We always start in Roma, stay for a few days and move on to another part of the country.
And for the most part we are creatures of habit. Generally, we travel with the same suspects; rent a blend of Country Villas so that we can cook in the evenings, and stay in big city hotels to experience the culture and local food every meal.
And…… we always pack big heavy suitcases. For fun……. to lug on and off water taxis, up narrow, steep stairs in historic, boutique hotels, and along cobblestone streets.
Italy is colorful, its people and food…..friendly for the most part. Some big tourist traps are an exception, but if you want to see the Vatican and need something to eat around there? Know what you are getting into. And hold onto your wallet.
Our “favorite” place to stay in Rome is the Colonna Palace Hotel. It’s tucked away in central Rome, and within walking distance of all the main attractions. Breakfast is served on the Rooftop Terrance and no one cares if you bring wine to sip and to look over Rome at the end of the day. And they do serve wine//cocktails if you get there early enough!
And we always visit Taverna Antonina at least once or twice, just around the corner for a great meal and Limoncello.
We are big fans of tours. There is so much information, detail, rumors and history to learn. Depending on the season, you may be able to book tickets a few days or hours before wanting to view. During the busy seasons, it’s best to book tours online from home. Current online reviews are incredibly helpful.
There truly is so much to experience in Roma, the musts are on all of the googled top lists. So far, we’ve made it to:
The Colosseum: do book the full tour, including the underground and spend some time learning all about the history, and of course the gladiator fights. 50,000 – 80,000 spectators sat according to class. As per security for most attractions, small backpacks are allowed and screened before entry. A ticket will also get you entry into the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill: are right next door to the Colosseum. Palatine Hill is the foundation site of Rome (circa 500 B.C.), but people have lived in the area since the 10th Century B.C. Palatine Hill was the most famous of Rome’s seven hills and the neighborhood of the most elite.
Julius Caesar happened to live 125 years before the Colosseum, so visit his tomb and explore the Roman Forum; which is a rectangular plaza full of ancient ruins. Most buildings (banks, temples, public baths, and government buildings) were destroyed in 410 A.D. during the fall of the Roman Empire. But it was used by the elite for 1400 years.
The Trevi Fountain: is not far from the Colonna Palace Hotel, and it’s Rome’s most famous. Legend has it, throw a coin into the Fountain and you will return, throw 2 coins means you will return and fall in love; 3 coins means you return, find love and marry! Expect it to be busy nearly all the time, except for early morning but so worth the visit.
The Spanish Steps: are about 1 km from the Trevi Fountains. Climb them, look around, rest and then go find the perfect gelato!
Vatican City: is definitely worth the tour, stories and gossip. View Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and stand in St. Peter’s Square. Dress accordingly. No short dresses or shorts above the knees, bare shoulders or flip flops; especially in the Sistine Chapel. We bring scarves or pashminas to cover bare arms whenever entering a church or Basilica.
If you’re looking for a nice walk (4 km from the hotel), visit the Villa Borghese or a little closer (2.5 km) visit the Castel Sant’Angelo.
There are so many things to see in Rome, remember to enjoy the moments, the people, street artists and the food. We love the Piazza Navona. Gluten free is available nearly everywhere. Pasta and/or pizza let alone so so many other choices: Aperitivo, Antipasto, Primo, Secondo, Insalatas, Formaffi e Frutta, Dolce and Digestivo. Even though Italian meals have 5 -7 sections, at least 2 are ordered.
Crazy, but if you want to rent a car when leaving Rome, do so through Hertz (Book well in advance). Take a taxi to the pickup at the Waldorf Astoria; which is further from the city core. Traffic with Vespa’s, Fiat’s and narrow roads in Rome is insane……and go check out the lobby while you are at the Waldorf. Fantastico!
