CIVITAVECCHIA, ITALY

This tour allows us to get a different view of the Eternal City by visiting the major sights featured in Dan Brown’s best seller Angels and Demons.

Set in Rome, the book tells the fictional story of the ‘Altars of Science’ in Rome, consisting of four locations, which each represent the four elements – earth, air, fire and water. They are believed to lead to the meeting place of the ancient secret society, the Illuminati. We will follow in his footsteps as we set out to discover the meeting place of the Illuminati.

Departing the quayside, we drive along the Tirrenian Coast before arriving in Rome. Our first stop will be at Piazza del Popolo, where we shall visit the Chigi Chapel. It was here that Langdon found the first element (earth).

Next we head to Piazza San Pietro (St Peter’s Square), to discover the second element (air). Considered one of the world’s most beautiful squares. Piazza San Pietro took Bernini ten years to build. A visit here wouldn’t be complete without a tour of the Basilica, which was worked on by Bramante, Raphael, Bernini and Michelangelo, who designed the impressive dome.

We then continue to the Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria, which contains a real jewel of Baroque art: The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa, a sculpture by Bernini. This was the third hidden Altar of Science in Angels and Demons, and represented the element of fire.

Continuing, we begin our walking tour through the historical centre of Rome, passing by the Pantheon, meaning Temple of the Gods, which was built approximately in the second century. We then reach Piazza Navona, where the fourth Altar of Science - water - was said to be hidden. At the centre of the square is the famous Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers).

Following our walking tour, we can enjoy free time for lunch (at own expense). After lunch, we drive to Castel Sant’Angelo where, according to the book, the Illuminati used to meet. Known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian, Castel Sant’Angelo is a majestic stone building – crowned by an angel holding a sword - which for centuries served as a fortress of the popes. Following our guided visit, we re-board our tour coach for the return journey to Civitavecchia and our awaiting ship.

TOUR NOTES: This tour involves a considerable amount of walking, some of which will be over uneven and cobbled ground, and there will be several steps to negotiate. Unfortunately, it is not suitable for passengers with limited mobility or wheelchair users. Religious practice requires that shoulders and legs should be covered when entering places of worship. Although head covering is no longer compulsory, shorts, low neck line or bare shoulder dresses are not allowed inside the churches. The use of Whispers (headsets) is compulsory during our visit to St Peter’s Basilica; no large bags are allowed inside. There may be queues to enter, as every visitor must pass through metal detector controls. Due to traffic regulations, this tour may operate in a different order to that described. Lunch is not included in this tour. Occasionally services may be held at the churches, in which case explanations will be given outside by our guide. Please note that this tour does NOT include a visit to the Vatican Gallery. Depending on traffic, this places of interest may be visited in a different order to that described

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2009 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES