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A few weeks ago I shared about my fabulous week in Venice…and I shared that soon I would be heading to Rome. Well, after much planning, on June 21st I was packed and on my way by train again! Ride along with me…
Rome is only 1-1/2 hours by (fast) train from Florence and, although the weather promised to be toasty (promise kept!), I was very much looking forward to returning to the Eternal City. It had been about seven years since my last visit and now, since tourism is just beginning to recover I knew it was a golden opportunity to see and enjoy Rome without the crush of crowds… And I did!
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♦ Planning…
I planned my week to include staying with my friend, Daniele and his newly redecorated boutique B & B, A Peace of Rome, in the Prati rione. As is my habit, I bought and studied maps, made my list of priorities, and booked what I could in advance – in other words, what I really wanted to see and do on this trip.
Rome is HUGE, I mean really HUGE! Not just in population but it’s very spread out and I didn’t want to be running all over (especially in anticipated heat). Knowing that I wouldn’t be able to see and do it all, I scheduled/booked one major site/museum each day and then made a list of what was nearby if I had the time and/or energy to explore more. I also hoped to meet a few locals and, as it turned out, I did (more later!).
If you follow me on social media (especially Facebook and Instagram), I shared “mini” photo albums daily. There’s just so much to Rome, there’s no way to summarize or encapsulate Caput Mundi!
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So, here we go…a “photo diary” and summary of my days…
♦ Day One – All roads (and rails) lead to Rome: ItaloTreno is such a great train service between major cities in Italy! My ride was effortless as I headed to Rome. I had a private transfer meet me at the station and take me to my place for the week. It was great to see Daniele again and, once I settled in, he suggested a restaurant across the street.
No argument from me and I enjoyed one of many wonderful meals in Roma!
♦ Day Two – Borghese Gallery: I had reservations for one of my absolute favorite, must-see museums any where, the Galleria Borghese …
It’s positively glorious and because I am (as is any art lover) totally enamored with Bernini...well, you’ll see for yourself.
Please wait for the slideshow of Bernini’s Pluto & Persephone…
Throw in Caravaggio, Canova, Ghirlandaio, Raffaello, Veronese, Titian, Rubens…the list of masters is long…this extensive collection of art treasures is just magnificent.
Please wait for the slideshow of Bernini’s Apollo & Daphne
And then there is all of the rich decor according to the extravagant taste of Cardinal Borghese who spared no expense…
⇒ Visit the Borghese Gallery (reservations are a MUST!)
After the Borghese I had a lovely lunch nearby (at Harry’s Bar Roma, of the cinema classic “La Dolce Vita” fame!)…
Eventually I did find my way to the famous Spanish Steps…which were empty due to local restrictions but it would’ve been way too hot to linger anyway! The afternoon heat found me at a taxi queue (I took taxis every day and highly recommend them – just go to an authorized queue) and back to relax at my accommodation! Perhaps a Campari Spritz later?
♦ Day Three – Iconic Rome, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona: After meeting Angelo of LivTours (one of my fab Trusted Travel Partners) near the Pantheon for un caffe, I picked up my audio tour and visited the iconic Pantheon.
What can I say about the Pantheon that hasn’t been said? This is THE monument, constructed by the Romans almost 2000 years old and still remarkably preserved, that has been an inspiration ever since (think Brunelleschi and the Duomo, think Michelangelo and St. Peter’s to name a few…and on and on)!
Then the perfect place to have lunch, Armando’s al Pantheon, a local culinary icon and a traditional Roman dish, cacio e pepe. After all, when in Rome…
It’s a short stroll to Piazza Navona (one of my favorite piazzas anywhere). More breathtaking Bernini fountains (he’s really everywhere in Rome and I love it). It was uncharacteristically empty making my stroll a bit nostalgic…
♦ Day Four – The Vatican and Sistine Chapel: I had an early start with LivTours and a much anticipated experience, the Vatican Museum, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica!
A VERY rare sight! An empty entrance to the Vatican!
I’ve visited all a few times, and always packed with shoulder-to-shoulder crowds…but not today! And what an outstanding and welcome contrast! I knew that this would be a special “window” to visit and just this tour made the entire trip worthwhile!
Please wait for a “visit” to the Vatican slideshow! (I promise you will be glad you did!)
Photos of the Sistine Chapel are not allowed (as it should be) but to be guided through the halls of the Vatican, to truly enjoy the treasure trove of art and masterpieces…and then to spend time with Michelangelo’s monumental tour de force…
..and end our tour in St. Peter’s with La Pieta and so much more? I really have no words…
And that was all that I could possibly see that day…my senses were delightfully maxed out!
Please wait for a peek inside St. Peter’s…
⇒ Don’t miss it! Take a private or semi-private guided tour of the Vatican and Sistine Chapel
(A personal footnote: Regardless of your religion or beliefs, the sheer beauty of these treasures is truly universal and not to be missed.)
♦ Day Five – Trevi Fountain and Palazzo Colonna: A bit of a “casino” (mess) getting to Palazzo Colonna so I was late and sweaty but, of course, it was worth it and I loved it nonetheless! And, Trevi Fountain, what’s not to love?
It was even more fabulous to visit Fontana Trevi without crowds! Crowds that had to be cordoned off in the past! And how spectacular restored! (Thank you, Fendi!)… And, of course, I tossed in my coin!
