Page 9 - Cork & Tee Sample Program Flipbook, 2018

Finish with Basilico San Pietro. We have
visited many of the most noteworthy
cathedrals and churches in the world, and St.
Peter’s never fails to take our breath away
with its enchanting beauty and grandeur.
Michelangelo’s dome, the largest such dome
in the world, is awe inspiring in itself. The
opulence of the interior bears testimony to
the wealth of the Catholic Church in the
sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. It is
decorated with large monuments, many of
which were created by Bernini, the great
Baroque designer.

The basilica was built over a span of 100 years during the sixteenth century. It was constructed
on the site of a former church, which originally was commissioned by the Emperor Constantine
and completed in 349 AD. The location is
highly symbolic; this is where St. Peter
died a martyr and was buried in 64 AD.
The greatest architects of several
generations participated in the massive
undertaking, including Michelangelo,
who was appointed chief architect at the
age of 72. The dome he designed finally
was completed in 1590, 26 years after his
death. The vast basilica, featuring enough
surface area to fit 60,000 people under one roof, remains an inspirational setting for pilgrims and
visitors alike. If you are looking for a test, there are 320 steps from the base of the dome at St.
Peter’s up to the cupola. The great view of the city framed by St. Peter’s Square is most certainly
worth the journey.

In the early evening, you will meet Bruno, Rebecca or another of our culinary guides for a
private food walking tour of Rome. The tour will take place in Centro Storico, the old district
that is home to numerous authentic trattorias and outstanding food shops. There are also several
very good gelato parlors and three world-class coffee roasters in addition to fine enotecas, wine
bars like Cul de Sac, bakers such as Antico Forno, which makes the superb pizza bianca
(delicious Roman flatbread dusted with olive oil and a touch of sea salt), chocolate shops and
other food shops. There’s even a great Sardinian pastry shop (Roman pastries are unlikely to
excite you). You will make stop-offs at several restaurants to taste a selection of classic Roman
pasta dishes such as Carbonara, Amatriciana, Cacio e Pepe (our favorite) or Arrabiata, among
other items. Your guide will make a number of stops where you will sample typical appetizers

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