Luckily for me, Rome knew I was coming and didn’t disappoint! Glorious spring sunshine greeted my arrival – so much so that on the way from the airport I got the driver to stop at the Colosseum so I could get a great picture.
I was in Italy to spend a few days travelling with an Italy, Sicily & Malta tour group. They were arriving that afternoon from Florence having started a few days earlier in Venice.
It was a small group and they were getting on like a house on fire. According to our tour director Giorgio, they had all bonded over lunch and some bottles of Italian red at a winery in Tuscany a few days earlier and were having a hoot. Now I was looking forward to the next few days even more!
Over the next few days we would explore some of my favourite places in Rome - so let's dive in.
Climbing the Spanish Steps
We started our Roman adventure with a delightful late afternoon stroll through the city streets. We climbed the Spanish Steps, which connect the Piazza di Spagna to the Trinitia dei Monti church. From here there are stunning views, especially vibrant when the azaleas are in bloom.
Trevi Fountain
Next, we joined the tourists throwing coins in the Trevi Fountain. The Trevi Fountain is a baroque masterpiece and one of the most famous fountains in the world. It's a popular tourist spot, and it's said that if you toss in a coin it will ensure you will return to Rome again.
The Pantheon
One of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Rome was up next. The Panetheon, with it's awe-inspiring dome and oculus, was originally a temple to the gods, but now it's a church and burial site for Italian Kings and artists.
Piazza Navona
As the lights came on, we wandered into the delightful Piazza Navona with its artists and restaurants. Here we had time on our own to enjoy a relaxed dinner. The vibrant square features three stunning fountains, bordered by baroque architecture. You can sit and watch street performers and soak up the atmosphere - it's the perfect place to soak in the essence of Italy.
Dine like a local (not a tourist)
Our guide, Giorgio, pointed out his favourite places - which all turned out to be off the main square down various little laneways. Only the tourists eat on the square, the real Romans eat in these smaller places.
It turned out to be good advice as Giorgio and I headed for a small restaurant specialising in amazing salads. My theory on holiday is if you eat lots of salads you can justify lots of desserts! We met again at the fountain in Piazza Navona and eventually made our way back to the hotel.
Vatican Museum
The next day was action packed. We started the morning with a tour of the Vatican Museum - an incredible place, jam-packed full of art and treasures to the point of obscenity.
Our guide, Emma, was a wealth of knowledge and, being a small group, had us manoeuvring through the crowds with ease.
Sistine Chapel
She also ensured we were allowed to ‘loiter’ in the Sistine Chapel so that we could take the short-cut into St Peters when it eventually opened after the morning mass. All the larger groups were chased out by the guards and had to take the long way around.
The Colosseum
The afternoon was spent exploring the colosseum. This really is an amazing place. It’s one of those places that is instantly familiar because we’ve seen so many pictures of it. At the same time you’re saying to yourself ‘I can’t believe I’m at the colosseum’. I still feel like that and this was my fifth visit! Again Emma was wonderful, taking us up to the upper level and reliving the stories of days gone by when thousands would pack the stadium calling for blood.
The rest of my time in Rome was spent shopping and eating. Rome is a centre of fashion so you’ll find just about everything you can think of, at a very good price.
Photo credit: Dennis Bunnik
From Rome we continued on to Sorrento – but that’s another story.
Experience your very own Roman Holiday and see the attractions in real life
There's nothing so exciting as a tour through Europe to see the world's most famous sites, heritage-listed places and the top attractions. If you're inspired by this journey through Rome, maybe it's time to plan your own adventure?
From Florence to Cinque Terre, a trip to Italy is a journey you'll never forget. Start planning today and be sure to check out our small group tours - definitely the most enjoyable way to see Italy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What shouldn't you miss in Rome?
The Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Roman Forum, the Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican and Trajan’s Markets are just a few attractions not to be missed!
What are some hidden gems in Rome that tourists often miss?
With free time in Rome, you might visit the Isola Tiberina, a small island on the Tiber River that is rich in history, with a serene atmosphere and beautiful setting, perfect for a relaxing, quiet stroll. Likewise at mealtimes, look for diners where the locals go rather than the big touristy squares, and order a recommendation from the chef — you won’t regret it!
What is the best way to experience Rome?
With a small group tour, you will benefit from an expert local guide who can provide advice, tell stories and keep you in the know during every stop on the journey. This helps with any language barriers as well as ensuring you are safe and comfortable in transit — our small group tours use full-size coaches, so there’s plenty of space to stretch out between the must-see attractions.
