COX & KINGS

Rome: Patricians to Popes (Specialist-led Tour)

Prices checked 26 October 2026 · Cox & Kings · Supplier snapshot; confirmation required.

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Explore the ecclesiastical history of the Eternal City through its oldest churches, from late antiquity and the last of the Western Roman emperors, to the Middle Ages and the rise of papal primacy. As you admire centuries-old frescoes, mosaics and icons, your specialist lecturer will passionately illuminate the details with their deep knowledge of Rome’s role within Christendom.

Plan this tour with Kat & Simon Morgan — Personal Travel Consultants at Hays Travel. Call 0800 0662 694 for help comparing dates, departure points and room options.

Tour highlights

See key sights and artworks that illustrate Rome’s shift from an imperial city to a medieval seat of religious power
Stay in a beautifully appointed 17th-century hotel, overlooking the Palatine Hill, and just a short walk from the Colosseum, Circus Maximus and the Roman Forum
Examine the newly rediscovered medieval frescoes in the Aula Gotica, some of the most important paintings in Rome from this period, not easily accessible to the general public
View pivotal mosaics, frescoes and sculptures that have shaped Christianity’s worldview

Further highlights

Tour gallery

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Your itinerary

In supplier order. Some entries may cover multiple days; optional experiences are described by the supplier.

Sample itinerary. Choose a departure for its exact itinerary and hotel plan.

Day 1 — Fly to Rome

Fly from London. Stroll past the crumbling arches and columns of the Roman Forum, an ancient centre of political decision-making and public speaking, as well as the Circus Maximus, once the racing ground of both aurigae and agitators (novice and experienced chariot drivers). Attend your welcome dinner at a local trattoria.

Meals: dinner

Day 2 — Rome

Begin your day at the Basilica of San Clemente, a 12th-century basilica on top of a fourth-century church, which itself was constructed atop a Roman Republican-era dwelling. Be sure to pause beneath the gilded apse mosaic, with its motif of scrolled vines and blooming flowers framing a crucified Christ. Continue to Santi Quattro Coronati, a minor basilica containing 17th-century frescoes by Giovanni da San Giovanni. After lunch, visit the Lateran Baptistry, founded by Pope Sixtus III in 440 AD; the fourth-century Mausoleum of Santa Costanza, among Rome’s best-preserved buildings from Late Antiquity; and Sant’Agnese fuori le Mura, a minor basilica with notable, early Christian catacombs, which contain the remains of St Agnes.

Meals: breakfast

Day 3 — Rome

Today, explore more of the Eternal City’s holiest buildings, starting with the Basilica of Santa Pudenziana, the oldest extant place of Christian worship in Rome; the early-medieval Basilica of Santa Prassede, said to house a column upon which Jesus was flogged before his crucifixion; and the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. After lunch, proceed to the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, which is crowned by its original 12th-century belltower; and the Basilica of Santa Sabina, with its long, colonnaded nave and fifth-century cypress doors carved with biblical scenes. Return to your hotel on foot in time to attend an insightful lecture.

Meals: breakfast

Day 4 — Rome

Visit the Basilica of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere, dedicated to the patron saint of music; the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, which houses the medieval Madonna delle Clemenza icon; and the exterior of Casa dei Crescenzi, Rome’s oldest surviving medieval residence, built in part from ancient Roman spoila. Enjoy lunch in the Jewish Quarter, then drive to your final two stops of the day: the Basilica of Santo Stefano Rotondo al Celio, with its striking circular design; and – last but not least – the Basilica of Santa Maria in Domnica, with its vibrant ninth-century apse mosaics. This evening, attend a farewell dinner at a local trattoria.

Meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 5 — Fly to the UK

Transfer to the airport; fly home.

Meals: breakfast

Your accommodation

Planned hotels or ships as published by Cox & Kings. Alternatives of a similar standard may be used. Hotel options are grouped as supplied and are not necessarily all included in one departure.

Kolbe Hotel Rome

$2f

What’s included

Welcome & farewell dinners
Porterage at hotels
Guided sightseeing & entrance fees
4 breakfasts & 2 dinners
Experienced local tour manager as well as specialist lecturer throughout
Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
International flights
Flexible - extensions, room & flight upgrades available
4-star hotel throughout
Small group size - average 14 people (max 18)

Dates & prices

Indicative supplier snapshot. Confirm price, room basis and availability before booking. Monthly estimates deduct a £250 deposit per person for Europe or £395 elsewhere, then divide by whole monthly payments ending no later than 42 days before departure. Rounded to the nearest pound; final payment adjusted.

London and Manchester departures available. Published tour fares are indicative and not airport-specific; confirm your selected airport and quote with Kat & Simon.

14 published departure and room-basis records. Standard prices are per person sharing; solo fares are labelled separately. Sold-out records are shown for reference.

Departure	Departure point	Duration	Room basis	Price per person	Status
14 March 2027	London	5 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £2,495~~ £2,445 Save £50 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
14 March 2027	Manchester	5 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £2,495~~ £2,445 Save £50 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
14 November 2027	London	5 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £2,645~~ £2,570 Save £75 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
14 November 2027	London	5 days	Solo	~~Supplier price £3,290~~ £3,215 Save £75 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
14 November 2027	Manchester	5 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £2,645~~ £2,570 Save £75 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
14 November 2027	Manchester	5 days	Solo	~~Supplier price £3,290~~ £3,215 Save £75 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
12 March 2028	London	5 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £2,895~~ £2,820 Save £75 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
12 March 2028	London	5 days	Solo	~~Supplier price £3,640~~ £3,540 Save £100 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
12 March 2028	Manchester	5 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £2,895~~ £2,820 Save £75 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
12 March 2028	Manchester	5 days	Solo	~~Supplier price £3,640~~ £3,540 Save £100 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
12 November 2028	London	5 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £2,895~~ £2,820 Save £75 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
12 November 2028	London	5 days	Solo	~~Supplier price £3,640~~ £3,540 Save £100 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
12 November 2028	Manchester	5 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £2,895~~ £2,820 Save £75 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
12 November 2028	Manchester	5 days	Solo	~~Supplier price £3,640~~ £3,540 Save £100 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability

Supplier source ↗

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Booking this tour with Kat & Simon

How do I book?

Call 0800 0662 694 with your preferred dates, departure point and party details. We’ll confirm the current fare and availability before booking. This page does not reserve a place.

Can I spread the cost?

The date selector shows monthly estimates where eligible. Deposit and balance dates are shown alongside each option; ask us to confirm the payment arrangement for your booking.

Will my itinerary vary?

Check the itinerary for your selected departure. Hotels, order of visits and included experiences can vary; optional activities may cost extra.

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