Rome offers the best of Italian culture and history all rolled into one. It's more than just ancient ruins and bucket-list attractions like the Colosseum and the Vatican. It's more than beautiful museums of classic art and sculptures. Of course, many of these attractions will be on your itinerary to Rome, especially for first-timers, maybe even second-timers.
The food and wine scene is synonymous with Italy, whether it's pasta, pizza, gelatos, magnificent Tuscan wine, or the simple pleasures of life, like a great coffee—espresso, of course, not expresso.
Like all busy European cities, there are crowds, and timing is everything. If you are an early riser, get out early in the morning and enjoy some sights before the crowds. Areas like Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon are accessible free of crowds early. If you are visiting the major attractions, book ahead and consider private tours and skip-the-line tickets. These might cost more, but you'll save on time. Time is a valued commodity when on holidays. It would help if you put a value on the time you'll wait in long lines against the time you'd be able to fit in other activities or attractions.
If you want to travel to Italy, visit the Untold Morsels website for some great tips and travel ideas. A beneficial website with an ever-growing travel planning Facebook community designed to help with questions on all aspects of Italy, not just Rome
We found an apartment in a narrow laneway in the Navona district of Rome, just a short 5-minute walk to Navona Square. This we found to be a great location for first-timers, easy walking distance to the Castle Saint' Angelo and Vatican one way, Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon on the other and just a short taxi ride to the Colosseum.
Another host with excellent communication. Nino organised to meet us at the apartment on arrival to check in and show us through the building and room appliances. While it was an older apartment, Nino had got the essentials right. Spacious rooms, comfortable beds, clean and modern bathroom. The apartment had antique-style furniture and parquet floors in the bedrooms. It did have one of the smallest and most unique elevators I've ever seen. Not for the faint-hearted or those with claustrophobia. The fact is, it could only fit just two people with luggage at one time. That was no problem as the stairs were just as quick and easy, but a really unique experience.
The cobblestone street was just wide enough for one car but had some great small shops, including a small cafe bar called Bar Amore that served the best caffe macchiato I had in Italy. I know it's a big call, but let's say I was pleasantly surprised to find the best coffee just a few steps from the front door.
The narrow street had small cafes, specialty shops, and antique stores. If you like your meat, cheese, and wine, you won't be disappointed with the deli nearby, including 'Pork in Progress' at La Salumeria. All these shops were tiny, friendly, and personal. I enjoyed sitting in these tiny shops with a glass of red and boosting my cholesterol levels. All were within 50m of Nino's Casa Vacanze Yuli Apartment.
The street was not overly crowded with tourists but very close to central areas. This area is perfect for those wanting to walk around most of Rome.
I'd recommend staying with Nino, especially if you have a family of 4. If not, remain in the Navona area; you won't be disappointed.
About the Author
The author of this blog, unless otherwise noted, has no affiliation with any property or business linked in the article. Unless otherwise noted, there is no free accommodation or payment from any businesses mentioned in this blog. The information contained in this blog is strictly the views of the author and not professional advice. The author of this BookDirect blog is a travel and tourism professional with 30 years of experience in International Hotel management, global travel, short-term rental management, regional tourism boards and a chairman of regional tourism awards focusing on accommodation.
Comentários