Destination of the Week: Rome

When your ship drops anchor in Civitavecchia, this is one day you really need to get up early; Rome sits approximately 80km inland and is an hour to one and half hours’ drive away. Below are just a handful of the must-see highlights: 

 

Colosseum - Also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre; this oval amphitheatre was commissioned by Emperor Vespasian in 72 AD and finished by his son, Titus, in 80 AD. Constructed of travertine limestone, tuff, and brick-faced concrete and once boasting 80 arched entrances; it was designed to stage gladiator and wild animal fights and later hosted theatrical performances, games, circuses, and festivals with up to 50,000 spectators watching on. Beside the amphitheatre you’ll be able to admire the equally-famous 25-metre-high triumphal Arch of Constantine; built to commemorate Constantine I’s victory at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 315 AD.

Piazza Navona - The amazing Piazza Navona was built on the site of the Stadium of Domitian and dates back to the 1st-century AD. At its heart sit three majestic fountains; comprising Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers), Fontana del Moro (Seashell Fountain), and Fontana del Nettuno (Fountain of Neptune). The square is surrounded by restaurants and terraces – so the perfect spot for lunch or to simply people-watch with a glass of Chianti – and also the church Sant’Agnese and Palazzo Pamphilj.

Roman Forum - Just a short stroll from the Colosseum; you can step back two millennia to the heart of ancient Rome at the Roman Forum. Located in a small valley between the Palatine and Capitoline Hills; the Forum was once the heart of day-to-day life in ancient Rome and is now a sprawling area of building ruins and archaeological excavations. Arm yourself with a plan of the Forum so you can see the highlights including the Temples of Antoninus Pius, Castor and Pollux, Saturn, and Vesta; the Arches of Septimus Severus and Titus; and the Curia.

Spanish Steps - The Spanish Steps are the classic go-to for taking selfies in Rome. This set of 136 ancient Baroque steps is a mix of curves, straight flights, terraces, and vistas and was designed by Francesco de Sanctis in 1725. They are in Centro Storico and climb the steep slope between Piazza de Spagna and up to Piazza Trinitia dei Monti; home to the impressive Trinitia del Monti church. In the summer months they are decorated in beautiful pink azaleas; as the steps get very busy at peak season, as of 2019 you are no longer allowed to sit on the Spanish Steps.

Trevi Fountain - No trip to Rome would be complete without throwing ‘Three Coins in the Trevi Fountain’, so this is next on the list. Trevi Fountain, also known as Fontana di Trevi, is the city’s largest fountain and was created by Nicolo Salvi between 1732 and 1751 for Pope Clement XII. The masterpiece depicts the sea god Oceanus (Neptune) with a design rich in horses, tritons, and shells. In case you’re wondering why visitors toss the trio of coins backwards with their right over their left shoulder into the water; the first one means you’ll return to Rome, the second means you’ll return and fall in love, and the third coin means you’ll return, fall in love, and marry. Either way your money goes to a good cause; the coins are rumoured to be donated to the Rome branch of Caritas.

Vatican City - The Vatican City is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and the smallest independent state in the world. Within the Vatican walls you’ll find the Vatican Palace, St Peter’s Basilica, St Peter’s Square, and the Vatican Museums. Explore the Raphael Room, Borgia Apartments, and the Vatican Library inside the Vatican Palace and Michelangelo’s Pieta masterpiece in St Peter’s Basilica. And, of course, no visit here would be complete without stepping into the Sistine Chapel to gaze in wonder at the magnificent frescoed ceiling created by Michelangelo.

Italian food, where do we start! Not only can you taste pizzas from a wood-fired ovens, mouth-watering pasta dishes, delightful risottos, and the freshest fish and seafood; but you can sample taste bud-tingling gelatos, fruity pannacotta, light and airy zabaglione, and traditional tiramisu. Accompany your meal with a glass or two of Valpolicella, Chianti, Nero d’Avola, or Pinot Grigio and finish with a classic cappuccino or a digestive such as grappa.

Climate

Rome enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. From May to late September, temperatures are generally between 20◦C and 30◦C; most days are bright and sunny with over 12 hours of daylight - conditions ideal for exploring.