Be welcomed by your licensed guide at the Bath of Caracalla, where your small group tour will start. Your guide will give you a full description of the Bath of Caracalla while walking inside this wonderful ancient second-largest thermal bath in Rome. The Baths of Caracalla, located by the ancient Appian Way, were named after Emperor Caracalla who reigned from 211-217 AD. His father Septimius Severus commissioned the baths and after his death, the project was completed by his son Caracalla in 216 AD. This building is among the most monumental and imposing archaeological complexes of the entire Imperial epoch.
Carry on inside the Maximus Circus. This grand stadium was a chariot racetrack in Rome first constructed in the 6th century AD. The Circus was also used for other public events such as the Roman Games and gladiator fights and was last used for chariot races in the 6th century AD. Located in the valley between the Palatine and Aventine Hills, the Maximus Circus hosted wild animal hunts, public executions and gladiator fights, some of which were exotically spectacular in the extreme.
Your guide will then lead you up to one of the 7 hills of Rome, Aventine Hill. The Aventine Hill is best-known to visitors for its magnificent views over the city, but there are also some interesting sights, including several churches and a couple of gardens. According to the myth of Rome's foundation, Romulus wanted to found a new city on the Palatine Hill, while his twin brother Remus preferred the Aventine. This disagreement led to a fight, in which Romulus killed his brother. The city of Rome was then founded on the Palatine, while for centuries the Aventine remained outside the city limits. There are plenty of churches on the Aventine, the most notable being Santa Sabina, built in the 5th century on the summit of the hill.
Then, you'll move to the famous keyhole where the St. Peter's Basilica can be seen; the most lovely view from this tiny hole is St. Peter's Dome, which is perfectly centered in the keyhole. Finally, you'll be able to admire the wonderful and unique view over Rome from the Orange Garden terrace and see how St. Peter's Dome dominates the skyline of the city.
