these were the largest and most magnificent imperial public baths in Ancient Rome. Designed to accommodate thousands of bathers at once, the complex included massive halls, pools, gyms, libraries, gardens, and even a stadium. The baths were constantly supplied with water from the Aqua Marcia aqueduct. The baths were important social hubs, but after the Fall of Rome, they fell into disuse, and disrepair, and were eventually looted of all their marble, or repurposed…
As you can see on entering the final venue. The Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri – Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs – was built into the entrance hall and frigidarium of the baths. Renaissance artist and architect extraordinaire, Michelangelo, was commissioned by Pope Pius IV to create the basilica in the ruins of the baths. Admire its vast, peaceful interior that evokes something of its past, the unique Meridian line – a celestial observatory, and its many artworks.
The tour ends outside the church, where you’ll be able to observe the overlapping layers of archaeology and architecture, and how these landmarks bear witness to the enduring legacy of ancient Rome.
LivTours’ group size of max 6 participants is and always has been based on sustainable travel, and we are proud to be at the forefront of change and innovation in the industry. LivTours is committed to providing travelers with truly sustainable tours with the lowest possible environmental impact, all while supporting the local industries and people of each unique destination. To learn more about how you can actively support sustainable tourism and how LivTours is contributing, click here.
When you book a LivTours Private Tour or Experience, you are guaranteed a dedicated, expert guide that allows you the flexibility to start your tour at a time which is convenient for you, making planning easy. Our private tours ensure that you will get a tailored experience to meet all your needs so we go at your pace, perfect for families with younger children, elderly, or individuals with accessibility needs. Please be advised that all private tours begin at a base price starting at two people*. Prices are inclusive of entry tickets where applicable. *Some Ferrari private experiences are inclusive of one person only.
Make your experience even more unique by upgrading your LivTours experience. Please note: add-ons are non refundable.
By selecting Choose Dates Later / Buy as Gift at booking, any tour can be purchased without fixed dates. This is the perfect option if you want to purchase your tour as a gift for a loved one, or if you are in the pre-planning phase of your vacation. After booking, you will receive a Travel Voucher Code and full instructions on how to schedule your tours when ready. Once your travel plans are confirmed, you can easily use the Travel Voucher Code on the LivTours website to formally schedule your tours. You can find out more here.
