From the gargantuan Colosseum and St. Peter’s Basilica,
to the monumental Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps, the Eternal City of Rome, Italy
offers an incredible adventure for men and women of all ages. Art aficionados, history buffs, and foodies
alike will be overwhelmed with the options available to satisfy their cravings
to be immersed in the Italian lifestyle and culture. I can tell you from experience that a visit
to Rome is unlike any other and will definitely exceed your expectations! Whether you want a low-key vacation, blending
in with the locals, or if you want a fast-paced adventure seeing all the city
has to offer, you will definitely be able to give your friends a full report of
the picturesque architecture, succulent cuisine, and historic appeal. Just think of it as your own little moment of
fame, telling them what you did “When in Rome!”
The moment you set foot on Roman soil, you will know that
you are walking through a city with a rich history. Not only that, but some of the people who
graced this city with their presence are, shall we say, not your average
Joes. Take, for example,
Michelangelo. Yes, THE
Michelangelo. He painted the current
version of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel that you can still tour
today. Although he did not use a
paintbrush, Julius Caesar also made his mark on Roman territory. More recently, Rome has birthed celebrities
like Food Network’s Giada De Laurentis, known for her sumptuous Italian cuisine
and endearing personality. Needless to
say, Rome has definitely given us countless household names, influencing what
we see, what we believe, and even what we eat.
If you only have a short period of time in which to see
the city, be sure to invest in the double decker bus tour. By doing so, you will be able to snag a lot
of incredible photographs and get off at key locations to get a more up close
and personal view. It goes without
saying that a visit to the Colosseum is a must.
It’s not enough to just take a photo from the outside. Explore the many levels of this architectural
wonder, marveling at the amazing workmanship that went into this colossal
construction project, in spite of the primitive tools that were available in 70
A.D. This structure could hold between
50,000 to 80,000 spectators. Find a spot
inside the Colosseum, sit down, and imagine what it was like to sit there many
years ago, watching the gladiators or a mock sea trial. I guarantee that it will be a moment you will
always remember!
Some might say that Rome has it all. Whether or not it has it all, there is
certainly a vast array of possibilities when it comes to choosing how to spend
your day. For instance, why not walk
down the street and visit another country?
Vatican City, the smallest independent state in the world, is right in
the middle of it all. There is no
border, so tourists can walk right through the gates. Allow extra time to tour St. Peter’s
Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and Vatican Museums, as there are typically long
lines, especially during peak travel months.
Even so, it is definitely worth the wait! The Vatican is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
and it is home to some of the most famous art in the world. Send a postcard to someone back home and tell
them you spent the day in a country within a country!
When it comes to accommodations in Rome, there is
literally something for every budget.
From budget-minded hostels to luxurious 5-star hotels, you will be sure
to find what you are looking for. During
my last stay in Rome, my dad and I booked a room at the NH Leonardo da Vinci
hotel. Having stayed at another NH hotel
in Amsterdam on a previous vacation, they gave us an outstanding rate. It was more modern than some hotels you find
in Europe, having all of the amenities of the average 3 or 4-star hotel in the
United States. While it was a more
upscale hotel, they also provided a complimentary breakfast buffet, which was a
nice way to start the day. Still, our
favorite place to stay in Rome is the Hotel Sonya. Recommended by the experienced traveler, Rick
Steves, this hotel is quaint, off the beaten path, and will give you a true
Roman experience. They include a free
breakfast as well, with a vast array of Italian delights, including delicate
pastries, quiche, fruits, vegetables, and so much more. This is more than your ordinary continental
breakfast. It is a culinary adventure
for your taste buds!
If you are looking to immerse yourself in the culture
even further, walk a few blocks away from the Hotel Sonya and enjoy a vibrant
street market, complete with clothing, fresh produce, and many other
items. If all of this shopping has made
you hungry, head to the Café Washington for a succulent Italian meal. Having eaten there several times, I can tell
you firsthand that their lasagna, tortellini, spaghetti and meatballs, and
pizzas are very good. Be sure to step
around the corner and cap off your meal with a scoop of gelato or ice cream, as
this restaurant also serves up a wide array of frozen treats! Looking for something different to satisfy
your appetite? Head over to Amalfi
Pizzeria for their signature pizza/calzone combo, where one half of the pizza
is a traditional pizza and the other half is a calzone. So delicious!
Needless to say, Rome has a huge culinary scene that will keep you
hungry, wanting to try as many different foods as possible.
If you find yourself in Rome, wishing you could come
again one day, be sure to make a wish at the Trevi Fountain. The largest Baroque fountain in the world, the
fountain as we know it today was officially completed in 1762. It stands at 85.28 feet high and uses
2,824,800 cubic feet of water every day.
It is one of the most popular fountains in the world and is a must-see
for anyone traveling to Rome. There is
also a legend that if visitors toss a coin into the fountain, they are ensured
to return to Rome one day. While this is
simply a legend, I can tell you from experience that one trip to Rome could
never be enough! Like they say, even
Rome wasn’t built in a day! So grab your
passport and pack your bags! It’s time
to go on the ultimate Roman adventure!
What are some of your favorite things to see or do on the island of Santorini? Please comment below and share your recommendations! May you always have joyful journeys!
Jennifer
Campbell
