Celebrate Holy Week in Rome

MANILA, Philippines - Built on top of the Seven Hills east of Tiber River, the Eternal City is one of the world’s oldest civilizations, its history intricately woven with that of mankind’s. The sights and sounds of Rome is what bucket lists are made of.

If you want to visit the city on Holy Week this year, expect to experience Rome at its fullest – rich tradition, decadent art and magnificent artifacts. “It’s really interesting to travel through Rome during Easter because everything is decorated with an Easter theme. It’s almost as important as Christmas so all the shops, squares and streets will have a great ambience. There will be big crowds but lots of things will be happening – from concerts, to extra mass services in churches and, of course, Easter food specialties. It’s also the beginning of spring so it’s one of the most beautiful times to travel,” said Giacomo Giamboi, Trafalgar Travel Director.

Although you may have to share the city with a large, multinational crowd, most of whom visit Rome as part of a religious pilgrimage, going around the city and the country will still be a pleasurable experience when traveling with Trafalgar.

Admire the immense collection of works amassed by popes throughout the centuries. Take in every classical sculpture and important masterpiece of the Renaissance art world, from Michelangelo’s magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel to the world-famous Pieta housed in St. Peter’s Basilica. For Trafalgar travelers, all these can be enjoyed without fighting for space with the crowd with its Insider Experiences feature. Trafalgar is a partner of the Vatican Museums, allowing priority early access to Trafalgar travelers before other tour operators and the general public can walk through the doors.

Another feature offered by Trafalgar is the Cultural Insights feature which allows privileged access to Vatican’s best-kept secrets. Climb the step-less spiral staircase, called the Momo stairway, designed by famous architect Donato Bramante. With the help of Trafalgar’s local specialist, visitors leave the place with a deeper view of local culture.

Time-travel in ancient Rome and relive the glory days of the Colosseum, known to hold gladiatorial contests, executions and classical mythology dramas.

Also visit the Forum, the heart of ancient Rome and the most celebrated meeting place in history, and imagine what it was like when Romans gathered there for elections, public speeches and criminal trials. Don’t miss the Circus Maximus, the ancient stadium where chariot races and other mass entertainment were held.

In between sightseeing, make use of your ample free time and pencil in a visit to the Colosseum on Good Friday and witness the city’s Holy Week highlight – the Via Crucis or Stations of the Cross. To be led by Pope Francis, the procession is in memory of Christ’s last walk to Golgotha. The route concludes at the Palatine Hill where the pope will bless the crowd.

To book a travel date to Rome and for more information on Trafalgar, contact Pan Pacific Travel (Trafalgar’s general sales agent) at tel 536-1265, or visit www.trafalgar.com to check out other guided holiday offerings.