The Magic of Christmas in Rome and Behind the Sacred Doors: A Night in the Vatican
The Magic of Christmas in Rome and Behind the Sacred Doors: A Night in the Vatican with Saffet Emre Tonguç
In the heart of the Eternal City, Rome, you are invited to discover two of history’s most sacred and magnificent landmarks, enhanced with exclusive surprises just for you. At night, the doors of the Vatican open solely for us; the mesmerizing ceiling frescoes of the Sistine Chapel, the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica, and the mystical atmosphere of the Vatican turn into an enchanting experience away from the crowds. Throughout the day, you will encounter many surprises in Rome’s narrow streets, while in the evening, you’ll join an elegant gala night in the heart of the city.
İstanbul – Rome – Vatican – Tivoli – İstanbul
15 December 2025 İstanbul – Roma TK 1861 09:10 (Departure) 09:50 (Arrival)
18 December 2025 Roma – İstanbul TK 1864 19:35 (Departure) 00:20 (Arrival)*
Scope
INCLUDED SERVICES
Round-trip economy class flight ticket Istanbul – Rome – Istanbul with Turkish Airlines scheduled flights
3 nights accommodation with breakfast at the 5-star Hotel de Russie in Rome
All tours accompanied by Saffet Emre Tonguç
All transfers as specified in the program
All sightseeing tours as specified in the program
2 lunches as specified in the program
2 elegant dinners as specified in the program
Exclusive Night Opening of the Vatican Museums (private to our group only)
“Apericena” experience in the Vatican Gardens
Personal headsets provided during all tours
Airport taxes
Comprehensive accident, health, and cancellation insurance
Gezinin Elli Tonu | Rena Travel consultancy service
EXCLUDED SERVICES
Meals not specified in the program
Beverages during lunches and dinners
Personal Expenses
International Departure Tax (Turkey)
Dates and Prices
15 December 2025 - 18 December 2025
Per Person in Double Room 4850 €
Additional Cost for Single Room +1350 €
REGISTER
Day 1 / 15 December 2025, Monday / ISTANBUL - ROME

Meeting at Istanbul Airport International Terminal at 06:30. After ticketing, baggage, and passport procedures, we depart at 09:10 on Turkish Airlines flight TK 1861 and arrive in Rome at 09:50 local time. Upon stepping into the Eternal City, we transfer by private vehicle to the heart of Rome and begin exploring its enchanting streets.

Our first stop is the magnificent Piazza Venezia, followed by the stunning Trevi Fountain with its elegant Baroque architecture. We then take a pleasant walk along Via Condotti, reflecting the aristocratic charm of Rome, and enjoy a short break at the famous Spanish Steps with their captivating atmosphere.

For lunch, you’ll have free time to relax at the city’s stylish trattorias or elegant cafés. In the afternoon, you may discover Rome’s luxury boutiques and enjoy shopping at its exclusive spots. Toward the evening, we head to the legendary Hotel de Russie, where we will experience the privilege of staying in the heart of the city. This elegant hotel offers a historic palazzo atmosphere, exquisite gardens, Michelin-quality cuisine, a serene spa, and refined hospitality.

Dinner will be served at Mirabelle Restaurant. Overnight stay at our hotel.

Day 2 / 16 December 2025, Tuesday / VATICAN UNDER THE MOON LIGHT

Today, we are preparing to discover Rome’s history and art through a program designed exclusively for you. After breakfast, we will visit one of the most impressive monuments of ancient architecture, the Pantheon, where its massive dome and elegant columns reveal the timeless beauty of Rome. Next, we head to the famous Piazza Navona, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, where we will admire Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers and take a short break amidst the square’s vibrant atmosphere of art and daily life.

Our journey continues to Campo de’ Fiori, where lively market stalls, the scent of fresh produce, and scenes from everyday Roman life allow you to feel the true spirit of the city. Around midday, we cross into Trastevere, renowned for its narrow streets, colorful buildings, and welcoming ambiance, where we will enjoy lunch at a cozy trattoria serving the most delicious examples of traditional Roman cuisine.

In the evening, an experience reserved only for us begins: the Vatican opens its doors in the silence of the night. Away from the crowds, under the moonlight and in complete serenity, you will discover the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel, Raphael’s Rooms, and the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica. Following this unique night tour, our evening will be crowned with an elegant apericena prepared exclusively for us in a private area of the Vatican. Under the moonlight, in the Vatican’s sacred atmosphere, you will savor refined Italian flavors and conclude this magical experience in an unforgettable way. Overnight stay at Hotel de Russie.

Day 3 / 17 December 2025, Wednesday / ROME

After enjoying a delightful breakfast at our hotel, today we head to the heart of ancient Rome, the Roman Forum. Among centuries-old columns, triumphal arches, and stone-paved streets filled with stories, you will feel the grandeur of the imperial days. At noon, you will have free time — whether to shop along the streets of Rome or take a pleasant break at one of the city’s charming cafés.

In the afternoon, we will visit Christmas World in Borghese Park, set in a magical winter atmosphere. You will enjoy the sparkling decorations, themed stalls, and festive spirit of the holiday season. In the evening, we crown the day with an elegant dinner in the heart of Rome. Overnight stay at Hotel de Russie.

Day 4 / 18 December 2025, Thursday / ROME - ISTANBUL

After breakfast, we will check out from our hotel and have free time until noon for some last-minute shopping. Then, we head to Tivoli, where history and nature intertwine just outside the city. Surrounded by lush landscapes and ancient ruins, we will enjoy a delightful exploration and spend a peaceful morning in Tivoli’s unique atmosphere. We will admire the famous gardens and fountains of Villa d’Este from the outside and listen to the history of the region from our guide.

At noon, we will have lunch at Sibilla Restaurant, one of Tivoli’s most iconic venues. Accompanied by ancient Roman ruins and a magnificent view, you will savor the finest examples of traditional Italian cuisine.

After lunch, our return journey begins. We will transfer by private vehicle to Rome Fiumicino Airport, complete our check-in procedures, and depart for Istanbul with Turkish Airlines flight TK 1864 at 19:35. We will arrive in Istanbul at 00:20 local time. Welcome back…

FLIGHT TICKET
Round-trip economy class flight ticket Istanbul – Rome – Istanbul with Turkish Airlines scheduled flights
AGE LIMIT
The minimum age is 10 years old
EVENTS
Exclusive Night Opening of the Vatican Museums (private to our group only)
TREATS
“Apericena” experience in the Vatican Gardens
GUIDE
Saffet Emre Tonguç
INFO
Travel health and cancellation insurance
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