Rome, Italy
Rome, known as the "Eternal City," assumed the title of Italy's capital in 1870.
When in Rome, a visit to the Colosseum is a must-do. The Colosseum is the largest amphitheatre built in 70-80 AD for gladiator battles and circus performances. Ticket options include basic access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, or upgraded access to the Arena Floor and Underground sections for an additional fee.
Explore Vatican City, and discover its impressive collection of art and sculptures. Visit the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel to see works by artistic legends, including Michelangelo's iconic "Creation of the World". See St. Peter's Basilica, and Michelangelo's "Pieta" and other fine art pieces on display.
The lines to enter the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are notoriously long, sometimes causing up to 3-hour waits on the busiest days.
If you want to avoid long lines, go for a guided tour or a skip-the-line ticket.
For great views, walk down Ponte Sant'Angelo (St. Angelo Bridge).
Galleria Borghese is an art museum full of masterpieces from legends like Raphael, Caravaggio, Titian, and Bernini. You will need tickets and a reserved time slot to enter, but if you want to make the most of your visit, skip-the-line guided tours are available.
Visit the world-famous Spanish Steps. This stairway is one of the most popular places to visit in Rome, and frequently shows up in walking tours of the city.
You can't miss the Fountain of Trevi, where according to tradition, you're supposed to throw a coin towards the left using your right hand with your eyes closed and your back to the fountain. Don't hold me to those instructions though!
And you can't miss Piazza Navona, with its spectacular Four Rivers Fountain.
Exploring Rome's Pantheon offers you a blend of Pagan and Christian Architecture.
Campo de' Fiori is a famous square filled with markets during the day and a popular hangout spot in the evening.
Visit The Jewish Ghetto which includes the Theatre of Marcellus, Turtle Fountain, Via Del Portico d’Ottavia, and the Great Synagogue.
Rome's catacombs are also a popular attraction, and the catacombs of San Callisto are the largest of them all, with over half a million Christians buried there.
Most visitors stay within the historic center and focus their sightseeing around the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona. If you have more time, I suggest exploring a few other areas during your visit.
Trastevere
Across the Tiber river from the historic centre is Trastevere. Visit the Renaissance Villa Farnesina, walk along the charming Via Della Lungaretta which leads you to the main church, Basilica di Santa Maria de Trastevere.
Monti
This historic and funky district borders sites such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Santa Maria Maggiore. Once here, it is easy to navigate the city by public transit. Walk along Via Del Serpenti which has vintage shops, restaurants, cafes, and views of the Colosseum. Monti allows an experience of local flair while still being close to the tourist attractions.
Aventine
Walk around the Orange Garden and the Rose Garden, which have great views overlooking the city and ruins of Palatine Hill. Visit the Knights of Malta Keyhole, where you can see a little of St Peter's Basilica and surrounding gardens.
Prati
Prati is a quiet, upscale residential area outside of the historic centre. The main reason travellers come to this part of the city is to see the neighbouring Vatican, including St Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums. For shopping, head over to Via Cola Di Rienzo, where you can find high-end stores and Coin Excelsior, Rome's equivalent to Macy’s, but without as many crowds.
Ostiense
This is one of the cool and hipster neighbourhoods. Walk along Via Ostiense and Via del Porto Fluviale, streets filled with colourful murals and artworks.
Walking through the EUR district of Rome feels as if you have left the Eternal City completely. The area was designed by Fascist leader Mussolini to become the new centre of Rome. Visit the Palazzo della Civiltà del Lavoro, also known as the Square Colosseum.
The cruise port for Rome is Civitavecchia. Cruise ships dock here for their time near Rome.
The port is located about 1.5 hours from the city, so it's best to take a tour with your cruise provider or hire a private driver-guide to take you touring.
If you decide to stay in the town of Civitavecchia.....
Explore Forte Michelangelo.
Shop at Corso Centocelle.
See the neoclassical Trajan Theatre.
Visit the National Archaeological Museum.
Visit The Thermal Baths of Ficoncella.
Tolfa Mountains.
Visit the wine farm of Poggio Nebbia & Pirgo Platform.
Rome to Venice: approximate travel time by train is 3 hours and 45 minutes.
Rome to Florence : approximate travel time by train is 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Rome to Milan: approximate travel time by train is 3 hours.
Rome to Naples: approximate travel time by train is 1 hour and 10 minutes
