When in Rome

There are so many wonderful cities and regions to visit in Italy, but Rome has got to be at the top of any itinerary. With it’s long history and ancient ruins, Rome is a fascinating place to visit.

We stayed in a cabin on a campsite just outside the city. Giving us the best of both worlds – a free coach service into Rome, and on those days where a rest and respite from the heat was needed, the site offered a swimming pool, shop and restaurant.

One thing worth looking into ahead of time is the various multi-day passes that can be purchased to gain access to all the main sites as well as hop-on hop-off buses around the city. We opted for the three-day Omnia Card.

Must Dos On A Trip to Rome

The Colosseum and Forum

As these two sites are just a short walk apart, it is well worth combining a visit to both in the same day. The Colosseum is one of those pieces of architecture that, when seen in person, just doesn’t seem real. Self-guided tours are available through head sets, providing the fascinating history to this iconic landmark.

From the Colosseum, walk along the cobbles of the Via Appia to the imposing remains of the Forum which are vast and we;; worth taking some time to explore.

Vatican City

Making use of the hop-on hop-off bus included in the city pass, a visit to Vatican City – a city state surrounded by Rome, is a must. Again, the architecture is stunning, and art fills the Vatican and St Paul’s Basilica. Be prepared for long queues for both sites and also to be hurried through the Sistine Chapel where photography of Michelangelo’s Fresco is unfortunately not allowed.

Walk along the Tiber

The River Tiber separates Rome from Vatican city, with a walk along its banks offering a chance to get away from the crowds and to admire both the cities from a different perspective.

Trevi Fountain

Not easy to find, but well worth following the winding streets to track down. As with everywhere in Rome, expect crowds which make it difficult to get close to the fountain, but it is large enough that you can generally get a good enough view.