James Travel

Rich in history and culture, Rome is intriguing and romantic.  The city’s charming cobblestone streets and inviting sidewalk cafes stand out in stark contrast to the imposing remains of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.

Rome’s historical attractions, magnificent architecture, and excellent dining made it a must-see for me during a recent trip to Europe. It is hard to pick a place from which to begin your discovery of Rome, as every corner of the city is home to a special attraction.  I found the Vatican City to be a perfect starting point.  St. Peter’s Square, St. Peters Basicilia, the Vatican Museums, the Vatican Gardens, and the Sistine Chapel are all located within the Vatican City. The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are truly amazing; you could easily spend your entire trip exploring these areas. I discovered that it is important to arrive early when visiting the Vatican City.  We arrived around ten in the morning and were subjected to long lines and overwhelming crowds, which made it difficult to truly appreciate the spectacular art around us.

From the Vatican City I traveled southwest, across the Tiber river and into Ancient Rome. In this part of the city you can find three major attractions: the Arch of Constantine, the Roman Forum, and the Colosseum. These ruins date back to the 4th Century BC and are in outstandingly good condition.  There is an excellent free tour outside of the Colosseum that is loaded with information on the history of the ruin and the gladiators who fought within it.  There is no cost to enter the Forum and you are free to roam about the ruins as you please.

North of Ancient Rome is the hip, cosmopolitan part of the city–this area is marked by the Spanish Steps, the Trevi fountain, and the fashionable Via Veneto and Piazza Barberini.  Although it is the most expensive part of the city to dine and shop in, it is definitely a fun place to be.  I found several enjoyable restaurants in this part of Rome.

Also located in this area is Villa Borghese, a beautiful park to stroll or jog through.  The park is huge and green, and is a nice distraction from the bustling urban energy of Rome.  I found this to be the best part of Rome to stay; there are several nice hotels in the area ranging from modest accommodations to the most deluxe.  I recommend the Golden Rooms, located at Via del Tritone 82.  This hotel is modestly priced and is centrally located between the Spanish Steps, Via Veneto, and the Piazza Barberini.  The rooms are attractive and comfortable, and the staff is English speaking and extremely helpful.  A wonderful breakfast was included in the price of the room.

There are some important things to know when visiting Rome.  Remember to bring a comfortable pair of shoes; most of the city can be explored by foot and you will be standing and walking much of the time.  A map of Rome is essential, as the layout of the city is complex and can be confusing. Maps are inexpensive and can be purchased at the train station and at cambios and souvenirs shops throughout the city.  In addition to a map it is helpful to have a guidebook. There are many things to see in Rome and a good guidebook will list them and provide an explanation of each. Also, I found it helpful to educate myself on the history of Rome before I traveled.  Having an understanding of the past seemed to enhance my experience of the city.  Rome is about 2,500 years old and was once the most powerful city in the world; that knowledge alone seems to make it more exciting! If you are interested in history, it is definitely worth it to travel to the ancient city of Pompeii, which is about a two hour drive from Rome.  There you can find English speaking guides, whose services are expensive but well worth it, as they provide a wealth of information about the city and its demise. Finally, remember to indulge yourself!  Everything in Rome is wonderful–the food, the wine, the arts, they are all magnificent.  If you are traveling in Europe, Rome is a city that you should not miss.  We here at James TravelPOINTS 1-800-538-7461, look forward to sending you on the perfect European vacation.

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