Tour difficulty
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Duration
3 hoursSicily Walking Tours: City Tours
Day Trip to Villa Romana al Casale
Exploring Villa Romana del Casale: A Mosaic Masterpiece
A Day Trip to Villa Romana del Casale with Your Own Italy offers a fascinating journey into one of Sicily’s most remarkable archaeological treasures. Located near Piazza Armerina, this UNESCO World Heritage site is home to one of the richest, largest, and varied collections of Roman mosaics in the world. Built in the early 4th century AD, Villa Romana del Casale was a luxurious Roman villa that likely belonged to a member of the Roman aristocracy, possibly even a Roman Emperor. This personalized tour immerses you in the splendor of ancient Roman life, showcasing the villa’s intricate mosaics, grand architecture, and the sophisticated lifestyle of its inhabitants.
The Mosaics
Your visit centers on the villa’s extraordinary mosaics, which cover over 3,500 square meters of floor space. These stunning artworks depict scenes from mythology, daily life, and nature with incredible detail and artistry. Highlights include the famous “Bikini Girls” mosaic, showing women participating in athletic competitions, and the “Great Hunt,” a dramatic representation of hunting scenes across Africa and Asia.
The Architecture
As you wander through the villa, you’ll be struck by the sophistication of Roman architectural design. The layout includes thermal baths, reception halls, and private apartments, all arranged around the peristyle, a large central courtyard. The thermal baths, with their complex heating systems, and the remains of the aqueduct that supplied water to the villa, are testaments to Roman engineering prowess.
The Ambulatory of the Great Hunt
The Ambulatory of the Great Hunt is one of the villa’s most significant sections, featuring an extensive mosaic that illustrates a grand hunting scene sprawling across different continents. This mosaic provides insights into the Romans’ interaction with the natural world and their fascination with exotic animals.
Living Quarters and Private Spaces
Explore the private quarters of the villa, where the mosaics become more personal, depicting mythological scenes and everyday activities. These areas offer a glimpse into the private lives of the villa’s inhabitants, their leisure activities, and their aesthetic preferences.
Your Own Italy: Unveiling the Riches of Roman Sicily
With Your Own Italy, your day trip to Villa Romana del Casale is more than just a visit—it’s an in-depth exploration of one of the most significant Roman sites in Sicily. Tailored to your interests, whether you’re drawn to the artistry of the mosaics, the history of the Roman Empire, or the architectural innovations of antiquity, we ensure your experience is as enriching as it is memorable.
Embark on Your Journey Through Time
Are you ready to step back into the luxurious world of a Roman villa and marvel at the artistry and ingenuity of the ancient world? Contact Your Own Italy to plan your personalized tour of Villa Romana del Casale. Discover the ancient splendors hidden in the heart of Sicily and let the past come alive in vivid detail.
What's Included
Experience Highlights:
– Private Driver Service: Enjoy the convenience of being met at your accommodations for a direct transfer to the Villa Romana del Casale.
– Exclusive Guide at Villa Romana: Discover the ruins of Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina, a lavish home belonging to a wealthy Roman in the 2nd century.
– World-Class Mosaics: Marvel at the most extensive collection of ancient domestic mosaics known today, beautifully preserved and showcasing intricate designs, daily life scenes, and historical events.
– Private 2-Hour Tour: Your guide will lead you through the villa, providing insights into the life of its inhabitants and the significance of its art.
– Lunch in Piazza Armerina: Post-tour, relish a meal at a specially chosen restaurant (cost not included), offering local cuisine that complements your historical journey.
– Return to Ragusa: Conclude your exploration with a comfortable ride to your accommodations in Ragusa, enriched by the day’s discoveries.
This immersive experience not only showcases the opulence of Roman domestic life but also connects you to the rich tapestry of Sicily’s past, all while enjoying the comfort and convenience of a private tour tailored to your interests.
Tips for Your Villa Romana del Casale Tour
– Comfortable Footwear: The villa covers a large area with uneven surfaces, making comfortable shoes essential.
– Sun Protection: The site can be quite exposed, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect against the Sicilian sun.
– Water: Keep hydrated by bringing along a water bottle, especially during the warmer months.
– Camera: The mosaics and architectural ruins are incredibly photogenic, so ensure your camera or smartphone is charged.
Faq
- Is there a dress code I should know about?
- There is a dress code for churches and basilicas. Shoulders and knees must be covered; shorts, miniskirts, and sleeveless shirts are not permitted. It is also recommended that you not take large bags or backpacks on tours that include churches as you may not be permitted to enter and storage accommodations are not usually available.
- What if there is bad weather?
- Our tours operate rain or shine!
- Is tipping customary in Italy?
- Tipping is indeed customary in Italy ! It is considered a kind gesture and proper etiquette to leave “a little something extra” depending on the level of service you receive. For a private guide it is suggested to leave 15 – 25 euros for a typical 3-hour tour.
- What happens after I’ve requested a booking through your website?
- Your Own Italy will send a confirmation email within 24 hours of your booking. You will then be invited to make your payment using a link that will be provided.
- Can wheelchair users go on this walking tour?
- Not all walking tours are fully accessible for wheelchair users or those with walking disabilities. However, if anyone in your group requires special accommodation, please let us know when completing the booking and we will work out suitable alternative routes.
- Can tours be modified?
- Yes, we will do our best to adjust any tour to accommodate special requests.
- How far in advance should I book my walking tour?
- Tours should be booked 48 hours in advance. While we cannot guarantee availability if booking occurs in less than 48 hours, we will do our best to accommodate your request.
- What are Your Own Italy’s payment terms?
- Full payment is due when the tour confirmation email is sent, within 24 hours of your booking. You will be provided with a link to our payment page. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.
- What is your cancellation policy?
- Tours must be canceled by email 24 hours prior to the start of the tour. If cancellation is made in less than this time, Your Own Italy cannot guarantee a full refund.
- How do I amend a reservation?
- Any changes to existing reservations must be requested by email. All efforts will be made to accommodate changes, but they cannot be guaranteed.
- What should I do if I have a larger group than the size suggested on the website?
- Your Own Italy is delighted to accommodate large groups. Please specify the number in your party when booking, and every effort will be made to organize a tour within the time limits provided.
Meeting Point
Duration Of Tour
Tour times are average – some groups prefer a more leisurely pace with fewer sites, with your private guide, this is your option.