The Gladiator Experience in Rome
Tensions rise, stomachs knot as fear beckons with a slow walk along a dark corridor towards a heavy wooden door which keeps all but the faintest glint of light from entering. From behind the door the sound of metal on metal is greeted by a roar then silence. The doors swings open and your adrenalin pumped body drives you into the arena for the glory and the honour – you are a Gladiator!Day 1
On arrival in Rome you will be met by the tour escort and transferred to the monastery-hotel. There will be some time at leisure before dinner and overnight.
Day 2
After breakfast this wonderful experience will start with a little bit of history and a half-day guided sightseeing tour of Ancient Rome, including the Coliseum, the most important monument of ancient Rome where bloody battles between gladiators and ferocious animals were once held; the Forum Romanum, the political, economic, and religious centre of ancient Rome and the site of temples, tribunals and other buildings used for public and private business;
Fori Imperiali, the Capitol and the Pantheon, one of the most magnificent Roman buildings, which has survived almost intact up to the present day. Dedicated in 609 to St. Mary and the Martyrs, it holds the tombs of the artist Raphael and many of the Kings of Italy. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the shops and monumental sights of Rome, such as Fontana di Trevi, Piazza di Spagna and Piazza Navona. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 3
After breakfast there is a half-day excursion with an art historian guide to the Ostia Antica excavations.
There are impressive remains of the Roman settlement which was the military garrison responsible for the defence of the river entrance to Rome.
The afternoon is at leisure for further exploration of this area of Roman coast before returning to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 4
After a nervous breakfast you will be transported back in time 2000 years to taste the life of a Gladiator in the arena of Appia Antica.
You will visit the Scuola Gladiatori Roma, where you will be taught the basics of gladiatorial combat.
The program includes theoretical fighting, group training with plastic swords (rudis) and with wooden swords whilst adorning your chosen uniform including very authentic body armour, helmet, arm and leg protectors and shield. The weight of the equipment will astound you.
This experience can be tailored to suit most requirements and the practical experience is not compulsory.
There will be a basic gladiator lunch and a brief tournament. The remainder of the day will be at leisure before returning to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 5
After breakfast there is a full-day excursion to the Pompei excavations with a guided sightseeing. With its excavated area, extending for approximately 44 ha, and the preserved state of its buildings, due to the particular burial (under a blanket of 6 metres of ash and rock) caused by the eruption of the Vesuvius in 79 AD, Pompei can be considered the only archaeological site which gives the real image of a roman city.
You will return later that day to the hotel in Rome for dinner and overnight.
Day 6
After breakfast there is a half-day guided sightseeing tour of other enchanting Roman sites including; Circus Maximum, famous for the gladiator chariot races;
the Baths of Caracalla, one of the most beautiful and luxurious bath complexes in Rome, equipped with a sophisticated plumbing system; and the wonderful sights along Via Appia Antica such as the Tomb of Cecilia Metella and the Villa of the Quintili. This evening there is a farewell dinner party in a restaurant in Rome.
Day 7 After beakfast it is time to say “arrivederci” as you depart for the airport for your return flight.
