Italy. Just the thought of Italy stirs all types of emotion.
I love everything about the country. Beautiful people. History and
architecture. The Mediterranean climate. Vineyards. Oh, and the food. Food that
I would want for my last meal. Uncomplicated, fresh and so delicious! So
there’s nothing about Italy that I don’t like. Each region and city differs.
And I like them all. Venice, Milan, Florence, the Amalfi coast. But Rome…. Rome
IS Italy!
For accommodations in Rome, I have some favorites, based largely
on location. There is the Marriott Grand Flora and the St Regis just a few
blocks away. Aside from being fabulous first class hotels, these two hotels
offer a great vantage point to begin exploring the city. Walk downhill just a
few blocks and head to your right and you soon hit the top of the Spanish
Steps.
At the base of the steps, you can find fabulous little cafes
without much effort at all. Grab a seat, have a glass of vino, relax and soak it
all in. Order a pizza. There is nothing like a true Italian pizza and though I
am a New York style pizza lover, nothing even comes close to a pizza in Italy.
It’s like no pizza you have had anywhere! Maybe nibble on some fresh buffalo
mozzarella or prosciutto y melon. YUMM! Take your time. Food is meant to be
savored. It’s an experience, it’s not to be rushed! Italians will find you rude
if you appear hurried. Relax, this is Rome, after all! And don’t forget to pick
up a gelato to enjoy on your long walk about the city.
You’ve got several options of great sights but plan out your day, as it will determine your direction. The City Sightseeing bus (double decker, hop on, hop off) is a good way to get a feel of the city, and fantastic if your time is extremely limited. It will take you to all the major sights and you can spend as much or as little time as you like.
It is more than possible to walk Rome but to see everything
will take a few days.
Let’s first head to the Trevi Fountain. Its back a few side
streets and around a few hidden corners but suddenly it appears and it’s
fantastic. It tends to get very crowded. It is said , if you throw a coin in
the fountain, you will again return to Rome.
Not far from the Trevi Fountain, and again, through a few small streets with twists and turns, you will find the Pantheon. Amazing history and architecture and the detail in the marble is amazing.
Not far from the Trevi Fountain, and again, through a few small streets with twists and turns, you will find the Pantheon. Amazing history and architecture and the detail in the marble is amazing.
A little further in this direction and you come to the Piazza
Navona. The center of the piazza is home to Neptune’s statue and the Fountain
of 4 Rivers. The piazza comes alive in
the evening with artists and music and wonderful cafes for an outdoor meal and
some people watching.
Not a far walk is a rather touristy but interesting option
for lunch. Italy is home to fettucine alfredo and Rome boast the original.
Several restaurants claim to be the home of the original fettucine but head to
Il Vero Alfredo. They make your fettucine tableside and it’s an experience!
Want to head in a different direction? How bout taking in the Victor Emmanuel Monument at the Piazza Venezia? Victor Emmanuel houses a museum and you can head to top for spectacular views.
While at Victor Emmanuel, walk up the small hill to the right of the building, then head up the steps.
You
are not far from the Colosseum and absolutely have to make a visit. Lines for
entrance to the Colosseum can be long and the Italian afternoons can get very
hot so it makes sense to hit the Colosseum in the morning. You may even want to
start at the Colosseum and work your way back to the VE.
Ready for another direction? Head toward the Tiber River. In
the Trastevere region of the city, there are fantastic restaurants everywhere. A
little hidden treasure can be found in a hidden corner in the area. Taverna
Trilussa is magic! Quiet, hidden, out of the way, with authentic local dishes
that will not disappoint. My favorite restaurant in Rome!
Toward the Vatican, you will find the fortress of Castel Sant' Angelo.
And you are just a short walk from Vatican City.
Plan out your trip to Vatican ahead of time. Do you homework. You will want to visit St Peter’s Basilica and don’t forget the Sistine chapel. You can tour St Peter’s and make your way to top of the dome. It's 320 steps to the Cupola but the view of Vatican City from the top is amazing. (and there is an elevator if needed).
It’s also possible to visit the Church crypts and is incredibly interesting to venture under the Church and into the tombs. You can only get to the Sistine chapel but way of the Vatican museum. And lines and waiting times can be very long. Go early and be prepared for extensive waits. But I promise, it is worth it! You can take photos throughout the Vatican museum but not inside the Sistine chapel. Make sure you check the schedule on the Vatican website so that you don’t miss the opportunity.
As with many religious sites, don’t forget, no sleeveless
shirts, no shorts. A good rule of thumb is shoulders should be covered and
nothing above the knee.
You cannot visit the Sistine Chapel on Sundays, though you
can visit St Peters but only after mass. Mass given by the Pope attracts
thousands. It’s bigger than any rock concert I’ve ever been to and people of
all religions and faiths gather to hear mass. Check the Vatican website for the
schedule of the Papal mass.
Following mass, wait on the streets, as thousands will line the street and the Pope makes his way via the Pope mobile to see greet the people. It’s a moving experience!
If you want a cheaper hotel while in Rome, try the Marriott
Courtyard Central Park. They offer a shuttle bus that will take you directly to
Vatican and you can start your sightseeing from there.
Enjoy the trip…
Ciao!
Robin
