A Memorable 4-Day Roman Getaway
Day 1: Rome’s Highlights
Rome brims with historical treasures. While some manage to explore the city in a day, spreading the attractions over two days might be more relaxed. On your initial day, consider a guided tour to delve deep into Rome’s history.
Sites covered during our tour:
- The iconic Colosseum
- Palatine Hill with its panoramic views
- The ever-invigorating Roman Forum
Feel free to add a couple of other attractions of your liking, but pace yourself.
Travel Note: We began our journey in Switzerland, catching an overnight train to Rome. While it wasn’t the most comfortable ride, it was cost-effective and saved us some time.
Must-visit places in Rome:
- Colosseum
- Palatine Hill
- Roman Forum
- Arch of Constantine
- Circus Maximus
- Mouth of Truth
- Altar of the Fatherland
- Pantheon
- Trevi Fountain
- Spanish Steps
- Piazza del Popolo
- Villia Borghese
Day 2: Delving into Vatican City
Set your sights on Vatican City. We found public buses convenient, which got us there in roughly 30 minutes.
Noteworthy spots in Vatican City:
- St. Peter’s Square & Basilica
- Sistine Chapel
- Vatican Museum
- Ponte St. Angelo Bridge
- Castel Sant’Angelo
- Piazza Navona
It’s advisable to check the Vatican’s schedule to avoid heavy tourist traffic. For instance, during our visit, an event hosted by the Pope saw enormous queues.
Those passionate about art and history might venture into the Vatican Museum before reaching the Sistine Chapel. However, be prepared for extensive displays and a sizable crowd.
Nearby, Castel Sant’Angelo and Ponte St. Angelo Bridge offer a quieter experience. The bridge, adorned with sculptures depicting the crucifixion, presents a fascinating perspective of Vatican City.
Day 3: Reacquainting with Rome
Revisit Rome, wrapping up any missed attractions. You might want to slow things down or, for thrill-seekers, a Vespa tour might be just the thing.
Day 4: Delving into Pompeii & Naples
While we were initially uncertain about Pompeii, our day tour proved to be enlightening.
Naples Highlights: The tour started in Naples, where we toured key downtown attractions. Among the memorable experiences was a genuine Naples pizza that diverged from its American counterpart.
Pompeii’s Past: Pompeii’s ruins are expansive and historically rich. One intriguing tidbit was the ancient crosswalk system with elevated stones for pedestrians. It’s poignant to witness the preserved remains, offering glimpses into Pompeii’s bygone era. Mount Vesuvius looming in the backdrop completes the surreal experience.
Extending the Roman Experience
Got extra days? Consider nearby attractions:
- Ostia Antica: A historical port city located a short distance from Rome.
- Herculaneum: A city parallel to Pompeii but smaller and more vibrant.
- Amalfi Coast: Indulge in sandy beaches against a backdrop of dramatic cliffs.
- Capri: Dive, sail, or bask in the Blue Grotto’s mesmerizing blue waters.
- Saturnia Hot Springs: Embrace nature’s spa with cascading warm pools.
- Civita di Bagnoregio: A town atop a plateau, accessible only by foot but rewarding once reached.
