I realised that it is possible to see and do so much in Rome in a short period of time if you are well organised. So for example in 3 days, you can see the most amazing sites and thoroughly enjoy this wonderful city.
Before you travel I would research Rome tours and see what is on offer as I found that by prebooking it meant that I was well organised and did not waste valuable time on arrival.
Arrival Day 1: I strongly recommend that as I did, that you take a private transfer from the airport into Rome rather than the train. It’s was definitely money well spent as this way you don’t waste time that can be better spent enjoying the city.
I checked into my hotel, freshened up. To get a feel of the city, I had organised a Rome private tour of the highlights that I really wanted to see. So my guide met me at the hotel and we headed out for a wander around.
I saw the Spanish Steps, The Trevi Fountain (did what everyone does….threw some coins in the fountain). Then we wandered over to Piazza Venezia with the Monument to Vittorio Emanuelle II(pretty crazy intersection and funny to watch the policeman on the little stand directing all the traffic. My guide told me that at Xmas people leave presents there to thank him for keeping him safe all year!! We finished off the private tour with a wander inside the incredible Pantheon and then ended in Piazza Navona where we stopped for a coffee.
Day 2: After breakfast, I put on my most comfortable walking shoes as realised yesterday that Rome really is a city where you do a lot of walking. Now it’s time to take advantage of the research you did on Rome Tours.
I had booked a Vatican Tour and this really was a highlight for me. My tour included the Vatican Museums, Michelangelo’s work in the Sistine Chapel (the ceiling is just mind blowing) and also the beautiful Pieta inside St Peter’s Basilica.
Day 3: After breakfast, I completed the check out of my hotel and they were happy to store my luggage while I headed off for some more touring. I had booked a Rome Bus tour which included the Colosseum, the Forum and a lesser known, Palatine Hill. It was amazing and as I wandered around inside the arena I felt like I could hear the lions and the crowds roar!…just like in the movie “The Gladiator”! well almost!. The Roman Forum was more about understanding the might and influence of the Roman Empire so that was fascinating to say the least.
After the tour I headed back to my hotel, collected my luggage and used a private airport transfer to FCO Airport.
I really feel that I saw and did the most important and, definitely the most amazing things. It was a wonderful experience…albeit a short one.