By Jed Hauck
The eternal city of culture, religion, and La Dolace Vita…
THE REGIONS OF ROME
Vatican City
An independent country surrounded entirely by the city of Rome, the Vatican is the center of the Roman Catholic Church, filled with more history and artwork than most cities in the world. Don’t miss St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums.
East of the Tiber River
This part of Rome is home to its iconic architecture and attractions, including the Pantheon and the Colosseum. There’s a great series of neighborhoods for dining and shopping, or just linger on the Spanish Steps and by the Trevi Fountain. Visit the Villa Borghese and Piazza della Repubblica, the center of ancient Rome.
West of the Tiber River
Trastevere, the charming district south of the Vatican on the west bank of the Tiber, is full of narrow cobbled streets and lonely squares that have long served as the inspiration for artists. Aventino and Testaccio are off-the-beaten-path districts with plenty of surprises waiting for interested travelers, as well as some truly great food.
TOP EXPERIENCES
Food Fair
Join a walking tour that samples the best food experiences in Rome, spotlighting gourmet markets, gelaterias, trattorias, cafés, wine bars, and more delights.
Papal Tour
Tour the impressive features and sites of Vatican City, including St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Peter’s Square, and the Vatican Museums.
Cat Walk
Discover the hidden history of Rome’s underground catacombs and burial chambers, including the Capuchin Crypt, where the remains of 4,000 Capuchin monks literally rest in pieces.
Born Borghese
Stroll the fabulous grounds of the Villa Borghese, a heart-shaped English-style botanical garden with spreading shade trees and lawns, romantic walkways, and statues and fountains throughout.
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Step Lively
Everybody goes there, and that’s why everybody should: The Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain are perhaps the most atmospheric spots in Rome – places to meet up, places to muse, places to relax and watch the passing parade…
Blessed Event
Book your ticket (well in advance) for a Papal Audience with Pope Francis I in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. Hear the Pope’s weekly message, and receive the papal blessing.
Mangia Italiana
Embark on a unique walking tour of Rome that invites you to discover the history and legends of the Eternal City – and also learn to cook three kinds of pasta!
Bizarro Rome
Head to Quartiere Coppedé, in Rome’s Trieste district, for a fantastical mix of Ancient Greek, Roman Baroque, Mannerist, medieval, and Art Nouveau architecture, all created by Gino Coppedè in 1919.
Art History via Borghese
Limited admissions mean that you can see tons of timeless artworks by Caravaggio, Bernini, Titian, Raphael, Rubens, and others in uncrowded bliss at the Galleria Borghese.
Be an Angel
A unique “Angels & Demons” tour takes you to some of Rome’s most beautiful spots, including movie locations, to decode the secret messages of the Illuminati and unravel other secrets.
About Jed Hauck
Jed Hauck is a writer for Flight Centre USA. A New Yorker to the core, he has written extensively inside the travel and entertainment fields (winning Emmy Award honors for the latter), and has traveled widely throughout Europe and North America. He would love to live in London but can’t quite master the accent. He does, however, speak French like Marcel Marceau.