Rome is easily on most people’s travel bucket list. There’s so much to see and do. The history, food and the shopping make it one of the world’s top destinations. For a first time visitor you can easily spend a week in Rome and still not see everything. But with a well planned itinerary you can experience the best of Rome in 3 days.
Day 1: Colosseum, Rome Forum and Palatine Hill.
The Colosseum was built in 79AD. This was the location of gladiator tournaments, prisoner executions and exotic animal exhibitions. Built around 500 BC, The Roman Forum was where religious and public life in ancient Rome was centralized. This is where the marketplace was, as well as public meetings, elections, business and educational meetings. Really everything could be done in the Forum. Palatine Hill is the best veiw to see the the Roman Forum. It’s a great walk where you can see the ruins of Domus Flavia (81 B.C), House of Livia, House of Augustus, Farnese Gardens, Hippodrome of Domitian and Palatine Museum.
This is the most popular sites in Rome and the ticket lines will be long.
Tip: Pre-Purchase your tickets for early in the day. A guided tour is the best way to experience the area.
Day 2: Vatican City and St Peter’s Basilica
One of the largest churches in the world, St Peter’s Basilica, built in the Renaissance style is, part of the Vatican. Many Popes have been buried here. The Vatican Museums are the Vatican city's museums and includes admissions to Sistine Chapel, Chapel of Beato Angelico and Raphael Rooms.
Tip: Pre-purchase your entry tickets for early morning. Weekends are the busiest times to go and Sundays they are closed.
Day 3: Fountains, museums, and gardens
Day 3 is up to you. What are your other must sees? And must dos?
Some suggestions:
Pantheon - The Pantheon of Agrippa, also known as the Roman Pantheon, is one of the architectural masterpieces of the Italian capital. It is the best preserved building from ancient Rome.
The Spanish Steps - As the site of many events and fashion shows, the Spanish Steps is one of the most renowned places in Rome. Piazza di Spagna in one of Rome’s best areas. It’s surrounded by many upscale shops.
Trevi fountain – built 19 BC, this is the largest fountain in Rome. The myth, originating in 1954 with the movie "Three Coins in the Fountain," goes like this: If you throw one coin: you will return to Rome. If you throw two coins: you will fall in love with an attractive Italian. If you throw three coins: you will marry the person that you met. In order to achieve the desired effect, you should throw the coin with your right hand over your left shoulder.
Piazza Navona - With its three majestic fountains and surrounding mansions, Piazza Navona is one of the most beautiful Baroque squares in Rome.
Villa Borghese -It’s one of the largest urban gardens in Europe. Borghese Gallery: One of the most important museums in the Italian capital. It contains paintings from artists such as Raphael, Titian or Caravaggio. Rome Zoo: Known as the Bioparco, Rome Zoo contains more than 1,000 animals from 200 different species. Pincio’s Water Clock: Still fully functioning today, this clock is an example of 19th century engineering.
Tips: Most of Rome is covered in cobblestone streets. Wearing good walking shoes is a necessity. You really can’t go wrong eating in Rome. There are so many places in different price points. Try the Prosciutto (Cured Italian ham), Risotto (Rice cooked in a broth with a variety of ingredients), Gnocchi (Soft dumplings made out of potato), Saltimbocca (Traditional dish of veal with prosciutto, sage or basil on top), Tiramisú, (Coffee-flavoured dessert with mascarpone, eggs, sugar and cocoa) and Lemoncello (lemon liquor).
And as always, getting the help of a trusted travel advisor is key to planning the perfect trip to Rome. It not only saves you time but can also save you money.
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