Rome, The Eternal City, is without a doubt one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Every year, millions of tourists come from everywhere to admire the treasures and masterpieces of Roman art and architecture.
The best times of the year to visit Rome are April, May, and late September through October.
Many Mediterranean cruises depart out of Rome via Civitavecchia, making the coastal city a perfect add-on to any pre/post cruise.
Tourists need at least 3-4 days to spend in Rome to see all the major attractions. Renting a car to get around Italy is a challenge, but driving around Rome is dangerous and I would not recommend unless you have nerves of steel and the reflexes of a professional race car driver.
Thankfully, Rome has an efficient citywide transportation system, plus Uber.
Rome can accommodate any level of accommodations you’re looking for, with all price ranges covered. There are many older, historic boutique-style hotels as well as more modern 5-star luxury resorts. To fully soak up the history of this amazing city, consider staying near or in the historical area of Rome.
There’s one thing in Rome you won’t have to worry about: finding a good place to eat. Roman food is a popular, yet simple one. While not generally sophisticated or elaborate, it is generous, varied, and rich in flavors and character. And yes, there’s pizza too!
From family-run trattorias and pizzerias to fancier, hip restaurants, Rome knows how to satiate your hunger and satisfy her visitors with her savory specialties.
You should always plan ahead when you travel, especially when it comes to seeing the sights in Rome. You can tour by yourself, in a small or large group. Visiting the Vatican is typically at least a half day, but many feel it should warrant a full day. Having a guide with you really enhances the experience. A good tour will also skip you to the front of the line.
The traditional historical venues— the Colosseum, Pantheon, Forum, and St Peter’s Basilica—really bring you the truest sense of ancient Rome. There are passes that you can purchase to get into these attractions, or, of course, you can book a private guide who is properly trained to make all that history come to life.
The paintings and sculptures in Rome’s churches, cathedrals, museums, and galleries will be awe-inspiring. All the great names of Western art are covered, from Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling to frescoes by Raphael and paintings that show the skill of Caravaggio, to the glorious fountains of Bernini.
Of course, the most iconic example of the beauty of Rome is Salvi’s Tevi Fountain. Dominating the small, cobbled avenue in which it sits, the fountain is an outrageous example of over-the-top Baroque sculpture.
You can never spend enough time in Rome. The Eternal City’s historical charm along with a visit to the Vatican make a visit to Rome a must. A bucket list destination!
