School Classics Trips to Rome – GCSE and A-Level
Our School Classics Trips to Rome are designed to enhance your GCSE and A-Level syllabus with immersive experiences at the heart of the Roman Empire.
This trip brings ancient history to life by taking students to the most iconic and influential locations of classical antiquity.
Whether your students are studying Roman politics, architecture, religion, or social structure, this unforgettable experience will connect them directly with the archaeology, monuments, and cultural legacy of the Eternal City.
Highlights of Our School Classics Trips to Rome:
- Explore the Roman Forum, Colosseum, and Palatine Hill: Walk where senators, emperors, and gladiators once stood. These central landmarks provide powerful insight into Roman political life, imperial architecture, and public spectacle.
- Discover Rome’s layers of religion and belief: From pagan temples and imperial cults to underground Christian catacombs, students explore the diverse spiritual world of ancient Rome.
- Visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel: See ancient art alongside Renaissance masterpieces inspired by classical ideals—an excellent link for students exploring the legacy of Rome.
- Experience Roman engineering in action: The Baths of Caracalla and Diocletian, with their vast scale and complexity, are perfect examples of Roman innovation in public life.
- Hands-on learning: Student-led presentations at the Colosseum or Forum, guided museum tasks, and comparative discussions make this a trip rooted in active learning.
Rome offers students an unforgettable connection to the ancient world—where every stone, column, and forum tells a story. With expertly planned visits, interactive learning, and direct links to curriculum content, this trip transforms classical studies into a living, breathing journey through time.
Let us help you bring ancient Rome to life for your students.
Educational Benefits of our School Classics Trips to Rome:
Curriculum Links:
- GCSE & A-Level Classical Civilisation and Ancient History
Students explore key topics in Roman politics, society, and religion through firsthand experience of monumental sites and artefacts. - History & Archaeology
The trip supports archaeological source analysis, site interpretation, and understanding of urban development across time. - Religious Studies & Philosophy
Sites reflect the interaction between pagan and Christian belief systems, as well as the role of mythology in civic life. - Art & Architecture
Study Roman innovation, symmetry, materials, and symbolism across temples, baths, and public buildings.
School Classics Trips to Rome – Syllabus Tailoring:
Trips can be customised to suit different focus areas such as:
- Politics and Empire: Focus on Augustus, the Senate, and imperial propaganda
- Religion: Explore temples, rituals, mystery cults, and the transition to Christianity
- Social Structure: Investigate the lives of slaves, citizens, women, and emperors
- Entertainment and Leisure: Emphasise gladiatorial games, theatre, baths, and festivals
Cross-Curricular Opportunities:
- History: Study Roman expansion, citizenship, rebellion, and daily life
- Drama: Explore Roman theatre and performance traditions
- Philosophy & Ethics: Discuss Stoicism, Roman justice, and the concept of Roman virtue
- Art & Design: Analyse architecture, sculpture, and the classical influence on Renaissance masters
School Classics Trips to Rome – GCSE and A-Level
- Duration: 5 Days
- Board: Full board
- Passengers: 40
- Free Staff Places: 5
Accommodation
Hotel San Marco
The Hotel San Marco is situated in a historic 19th century Italian palazzo and located close to Termini Station. The hotel boasts 81 modern rooms, each with a TV, free Wi-Fi, minibar, air conditioning and private en-suite bathrooms. Hotel services include buffet breakfast, a lounge bar, and a 24 hr reception.
Excursions & Inclusions
The Roman Forum, Colosseum, and Palatine Hill, Christian catacombs, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, The Baths of Caracalla and Diocletian.
Where it’s held
Your trip is based in Rome, once the capital of the ancient world and now a vibrant city layered with history, art, and living culture.
All major ancient and classical sites—including the Colosseum, Forum, Pantheon, and Capitoline Museums—are within reach of central accommodation, allowing for walking tours and flexible exploration. Day trips to sites like Ostia Antica or Christian catacombs provide variety and deeper insight into daily life and religious transition.
Sample Itinerary for School Classics Trips to Rome – GCSE and A-Level
Day 1: Arrival & Foundations of Rome
- Arrive in Rome and settle into your central hotel
- Orientation walking tour: Piazza Navona (Stadium of Domitian), Pantheon, and Ara Pacis
- Evening introduction session: "Myth and Memory in Ancient Rome"
- Educational Focus: Roman identity, origin myths, Augustan propaganda
Day 2: Power and the People
- Visit the Roman Forum: Curia, Rostra, Arch of Titus, Temple of Vesta
- Student-led activities at the Colosseum: Gladiators, public games, architecture
- Explore Palatine Hill: imperial palaces and the mythic birthplace of Rome
- Educational Focus: Government, propaganda, entertainment, imperial ideology
Day 3: Daily Life in Ancient Rome
- Tour the Baths of Caracalla or Baths of Diocletian: leisure, engineering, urban planning
- Optional half-day trip to Ostia Antica: explore Roman apartments, shops, and mosaics
- Evening: Roman banquet experience or Latin phrases challenge
- Educational Focus: Class structure, housing, technology, hygiene
Day 4: Religion and Spectacle
- Visit Capitoline Museums: Jupiter cult statues, busts, inscriptions
- Walk past the Circus Maximus, discuss chariot racing and public entertainment
- Visit Temple of Portunus and the Bocca della Verità
- Explore early Christian Rome in the Catacombs of San Sebastiano or San Clemente
- Educational Focus: Religion, syncretism, change over time
Day 5: Legacy of Rome
- Visit the Vatican Museums: Augustus of Prima Porta, Laocoön, ancient influence in Renaissance art
- Tour St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel
- Reflective activity: "What made Rome great?"
- Depart for airport and return journey
- Educational Focus: Roman legacy, classical art and philosophy in the Renaissance