Unravel the rich history and artistic splendor of Aquileia, a captivating town in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy, with ancient roots dating back to 181 BC, when it was founded as a Roman colony. Over time, it evolved into one of the residences of the Emperor, earning the esteemed title of "Second Rome" and becoming a vital hub of the Roman Empire. Our journey begins at the Roman Forum, the epicenter of Imperial Aquileia's politics and administration, where you'll marvel at the remaining colonnade and arcades, once lined with bustling shops, the floors of the civil basilica, and the vibrant square. Next, we'll stroll along the historic path from the Roman Forum to the river port, traversing the picturesque Via Sacra, shaded by majestic cypresses, which leads to an expansive archaeological area waiting to be discovered. We'll visit the incredibly preserved ancient river port on the Natissa River, a testament to Roman engineering prowess. The tour continues at the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, renowned for its exquisite and precious mosaics, which adorn the entire 760-square-meter floor, the largest early Christian mosaic in the Western world. As you walk on the transparent walkways, you'll be mesmerized by the intricate, multicolored tiles depicting portraits, animals, natural scenes, and religious motifs, culminating in a stunning fresco beneath the apse. We'll proceed to the Crypt of the Frescoes, built to house the relics of martyrs, featuring exquisite frescoes on the life and legend of the evangelist Mark. Next to the Basilica, we'll admire the towering 70-meter-high bell tower, a prominent landmark, and the ornate octagonal Baptistery with a hexagonal basin. The guided tour concludes with a stroll through a historic area adjacent to the Basilica, where ten unknown soldiers lie buried, a poignant reminder of the region's rich history. In 1921, the body of the Unknown Soldier was symbolically chosen from among 11 unnamed soldiers in the Basilica, later transported to Rome and placed in the tomb of the Vittoriano.