Rome Journals

Carefree Roman Holiday

A September 2005 trip to Rome by Roozie

Steps at Night Photo - Spanish Steps (Scalinata), Rome, Italy

Quote: We had a fantastic time in this beautiful city. It was one of the liveliest and most carefree cities we've ever been to!

23 Photos

Carefree Roman Holiday

Overview

Quote:

The Colosseum, the Pantheon, Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, the Roman Forum, Piazza della Boca della Verita, a double-decker red bus tour, museums, shopping, eating at restaurants and gelaterias.Quick Tips: One of our guidebooks said to buy train tickets that were good for 70 minutes at a time versus the week pass ones. It was actually cheaper! Although looking back, I would try harder to use the bus. You can't see much underground, and riding the bus around a city helps you get your orientation, and helps you recognize more places, instead of popping out at a train station and wondering where you are. Also, if you don't already have a light tripod, invest in one. You might feel silly using it, b...Read More

Cheer!
Flag

River Palace Hotel

Hotel | "Hotel River Palace"

Quote:

Outside, the hotel didn't look like much, but we were pleasantly surprised. The elevators were a little small (okay, one of them is TINY) but the entrance, bar and breakfast buffet area were beautifully done in marble and mahogany and such. The rooms were very pretty- decorated with frescoed ceilings. The bathrooms were solid marble. Everything was clean and comfortable, although we did think the bed might be hard to sleep on. It wasn't- but we were exhausted every night from touring around. The rooms were a little small. But it's not a Holiday Inn Cheyenne, WY. It's Europe! So small is to be expected. Unless you're the Prime Minister, of course! Also, there were several restaurants right across ...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on September 25, 2005

River Palace Hotel
Via Flaminia, 33
Rome, Italy 00196
+39 (06) 83001100

Cheer!
Flag

Il Melograno

Restaurant

Quote:

We loved the food at this little restaurant, which we found by accident. We were hungry but too exhausted to walk back down through the Piazza del Popolo. This restaurant didn't look exciting, but we went, and were we surprised. The restaurant was clean and painted a bright, sunny yellow. The music was Pink Floyd. The owner came out and talked to us- he spoke perfect English. My husband ordered penne pasta with Gorgonzola, and I ordered grilled chicken with salad, and we both had the table wine, which was delicious--and I'm not much of one for red wines. But we shared our meals with one another, and together it was an absolutely perfect combination. We paid less than $20 for the whole thing. And they ...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on September 25, 2005

Il Melograno
Via Flaminia
Rome, Italy

Cheer!
Flag

Spanish Steps (Scalinata)

Attraction | "Spanish Steps"

Quote:

Climb to the top of the Spanish Steps for a romantic view of the city at night. No matter what time of day, the Steps are always bustling with activity, but it's especially lively and romantic at night. People sitting and eating gelatos, teenagers drinking and laughing, couples cuddling, families out for an evening of relaxation. It's all there and just absolutely beautiful. Best of all, it's free!

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on September 25, 2005

Spanish Steps (Scalinata)
Piazza Di Spagna
Rome, Italy 00187

Cheer!
Flag

Trevi Fountain

Attraction

Quote:

Always bustling with activity, it can be very difficult to get a photograph here without someone else standing in it. the fountain itself is incredible though. This was our first stop to see, since we wanted to throw our coins in to ensure we return to Rome someday. The fountain was amazing. Go during the day, because it's so beautiful lit up by the natural light of the sun. then go back at night, when it is simply dazzling and very romantic.

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on September 25, 2005

Trevi Fountain
Piazza di Trevi
Rome, Italy 00187

Cheer!
Flag

Colosseum (Coliseum)

Attraction | "The Colosseum and Roman Forum"

Quote:

From our hotel we took the Metro to Termini Station, went upstairs and took the B-Line to Colosseo. It was fast but extremely crowded. We got off the train and as we exited the station BAM! The Colosseum towered straight ahead. It was very awe inspiring. We paid 8 euros for a 45-minute guided tour so we could skip the long queue and then have as long as we wanted to take photos. It was well worth it. Afterwards we visited the Forum. Many attractions were closed for restoration. It was okay--there was still plenty to see. As all the roads are either dirt or paved in giant stone. I wouldn't recommend wearing high heels (at least not if you care about them!). I'd say wear sandals because rocks and dust w...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on September 25, 2005

Colosseum (Coliseum)
Piazza Del Colosseo
Rome, Italy 00184
+39 (06) 7004261

Cheer!
Flag

Bocca della Verita (The Mouth of Truth)

Attraction | "The Mouth of Truth"

Quote:

We didn't get to see much of this famous church's interior because it was being restored at the time, but we did get to see the Mouth of Truth. It was actually really fun to do, as you did get a little afraid, especially if you've ever seen the movie Roman Holiday. Watch the movie, then head to Rome and see what you can that was actually in the movie. It just makes it more fun somehow!

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on September 25, 2005

Bocca della Verita (The Mouth of Truth)
Santa Maria in Cosmedin
Rome, Italy

Cheer!
Flag

Capitoline Museums (Musei Capitolini)

Attraction | "Palazzo dei Conservatori and Palazzo Nuovo"

Quote:

There was so much to these museums--where to begin? The sculptures were breathtaking and amazing. There is a great view of the Forum from the back terrace, and from the museum restaurant's terrace in the front, there is a fantastic view of the city.

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on September 25, 2005

Capitoline Museums (Musei Capitolini)
Piazza Del Campidoglio, 1
Rome, Italy 00186
+39 (06) 67102475

Cheer!
Flag

Rome, City of... Everything Good

Story/Tip

Art in every church. Photo - Rome, Italy

Quote:

We decided to go to Rome for 8 days, because 7 never seems long enough for me. I am always wishing for "one more day". This time we planned for the "one more". I'm glad we did. We were able to relax and not over-plan our activities and it made for a very nice, carefree stay. We walked pretty much everywhere but we did take the train a few times. You'll do plenty of walking, believe me. There is so much to see and do in Rome, it's almost unfathomable. It's a real feat to be able to say, "We did it all in a week." My question is, why would you want to do that? Rome is a beautiful city! Relax, take in what you can, and plan to GO BACK! The food, the wine, the art, the fashion, the history, the romance......Read More

Cheer!
Flag

Piazza del Popolo

Attraction

Quote:

We explored this place many times, since it was so close to the hotel. We visited Santa maria del Popolo, which was beautiful. But then, EVERY church in Rome is beautiful. My favorite was Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, which sadly I have no pictures of--it was too dark of a day. But it has the most gorgeous interior--beats the Vatican, I think. In any case, Santa Maria del Popolo is right next to the gate in the Piazza. There was a lovely fountain and two fantastic cafes just beyond, and between the cafes are the two churches Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesano, one of which was built on a narrower plot of land. Rinaldi, the genius architect, gave one church an oval dome and the other a ...Read More

Piazza del Popolo
Piazza del Popolo
Rome, Italy 00187