Day 1: carbonara and the colosseum
Morning: Head to the city’s best-known landmark, the Colosseum, ahead of its 08.30 opening to enjoy the world’s biggest-ever amphitheatre at its quietest. Combination tickets are available, including entry to the nearby Roman Forum and Palatine – the centre of power when the Roman Empire was in its heyday. Full Experience Underground and Arena tickets are required to see where the gladiators waited to go into action, and to access historic sites such as the house of the Emperor Augustus.
Afternoon: Take a bus from the Colosseum to the Mercato di Testaccio to enjoy regional cuisine, including authentic pasta Carbonara, at an indoor market frequented by Romans. From there, stroll alongside the River Tiber to stick your hand inside the Bocca della Verità (Mouth of Truth), which appeared in Roman Holiday, the Academy Award-winning film that provides some great ideas for things to do in Rome.
Evening: Climb the Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II, named in honour of Italy’s first king, and enjoy fine views over the city from the Panoramic Terrace. Alternatively, stay on the mid-level and sip an Aperol Spritz at the Caffetteria Italia al Vittoriano while gazing towards the Colosseum at sunset. Pause at the nearby Trajan’s Column for a pre-dinner dose of antiquity.
Day 2: skip the crowds
Morning: An early start to the Vatican City means you may be able to enjoy St Peter’s Square to yourself before continuing to the popular Vatican Museums, whose ‘Skip the Line’ tickets may feel like a godsend to later arrivals. The museums display some impressive artworks and ornate ceilings, including Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel. If that doesn’t leave you breathless, book a ticket to climb the 551 steps to the dome of St Peter’s Basilica.
Afternoon: Grab cannoli or tiramisu at Two Sizes before viewing the ornate fountains at the Piazza Navona. Stroll to the Pantheon to see the world’s largest unsupported concrete dome before continuing to the Trevi Fountain and the Piazza di Spagna, the location of the Spanish Steps. Rent a golf cart in the Villa Borghese Gardens to scoot around the landscaped park, whose Galleria Borghese holds a highly rated art collection.
Evening: Book a guided food tour of Trastevere for insights into the heritage and gastronomy of a hip yet historic district that’s popular for bars, restaurants and nightlife. Alternatively, meander along the lanes and pop into a bar such as Cambio or Enoteca Trastevere for an aperitif. Nannarella and Tonnarello both serve hearty Roman dishes that replace the energy burnt while sightseeing.
Book iT
Jet2holidays offers three-night Jet2CityBreaks in Rome, including international flights from Newcastle with 23kg of checked baggage, cabin baggage and room-only accommodation in a three-star hotel for £854pp.
