Walk the Path of a Gladiator: A ‘Gladiator 2’ Experience in Rome & Malta

From the moment you arrive in Rome, you will feel the vibrant energy of Italy’s capital city, a buzz of weaving Vespas negotiating traffic and aromas of freshly brewed espresso wafting from corner cafés. Spend an afternoon discovering a handful of Rome’s iconic sites as a private guide leads you among the cobblestone lanes that have seen centuries of footsteps.

Notice the Pantheon’s imposing and perfectly proportioned dome looming above you and nodding to ancient Roman engineering. Watch as a moving spotlight causes shadows and light to dance across the interior. Whether listening to the murmur of water from the Trevi Fountain or welcoming the interlude of Italian melodies as musicians fill the air at Piazza di Spagna, you can settle into the beauty, charm, and grandeur of Rome that has survived for over two millennia.

Embark on a journey back in time as you delve into the depths of the Colosseum, where the echoes of ancient battles still linger. As you descend into the underground chambers, the cool air may cling to your skin as the damp stone walls seem to whisper tales of the past. Each step through the tunnels will connect you to the lives of the gladiators, their stories etched into the very fabric of the ancient walls. The echoes in the halls parallel the calls of the crowd that once filled the stadium above.

Once out of the subterranean maze, you’ll have the chance to step into the role of a gladiator. As you don the armor, the weight on your shoulders may feel exhilarating and daunting. Don a traditional wooden sword and step into the sandy arena to train as the gladiators did. Whether jumping through the obstacles or learning the proper battle stance, you will find a historical perspective hidden beneath the physical exercise.

Just 15 miles southwest of Rome is the ancient coastal town of Ostia, where history comes to life amidst remarkably preserved ruins, temples, and baths. As you step into the 2nd-century AD theater, the grandeur of this architectural masterpiece will unfold. Stand at the center and listen to your voice reverberate off the stone stair seating, once holding over 4,000 patrons. At the intricate mosaics in the Thermal Baths of Neptune, you can find the god riding a mythical sea horse while surrounded by a parade of marine creatures.

Walk along the ancient cobblestones of the main street, Decumanus Maximus, where each step bridges the millennia. The ruins of the Castle of Pope Julius II retain their weathered walls, standing as a testament to time. Inside, rusty-colored frescoes line the reception room of the Bishop’s Palace, evoking a deep appreciation for the artistry of the past in connecting, within the film, images of Lucius Verus’s life as a prince and time as a gladiator.

The historic town of Arpino is known for its ancient roots and being the birthplace of Emperor Cicero. As you follow the steps of Rome’s most famous orator, your guide may regale you with tales of Cicero’s significance and the town’s annual Latin competition, in which high-school seniors translate Cicero’s works. Stand in front of the contrasting light and dark images of Caravaggio’s Seven Works of Mercy and explore the ancient acropolis of Civitavecchia di Arpino for a sense of timelessness.

In Anagni, you will find the “City of the Popes” resting on a hilltop and boasting sweeping views over the Apennines. The scattered houses come into focus, framed by a three-arched balcony gate. Once in the Little Sistine Chapel, you can gain insight into the famous Anagni slap, when representatives of the French king slapped Pope Boniface VIII in the 14th century.

Today you will be transported to a world of sheer aesthetic beauty as you visit the Tuscan landscape of Val d’Orcia. Stop in Pienza and enjoy the fresh rural aromas of grass and flowers, as well as the distinct earthy scent of the clay-rich soil. Run your hands along the ancient stone walls as you walk through Pienza’s narrow alleys and Renaissance architecture, including the trapezoidal-shaped Piazza Pio II. The square features angular brick paving and geometric patterns known for dazzling visitors for centuries.

Pay a visit to the “Gladiator’s Home,” a fictional location known as the estate of Maximus Decimus from the original Gladiator film. Walk through the idyllic countryside home he envisioned returning to throughout the film, where rolling hills, wheat fields, and cypress trees bring Maximus’s dream into reality.

Vatican City is one of Italy’s key cultural and historical landmarks, a site of bold Gothic, Roman, and Baroque architecture displaying artwork produced by masters. Notice how rich, choral music in the basilica contrasts with hushed tones in the Vatican Museum. Witness the textures of smooth marble sculptures and the colorful mosaics in the Sistine Chapel.

