Booking Rome tours before I travelled, meant that it was possible to see and do so much in a short period of time. I was well organised and so, managed in 3 days, to see the most amazing sites.
Arrival Day 1: I strongly recommend that, as I did, that you take a private transfer from the airport into Rome rather than the train. It’s definitely money well spent as this way I didn’t waste time that was better spent enjoying the city.
I checked into my hotel, freshened up and as I had prebooked a Rome private tour of the highlights, my guide met me at the hotel and we headed out for a wander around. I had told her that I wanted to get a feel of the city and to see the highlights.
We went to the Spanish Steps (lots of people sitting on them and just watching the passing parade (I believe you are not supposed to eat on the steps but doubt that anyone was policing that). We then went to the Trevi Fountain (did what everyone does and threw some coins in). Quite amazing as it appears down a laneway as if out of nowhere. It was very, very busy though as it is one of the most popular sites in Rome.
Then we wandered over to Piazza Venezia with the Monument to Vittorio Emanuelle II(this is a pretty crazy intersection and it was funny to watch the policeman on the little stand directing all the traffic. My guide told me that at Xmas, people leave presents there to thank him for keeping him safe all year!! We finished off the private tour with a wander inside the amazing Pantheon and then went to Piazza Navona where we stopped for a coffee. Really enjoyed sitting there watching the passing parade even though coffee is pretty expensive when you sit at a table. Definitely learnt to drink coffee like a local, standing at the bar which is about 1/3rd of the price.
Day 2: After breakfast, I put on my most comfortable walking shoes as realised yesterday that Rome really is a city where you do a lot of walking. I had booked a Vatican Tour and this really was a highlight for me. My tour included the Vatican Museums, Michelangelo’s work in the Sistine Chapel (the ceiling is just mind blowing) and also the beautiful Pieta inside St Peter’s Basilica. The whole area is just incredible.
Day 3: After breakfast, I completed the check out of my hotel and they were happy to store my luggage while I headed off for some more touring. I had booked a Rome Bus tour which included the Colosseum, the Forum and a lesser known, Palatine Hill. It was amazing and as I wandered around inside the arena I felt like I could hear the lions and the crowds roar! just like in the movie “The Gladiator”, well almost! The Roman Forum was more about understanding the might and influence of the Roman Empire so that was fascinating to say the least.
After the tour I headed back to my hotel, collected my luggage and used a private airport transfer back to FCO Airport.
I really feel that I saw the most important and, definitely the most amazing things. It was a wonderful experience, albeit a short one.
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