Whether it is your first or tenth visit to the Eternal City, there is an abundance to experience in Rome and her surroundings. Not to mention just soaking up the atmosphere. Strolling through the winding streets while savoring a new gelato flavor or sipping an espresso all'aperto is sheer escapism.
A common mistake made by travelers is trying to cover too much distance in a short span. You end up traveling more than experiencing. Italy, with its beautiful architecture, scenery, famous museums and monuments, food and wine stature is such a destination. There is just too much to do in one trip, or even ten trips. For the next three weeks, I’ll “chunk it down” and focus on three regions and their centerpiece cities: Rome, Florence, Venice.
Today – A very small sampler of Rome.
1) History buffs will always want to visit ‘Old Rome’ in the historic center with Colosseum, Roman Forum, Spanish Steps, Pantheon, Circus Maximus, and Roman Baths to name just a few. Pompeii, the longest continually excavated site in the world, is easily managed in a day-trip. The city was consumed by volcanic ash when Mt Vesuvius erupted 79AD.
2) If your passion is culinary, a food tour through Trastevere, one of Rome’s most picturesque neighborhoods with its winding cobblestone streets can’t be missed. Visit food stalls and restaurants that have been owned by the same family for generations.
Learn to blend wine or create pasta from scratch. Spend a day with a local chef preparing your own farm to table meal and pairing it with the perfect local wines. And not too far away is Naples. Not only a great jumping off point for the Amalfi Coast and Capri but there’s the pizza! Even the Italians from other regions admit Napoli has the best pizza in the world.
3) Looking for dramatic scenery and outdoor adventure? The Amalfi Coast, where the mountains meet the sea and 13 villages make up a vertical landscape connected by winding roads and stairways. Take a ferry to the Island of Capri, known for it’s beautiful, rugged landscape with deep pools and lagoons, including the famed Blue Grotto. Also home to the Sirens of Homer’s Odyssey - beware you're not bewitched by the Sirens’ song!
4) Home to numerous museums, Rome is an art lover’s destination in itself. Frescos, monuments, public artworks abound throughout the city. If more formal collections are your preference, The Galleria Borghese, National Museum of Rome, Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel will keep you occupied for days. Your art and culture gene will be very happy.
Are you ready to design your perfect Italian vacation? I’d love to help. Call 888-429-1929 or email travel@sevenwondersgrouptravel.com today to schedule a complimentary consultation and we’ll start the planning!