Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
you'll be able to bypass the metal detector (because you'll have gone
through security at the museums). Tour the church and then head to
Castel Sant'Angelo
for a late lunch and view of the city below from the
terrace. From here, you can take a more leisurely walk through the center
core, including
Campo de' Fiori
and the
Jewish Ghetto,
before heading
up toward
Piazza del Popolo.
From Piazza del Popolo, make your way to
Piazza di Spagna,
and after you've ascended the Spanish Steps, walk down
the back way to the
Trevi Fountain.
Head to
Trastevere
for dinner and
take a guided night walking tour.
Wake up very early the second day to watch the sun rise over the
forums
from the terrace behind the
Campidoglio.
Spend the morning
touring the
Colosseum
and
forums
and take your lunch in the neighbor-
hood directly behind the Colosseum. Start the afternoon at the
Pantheon
and plan to spend the rest of the day wandering around the historical cen-
ter. There are several lovely museums to choose from here. For antiquities,
go to the
Balbi Crypt
on the edge of the Jewish Ghetto. The recently re-
opened
Ara Pacis
is a modern jewel in the ancient city, and the charming
Palazzo Altemps
offers some lovely art in a quaint and cozy setting. If
you are not into art museums, spend this time ducking in and out of
churches like the
Santa Maria della Pace
or the church of
St. Ignatius
near the Pantheon. Have dinner in
Testaccio
and wind up your evening
with a late-night view of Rome from Orange Park on the
Aventine Hill
(p. 78).
If you have only 3 days in Rome
If you have 3 days in Rome, follow the itineraries above and add a trip
outside the walls on your third (or middle) day. In the morning, either add
the
Borghese Galleries
(advance booking is compulsory) or the ancient
Catacombs along the
Appian Way.
In the afternoon, take a bus to
Tivoli
to see the ruins of Hadrian's Villa or take the train to
Ostia
to see the ruins
of Rome's original seaport. On the third night, have dinner in the Jewish
Ghetto.
If you have 4 days or more in Rome
After following the above itineraries, fill your last few days with what you
like best. For example, if antiquities are for you, spend an entire day
searching for ancient Rome by visiting the
Church of San Clemente,
exploring the
Domus Aurea,
and checking out the
Wall Museum.
If art is
more your style, dizzy yourself with Rome's wonderful museum offerings
like the
Capitoline Museums
and
National Roman Museums,
near
Termini. If you are interested in the Catholic Church or religious architec-
ture, visit the five patriarchal parish churches and duck into any basilica
that looks interesting.
