Rome Travelers Recommend - page 2

Easter may be the most popular and exciting time of year to visit Rome, the world’s hub for the Catholic holiday. The city is alive with celebration and spring colors, and you’re going to want to get in on the action. Most of the activity centers at the Vatican, with a Papal Mass on Easter Sunday and a public message to the tens of thousands who gather in the square and up via della Conciliazione to the Tiber River. It's an unforgettable experience, but be warned that the crowds are absolutely massive.

So much can be said for Rome and the surrounding south of Italy. But those who would sing the praises of its cobbled alleyways, ancient aqueducts, and bustling air of Italian joie-de-vivre, can only help but fall in love with its sister, Florence, for she is like Rome, only somehow more beautiful.

Fronted by eleven Corinthian stone columns, each looming 15 meters high, the ancient façade of Hadrian's Temple serves as the dramatic focal point of Rome’s Piazza di Pietra. Originally built by Emperor Antoninus Pius, Hadrian’s adopted son, the temple dates back to 145 AD and once overlooked the Campus Martius (Field of Mars). Today, all that’s left of the once-grand temple is the remainder of its thirty-eight columns, which now form part of the Rome Borsa (stock exchange) building, the masterwork of Italian architect Carlo Fontana in the late 17th century. The eleven ancient columns were integrated into the building’s north wall, where they remain a striking reminder of Rome’s glorious legacy.

What could possibly be more fantastic than zipping through the streets of Rome on a vintage Fiat or Vespa? After all, you’ve seen it done in many a Hollywood film, and it looks so easy. As you might expect, however, the reality is a little different than what you’ve seen in the movies. Rome’s traffic is notoriously horrendous, and it’s even more so when you aren’t familiar with the city or with Italian driving laws. Having your own set of wheels to get around may be advantageous in some cities, but in Rome it’ll cause more headaches than it’s worth. Still, it’s hard to beat the romantic notion of seeing the Eternal City from a Vespa or Fiat.

There are few cities as celebrated as Rome. Rome has always attracted eager visitors while bewitching writers, artists and filmmakers. If you’re staying in Rome, there are so many day trips available to you. Most of Italy's most-visited cities are only a few hours away, including Florence, Pompeii and Capri. And because it’s a private tour, you can take your time and enjoy the privacy afforded to you and your family without the worry of what others in your group might want to do. It's all up to you!

Witness the Papal Audience at Vatican City and hear the Pope's weekly message to the faithful. General audiences with His Holiness are usually held every Wednesday in Vatican City. Tickets are free of charge but must be reserved. The price includes a presentation and explanation of the events of the Papal Audience to prepare you for the gathering. (An added benefit of booking with Viator - you get guaranteed tickets with allocated seating.)

As early as the 1st century B.C.E., the island of Capri served as a retreat from busy life in the city. Roman Emperor Augustus started the trend, building a dozen villas on the island. His successor, Tiberius, took it a step further in the 1st century C.E. - he not only built villas for himself, he moved the seat of the empire to Capri in the year 27 and ruled from there for the next ten years. Today, Capri is more well-known as a chic destination for the rich and famous on vacation, but it's also a popular day trip destination from the Italian mainland (whether you're famous or not). Taking a day trip to Capri from Rome is a commitment of time – it's a little under three hours one way via train and then boat, or a bit longer with an organized tour that uses private coaches instead of trains – but the island offers spectacular views, lovely beaches, and a glimpse of how the other half lives.

For travelers who consider themselves to be hiking specialists, a trip to Italy’s Cinque Terre is well worth your time. ‘Five Towns’ in English, this region surrounding the compilation of quaint towns boasts a terrain that houses some of the best trails the world has ever seen. Complete with a breathtaking coastline, paths include olive groves, other plush greenery and easy access to either the water or the towns themselves. Although the hikes themselves are considered fairly easy on the legs, some may find the often steep incline and climbing, particularly between Manarola and Corniglia, to be trying, so it is recommended that you be cautious about which paths to take. Also, a few of the towns, such as Monterosso, can accommodate visitors on a larger scale, with a wider selection of modern accommodations, many with coast-side views

What better place to celebrate Christmas than in the Eternal City where it all began. Whether you’re keen to embrace the religious side of Christmas or simply want to see the Italian way of life, Christmas in Rome is sure to be an unforgettable experience for all. Rome churches and outdoor piazzas (public squares) boast beautiful Christmas decorations focused on presepe (Nativity scene). The most elaborate is the one at the Vatican in St. Peter’s Square. It’s one of the stops on our special Christmas-themed 3-hour walking tour of Rome, where you’re guaranteed to see the main highlights like Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain but also the beautiful Christmas tree and Nativity scene at Vatican City. The tour includes a coffee or hot chocolate stop with a stroll along Rome's most famous shopping street, Via dei Condotti - all done up in Christmas lights. Rome is a vibrant city on New Year's Eve and most of the events are focused around Piazza de Popolo.