Are you seeking a captivating journey infused with culture and history? A voyage that allows you to traverse ancient lands and experience its timeless allure? Look no further than Rome, a city that has etched itself as one of my personal favorites. Below, I present the itinerary I followed during my memorable visit, designed to immerse you in the wonders of this extraordinary destination.

** No prices are included because inflation a b**** 😊

Day 1

Arrival to Rome.

When arriving in a new city, I highly recommend leaving the first day relatively unplanned. This allows for flexibility in case of transportation delays, ensuring that missing out on scheduled activities won't dampen the trip's initial excitement.

Personally, I opted for an apartment-style hotel to immerse myself in the local culture, and it turned out to be a fantastic decision!

Transportation:

·      If you are taking the train into Rome, then take it to Rome Termini (Italy).

·      Uber is available.

·      Public transportation is very easy to use.

Hotel: Hotel Cortina Rome

Day 2

Tour the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill.

Visiting this site was an absolute highlight of my time in Rome as it truly transported me back to the fascinating era of Ancient Rome. It's astonishing to witness how much of the ancient city remains preserved to this day. The sheer magnitude of this area left me in awe, as it spans vast grounds that showcase the grandeur and scale of the ancient civilization.

·      The Colosseum: an ancient Roman amphitheater, stands as a magnificent symbol of Rome's rich history.

·      The Roman Forum: the political and social heart of the Roman Empire, with its impressive ruins of temples and government buildings.

·      The Palatine Hill: the birthplace of Rome, visitors can explore the remnants of palaces and gardens while enjoying panoramic views of the city.

Opting for a self-guided tour over a guided one was my preference, allowing me to explore at my own pace and immerse myself in the rich history surrounding me. Additionally, I highly recommend allocating more time to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill compared to the Colosseum during your visit. These areas were the bustling heart of ancient Roman life, and I regret not dedicating enough time to fully absorb their historical significance. Learn from my mistake!

Transportation:

·      Take the B train toward Laurentina to Colosseo (I boarded at the Termini station, and it was a 5 min train ride)

Day 3

Tour the Vatican City.

Vatican City, the smallest independent state in the world, is an enclave within Rome, Italy. It holds great religious and cultural significance as the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. It is home to iconic landmarks such as St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums, attracting millions of visitors who come to admire its art, architecture, and experience the spiritual aura of this unique city-state.

Unfortunately, the past pope died the same week I was in Rome, so my tour was canceled, but you should go!

Transportation:

·      Take the A train toward Battistini to Ottaviano.

Day 4

Explore the Spanish Steps.

The Spanish Steps exemplify the essence of European architecture and being there made me feel truly fortunate and appreciative of the experience. It is a famous landmark in Rome, Italy. It consists of 135 elegant steps that ascend between the Piazza di Spagna and the Trinità dei Monti church, providing a picturesque setting and a popular gathering spot for visitors and locals alike.

And make sure to check out a gelato shop there!

Transportation:

·      15 min walk from my hotel.

·      Take the A train toward Battistini to Spagna.

Day 5

Take a Cooking Class.

Whisking up homemade pasta and tiramisu in Italia was an absolute blast. Being someone who isn't usually into cooking, I was pleasantly surprised how enjoyable it was. With a handy step-by-step guide, I transformed into a pasta maestro!