The nearby Castel Sant’Angelo will take you on a journey through nearly two millennia of Roman history. Cross over an aged bridge adorned with stunning angel statues as you approach the castle and find the stronghold’s imposing cylindrical structure dominating the skyline. The architecture reflects historical periods, from ancient Rome to the Renaissance. Finish your tour at the Angel Terrace, where commanding views of Rome, St Peter’s Basilica, and the Tiber River paint an unforgettable picture.

Continue with an exploration into the flavors of ancient Rome with an authentic culinary experience. As you don your apron, the earthy aroma of freshly ground cumin and coriander will transport you back to the bustling markets of the Roman Forum. Under the guidance of an expert chef, learn to prepare dishes like libum, a type of Roman cheesecake drizzled with honey, or a columella salad made with herbs, greens, and cheese, all dressed with vinegar.

Your final full day in Rome will take you to two UNESCO World Heritage sites. Explore the 16th-century elegance of Villa d’Este and the ancient grandeur of Hadrian’s Villa. Step into a world of picturesque Italian gardens and elaborate fountains when visiting Villa d’Este, but stand in awe of Roman grandeur when you arrive at the former emperor’s palace.

Roman architectural ingenuity is still visible in the ruins of Emperor Hadrian’s vast 2nd-century AD complex. Notice the earthy scent of the stones and surrounding nature, and feel the varied surfaces of pathways between the ruins. Stop a while and breathe in the quiet air, taking a mental picture of the dramatic Tivoli backdrop comprising cone-shaped trees, stonework, and distant silhouettes of rolling hills, while replicas of ancient Greek statues fill the garden in the foreground.

Departing Rome today, your private transfer to the airport will have you arrive with plenty of time for your flight to Malta. From the moment you arrive in Valletta, you will feel a sense of warmth and hospitality from locals that matches the welcoming Mediterranean climate. The azure waters, golden limestone buildings, and stone arches create a visually striking impression. The air is filled with the scents of the sea and sounds of bustling street markets, while Malta’s rich history is captured in the Baroque architecture, prehistoric megalithic temples, and medieval fortifications. While Gladiator 2 may be based on the opulence of ancient Rome, the past feels contemporary in Malta.

Discover a blend of historical significance, beautiful harbor views, and imposing fortifications when you set out on a private tour of Malta’s capital city, Valletta. Take your time as you wander down narrow streets boasting churches and palaces, as well as votive statues known for the incredible detail of their clasped hands. Visit St John’s Co-Cathedral to find a magnificent Baroque church boasting Caravaggio’s famous painting, The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist.

The Sciberras Peninsula is the setting of the replica Colosseum that was constructed for filming Gladiator in 1999. Designed to capture the essence of the original Colosseum’s architecture and grandeur, the set is about one-third of the size of the original and helped establish the scene for iconic gladiatorial combat and public showmanship. The sights and sounds of the movie playing in your memory may add to the ambiance of your surroundings.

Set sail for a chance to experience the perfect blend of natural beauty, historical exploration, and relaxation. Enjoy the tranquil beauty of Comino’s Blue Lagoon and explore the market and busy Republic Street in Victoria on Gozo Island. Once in the market, you can savor Maltese favorites such as a fava bean dip, known as bigilla, or bite into the sweet flavors of imqaret, a date-filled pastry.

Enjoy swimming and snorkeling as the mild Mediterranean waters lap against your skin. The brilliant colors of fish and coral magnify in the crystal-clear water. Embrace the turquoise hues of the Crystal and Blue lagoons, as well as the caves and coves that provide the perfect place to stop and enjoy the serenity of the secluded bays.

Spend time with your private guide visiting the fortified cities of Senglea, Vittoriosa, and Cospicua. Senglea offers you stunning views over the Grand Harbor and the Fortress of San Michele, with carvings of an eye and ear adorning the lookout post. Pay a visit to Fort Ricasoli, one of Vittoriosa’s surviving monuments after the Great Siege in 1565 and an official filming location for Gladiator 2. The set includes a remarkable reproduction of the Colosseum and other iconic structures from the Roman Empire. These intermingle with the fort’s significant historical value to add an authentic backdrop to the exceptional recreation.

As the day dawns and you prepare to head home, you may choose to spend time wandering the streets of Valletta. Stop to admire the bright colors and tranquil spaces of the Lower Barrakka Gardens and bask in the sweet aromas of the flora. If time permits, you may choose to visit the Casa Rocca Piccola museum for a chance to view hidden artifacts and altars that share more of the island’s history. When you are ready, your private transfer will meet you at the hotel and escort you to the airport for your flight home, bringing an end to your immersion into the world of Lucius Verus as a gladiator.