Overview of Rome:
Rome, Italy is one of those cities that’ll make your jaw drop the moment you step in. You will be walking through streets where Julius Caesar once walked – pretty cool, right? This city has been around for over 2,800 years and trust me, it shows! They actually call it the “Eternal City” because it feels like it’s been here forever.
In Rome, you can actually see places from famous movies like “Roman Holiday” and “The Lizzie McGuire Movie.” For Indians looking to explore Rome, our Europe Tour Packages include Rome as a must-visit stop in your tour. What’s super interesting is that Rome wasn’t built in just one go. They say it was started by twin brothers Romulus and Remus (raised by a wolf – how wild is that?). Today, Rome is like a giant open-air museum where ancient ruins sit right next to modern inventions. You’ll find people zipping around on scooters from buildings that are older than most countries!
What are the Key Highlights of Rome?
Ancient Wonders:
- The Colosseum: Stand where gladiators fought! This massive arena could hold 50,000 people, and guess what – it’s still standing after 2,000 years
- Vatican City: Home to the Pope and incredible art, including Michelangelo’s famous ceiling in the Sistine Chapel
- Roman Forum: Walk through the ruins of ancient Rome’s main square – it’s like stepping back in time
Must-Do Activities:
- Toss a Coin in Trevi Fountain: They say it guarantees your return to Rome (plus it collects about ₹1.5 crore yearly in coins!)
- Pizza Making Classes: Learn to make real Italian pizza from local chefs.
- Evening Walks in Trastevere: Explore lanes filled with cute cafes and amazing street music.
- Gelato Tasting: Try authentic Italian ice cream with unique flavors at family-run shops.
- Visit the Pantheon: See the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome.
Best Time to Visit Rome:
Avoid August – it’s super hot, and many local shops close for the holidays. Winter is cold but cheaper, while summer is packed with tourists and quite expensive as well. Visit Rome between March to May or September to November. You’ll get pleasant weather (around 20-25°C) and fewer tourists.
Travel Tips/Essential Information for Rome:
Getting There:
- Direct flights available from Delhi and Mumbai to Rome’s Fiumicino Airport (₹45,000 ₹70,000 round trip)
- Metro connects the airport to the city centre (₹1,200 per person)
Smart Tips:
- Book Vatican Museums online to skip 3-hour queues
- Get a Roma Pass (₹4,000) for free public transport and museum entries
- Carry water bottles – you can refill them at Rome’s ancient water fountains
- Dress modestly for churches – no bare shoulders or knees
- Keep cash handy – many small shops don’t accept cards
- Watch out for pickpockets in tourist areas
- Download offline Google Maps – streets can be confusing
- Learn basic Italian phrases – locals appreciate the effort
- Buy train tickets in advance for day trips to Florence or Venice
- Remember shops close for an afternoon siesta (1-4 PM)
Also Read: Places to Visit in Europe
Must Read: Things to do in Europe