Pictures just cannot do these monuments justice (and, to be brutally honest, not having to cope with annoying crowds, made it all so much more enjoyable).
I wanted to visit Palazzo Colonna (also referred to as Galleria Colonna) for a specific reason and, since it’s days/hours are very limited, I booked ahead.
Palazzo Colonna is (still another) lavishly decorated centuries old palace with a remarkable art collection. The Colonna family has a long and distinguished history that they are obviously very proud of!
This is just a sampling of the richly decorated rooms…
My interests were in Vittoria Colonna (who was a very close friend of Michelangelo) and in seeing the famous grand room where the last scene of the classic “Roman Holiday” with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck was filmed in 1953. And I did and I loved it!
The perfect finale to this day was meeting and enjoying a delizioso lunch with Elyssa of Romewise!
♦ Day Six – Domus Romane Museum, Vittoriano and a Stroll to the Colosseum: All close to each other, I planned my day around my reservation at the Domus Romane Museum. However, since my entry wasn’t until noon and I was told exactly how to visit the “top” of the Vittorio Emanuele II monument, I headed over early to “beat the heat”. And I’m so glad that I did!
Altara a la Patria – Visiting the monument to Vittoria Emanuele II, often referred to as “the Wedding Cake”, was monitored and the directions for visiting strictly managed. All worth it! But, be warned, there are staircases…lots of them. You look at the photos and it doesn’t look so bad but trust me, there are lots of stairs. As you climb, however, the views become more and more compelling.
Rome at My Feet: Although I had “heard” about the view from here, I never found it…until this day. I walked around to the back of the monument (beyond the cafe), paid my 12 euros (the monument itself is free) and took the elevator to the very top and, wow! The views were absolutely out-of-this-world!
I’m told the best in Rome… and on this day, the sky was exceptionally lovely so I’ll let you judge for yourself!
Domus Romane di Palazzo Valentini Museum is definitely worthy of a visit – just be sure your tour is in English! In brief, it’s a fascinating multi-media museum visit to the underground domus (domiciles) of rich patrician Roman families.
And then a walk along the road of the Roman Forum leading to the Colosseum which has also been restored recently.
I have toured before so I didn’t do a tour this time but I may go again in the future and I would always recommend it to visitors!
It’s beyond impressive…and be sure to include the underground (all recently restored thanks to Tod’s Group).
⇒Take a tour of the Colosseum!
♦ Day Seven: Golf Cart Tour of Rome: The perfect finale and my feet loved it!
This was an experience with LivTours that I have been so wanting to do! Think about it!? Zipping around Rome in a golf cart! How perfect is that? See the major sites and maybe some you won’t get to on your own and get a wonderful history lesson at the same time!
Wait for the slideshow!
My guide and driver was Mike and, since I have already visited many of the major sites we went “off the beaten track” a little and I got to see so much I couldn’t have possibly seen on foot. Including…
Enjoyable and engaging, after my 3 hours he even dropped me off where I wanted to have lunch in the Trastevere rione. Perfect!
⇒ Take a Golf Cart Tour with LivTours!
♦ Time to Say Arriverderci Roma! Departure day found me spending a little time exploring (and shopping) around my B&B, stopping for un caffe at SciaScia and then enjoying lunch with Daniele before heading back to Firenze...
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I thoroughly enjoyed My Roman Holiday! Of course, I have already started a list for the next time but, for now, it’s wonderful to share my experiences, suggestions, and tips with YOU!
• Great Resources •
• Get Ready for Your Next Trip to Italy with My Book!
Victoria’s Travel TipZ Italian Style
• Semi-Private & Private Rome Tours with LivTours
• Up-to-date and excellent Rome resource curated by Rome expert, Elyssa Bernard at Romewise
• Where I Love to Stay:
A Peace of Rome B&B
• Learn More About the Rich History of Rome with:
Mary Beard – just google her! Her talks and presentations are fabulous!
Rocky Ruggiero – webinars & events
© All Photos are My Own
4 thoughts on “My Roman Holiday! A Week in Rome, the Eternal City…”
What a wonderful week! We will be in touch with you about Livtours. We had made reservations at the Borghese Gallery but as you know had to return early so we unable to go! And you now know what I was talking about when we were in Rome a year ago March…it was fabulous to be able to walk around, go places and so on without the crowds! We felt like it was a very special time for us there and I’ll bet you do as well. Ciao V. Hope to see you before too long!
Ciao Phyllis & Joe,
Si, it was a wonderful (albeit “very warm”) week! And, si, to visit, walk around and really enjoy the museums, sites and so forth was fabulous! And, it’s why I went now (to Venice as well) despite summer temperatures…to enjoy senza crowds! I will return, I already have another list of places/things I want to see/do/visit but probably7 not til later this year.
LivTours is fabulous! It’s just so worth it to have an expert guide you through the iconic museums, etc.
Hopefully, the positive trend will continue with COVID. 2022 promises to be a huge travel year!
Cari saluti & abbraccione da Firenze!
Loved all the pictures. It is a visit to Rome for me.
Carolyn!
I love that you, as a true Roma aficionado, are loving the photos! I’m so happy to “take you there” until you can return for another visit! (And you must!)
Cari saluti,
Victoria
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