Carefree Roman Holiday

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, but you're a tourist! It's okay! And the memories will be captured just the way you want them!

Best Way To Get Around:

The train is crowded, but if you're not claustrophobic and can handle fighting your way off the train at the stops (when people waiting outside the train swarm to get on!), riding the train isn't so bad and after using it once you'll have the hang of it. If you get lost, just get off the train and go the opposite direction--easy! Also, try a red-bus tour that's good for 24 hours and stops at all the major tourist sites. On a sunny day, it's so much fun! Other than that, bring comfortable shoes--there's no better way to see a city than a leisurely walk, which we enjoyed frequently--even in the pouring rain!

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 the street, and down the street in the direction of Piazza del Popolo there was a farmacy if you had need of one. The hotel itself isn't far from Villa Borghese and the Piazza del Popolo with it's cafes and gelateries and stores, and the Metro station which is right between the hotel and the Piazza. We really enjoyed walking through the giant gate to the piazza every morning and seeing the fountain. Also, the number one of the top ten reccomended churches to see in Rome (outside the Vatican) is located right in the Piazza!

Also, we found the hotel staff to be friendly and professional, and the breakfast buffet served every morning was just right. One bit of advice- if you are thinking about geting a taxi, call the hotel and ask for their chauffered service--it's cheaper than a taxi from Ciampino and will pick you up at the hotel or airport!

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 were open at 10:30pm, when we finally were able to crawl out of our room and look for something to eat. If you stay at River Palace, eat at Il Melograno--you won't regret it.

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!

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.

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 will be getting kicked into your shoes! We visited the Musei Capitolini afterwards. It had the best overall view of the Forum.

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!

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.

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... there's something for everyone in Rome, which is what makes it so ideal. Combine those elements with the carefree lifestyle of the Romans and you have the best vacation of your life!

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 circular dome. They look exactly the same. And inside, they are absolutely beautiful.