Design Principles & Practices Research Network

This carefully designed itinerary invites participants to discover the timeless beauty of Rome through a guided walking tour of its most celebrated landmarks.

We will begin at 3:00 PM at the elegant Trinità dei Monti, descending to the Spanish Steps and Piazza di Spagna, before continuing to the majestic Trevi Fountain, the baroque charm of Sant’Ignazio, the serene Piazza della Minerva, and the awe-inspiring Pantheon, concluding at the lively Piazza Navona.

The tour includes entrance tickets to the Pantheon and personal audio headsets, ensuring a seamless and immersive experience as guests explore the Eternal City’s art, history, and atmosphere.

• Group 1 (English speaking)

• Meeting time: 3:00 PM at Trinità dei Monti (Map)

• Price: US$45

Booking: Reservations can be made by clicking the button below. Please note that only reservations paid in full will be considered confirmed, and space is limited. Simply requesting a reservation will not guarantee a place on the tour.

The Design Principles & Practices Conference is pleased to announce the Conference Welcome Reception.

Date: Wednesday 25th February 2026

Time: After the last session of the day

Location: Caffè delle Arti

Via Antonio Gramsci, 73, 00197 Roma RM, Italy (Map)

(Across the road, 3 minutes from the Venue)

There is no need to pre-register for this event, the entrance is free for all Conference Participants

Dinner on the Tiber – A Special Evening at Baja Roma

A barge moored on the Tiber banks, in the heart of Rome.
An elegant and functional Art Nouveau structure built upon an ancient harbor barge, surrounded by the timeless beauty of the Eternal City. The perfect setting to enjoy, relax, and celebrate a special occasion.

📅 Date: Friday, 27 February 2026
🕗 Time: 20:00 (8:00 PM)
📍 Location: Baja Ristorante Lounge Bar Roma

Lungotevere Arnaldo da Brescia, 5, 00196 Roma RM, Italia (Map)

Menu

The evening will begin with a selection of shared starters, followed by a vegetarian main course, and conclude with a delightful dessert.
Wine and non-alcoholic beverages are included.

💰 Cost: USD $120 per person

🔒 Booking:
Reservations can be made by clicking the button below.
Please note that only fully paid reservations are confirmed, and space is limited. Requesting a reservation alone does not guarantee a seat at the dinner.

Dress Code: Casual Chic

To ensure a refined and comfortable atmosphere:

• Men: Long trousers and closed shoes are recommended.

• Women: Smart casual attire suitable for an elegant evening on the river.

Come join the plenary speakers and your fellow delegates for the Twentieth International Conference on Design Principles & Practices Closing Session and Award Ceremony, where there will be special recognition given to those who have helped at the conference as well as announcements for next year’s conference. The ceremony will be held at the University directly following the last session of the day.

Date: Friday, 27th February 2026
Time: Directly following the last session of the day
Location: Plenary Room at the University

There is no need to pre-register for this event.

"Head to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill to immerse in Ancient Rome's wonders with an optional audio guide."

Highlights

• Reserved entry to the Colosseum at your selected time lets you step straight into history without waiting in long lines.
• Explore the Colosseum’s seating rows, where Romans once gathered to watch epic battles, and visit the on-site museum on Level 2 to see fascinating artifacts from its past.
• Enjoy the flexibility to visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill anytime within 24 hours, uncovering ruins of ancient temples, markets, and palaces at your own pace.
• Listen to expert insights with an audio guide to learn its fascinating and rich history.
• Upgrade your experience with Arena Floor access to stand where gladiators once fought or Mamertine Prison access for a complete ancient Rome experience.

Inclusions

• Timed entry to the Colosseum
• Access to Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
• Audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese
• Hosted entry (as per option selected)
• Special access to the Colosseum Arena (as per option selected)
• Mamertine Prison access with audio guide (as per option selected)

Date and Time: You may choose when you book.

Price: From US$25

Booking: Reservations can be made by clicking the button below. Please note, only reservations that have been paid in full will be considered confirmed and space is limited. Simply requesting a reservation will not guarantee a place on the tour.

Access Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica on this skip-the-line guided tour, showcasing the Holy See's iconic landmarks.

Highlights

• Explore three top Vatican landmarks in one go — the Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.
• Skip long entry lines at the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with priority access.
• Walk the Gallery of Maps as your expert guide shares stories behind every masterpiece.
• Enter St. Peter’s Basilica via a special passageway from the Chapel—no need to queue again outside.
• Opt for a small-group tour (max 10) for a deeper Vatican experience, or beat the crowds with early access and reach the Dome’s summit for stunning views.

Inclusions

• Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line entry
• St. Peter's Basilica Access
• Expert English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, or Japanese-speaking guide
• Semi-private tour with a max group of 10 (as per option selected)
• Early morning tour with St. Peter's Basilica and Dome climb (as per option selected)
• Headphones

Date and Time: You may choose when you book.

Price: From US$65

Booking: Reservations can be made by clicking the button below. Please note, only reservations that have been paid in full will be considered confirmed and space is limited. Simply requesting a reservation will not guarantee a place on the tour.