Our hotel, Hotel IQ was sensational. It was brand new, right in the nice par of the city, not too close to the main attractions but close enough you could walk to them all. Perfect. Highly recommended and good value. For Rome anyway.
Rome is one of the most visited cities in the world each year and for good reason, there’s a ridiculous amount of stuff to see. Even seeing the major stuff that is somewhat cliched these days will take you a good 3-4 days depending on quickly you’d like to see them.
We knew we weren’t going to see everything so we decided to prioritise and do what we did properly.
On Wednesday we decided the colosseum and surrounding ruins would be the order of the day. Rome is a funny place, it seems that around every corner there’s a ruin of some sort, a significant building or pretty fountain to take a photo of. We learnt quickly just to keep the camera out of the backpacks and happy-snap away.
Anyway, the colosseum. We cant say anything that hasn’t been said a million times before and a lot better than what we can. All I’ll say is it’s something you have to see to truly appreciate how amazing the Romans were at planning, architecture and execution (not the christian kind). For their buildings to still be around 2,500 years later, and would be in a lot better shape if they weren’t pillaged by various groups over the centuries for the steel, marble and other useful materials.
Recommendation – join a tour when you get there. The line is 1hr+ long and its only 8€ more to actually learn about what you’re looking at and to skip that line. Well worth it. Our guide was a passionate local which brought the place to life. There was a stuff up with our 2nd tour around the adjacent ruins, but we worked it out ourselves.
7hrs of on the feet looking at stuff meant we were pretty tired and had a relaxing evening doing not much. Still more to see Thursday!
Another glorious sun drenched day in Rome meant we had a perfect opportunity to visit the Vatican, the nation within a nation. We weren’t sure what to expect really but we knew we had to see it. Again we did the tour which is by far and away the best tour we’ve ever done. The guide was just amazing – fantastic knowledge and more importantly, really lived the tour and ensured we got a lot out of it. You can look at the Sistine Chapel and think, “nice bit of artwork that – that michael guy can really use a paintbrush.” But once you hear the history behind each part, the inspiration, the meaning – it just blows your mind. We’re the first to admit we aren’t a cultured couple, but the Vatican museum, Sistine Chapel & St Peters Cathedral has helped turn that around.
If that wasn’t enough for the day, we made our way back via the Spanish Steps which were insanely busy but very interesting and then The Fontana di Trevi. Beautiful fountain but tourists galore, even for Rome.
That was our last thing we did in Rome and needless to say, we threw our coin over our head at the fountain to ensure we come back to Rome, there’s still too much to see and do! Great city, loved every minute of it!
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Hi Glen & Deb,
We were in Rome, but you have done it in style. I agree, there is SO much stuff to see and we only had 2 nights there.
By the way, your blog leaves mine for dead. Well done.
Cheers
Hey! Not sure style was our strong point, particularly when it came to fashion! Incredible effort went into everyone’s outfit every day!
I haven’t had a chance to read yours since we left. Will do when we’re home. I’m sure it was great!