Make your way to the meeting point in central Rome in the morning, and get on board of a high-speed train for the journey south to the Royal Palace of Caserta. Built in the mid-18th century for the Bourbon kings of Naples, the residence was designed by Italian architect Luigi Vanvitelli using inspiration from the French Palace of Versailles, Charlottenburg in Germany, and Spain’s El Escorial. It is one of the world’s largest royal palaces, boasting 1,200 rooms, 24 staircases, and 1,742 windows.
Step inside the enormous estate with included admission, and follow your guide on a tour through five floors of opulent ballrooms, hallways, and apartments that dazzle with period frescoes, marble floors, mirrors, and tapestries. Headsets are provided so you can clearly hear your guide’s commentary on palace history and the fascinating lives of its blue-blooded former residents, including King Charles VII of Naples. Also tour the expansive palace gardens, featuring ornate fountains and English and Italianate landscaping.
Before returning to Rome, reflect on the regal feast for the eyes over lunch at a local restaurant. Your tour concludes with drop-off back at the original departure point.