Our intern, Alissa, reports from her travels in Rome!

Guilty…after high school, most of my world history knowledge came from movies and fiction novels. Still productions like Gladiator or books like Angels and Demons, even Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar had me excited to visit Rome.  I wanted to stand in the same place where history was made over 2000 years ago.

During my three day trip to Rome, I learned two very important travel lessons.

1. Rome wasn’t built in a day, nor can it be seen in one. I suggest planning at least two full days of exploration.
2. When in Rome, do more than just as the Romans do. Below are my tips on ‘must-dos’ in Rome.

See the sites

Quick List: Historic Sites of Rome

• Coliseum:  Named one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World”, the Coliseum is largest amphitheater of the Roman Empire. Up to 80,000 spectators gathered to watch gladiators (like Russell Crow) circa 80AD.
• Palatine Hill: Birth place of Rome’s first Emperor Augustus, same place where Julius Caesar was murdered.
• Roman Forums: Incredibly well-preserved ruins of the marketplace and governmental center.  The forum is the closest you can get to actually walking through the streets of ancient Rome.

Money saving tip: The cheapest tickets can be purchased at the ticket office near the entrance to the Coliseum, Palatine Hill, or the Roman Forum. One ticket is valid for 2 days and allows entrance to each of the three sites.  The average rate is $16, however, can be as low as $10 or free with an appropriate visa for the European Union. As students of Spain we paid $10.

• Pantheon: Built originally as a temple to all Roman gods, is now a Roman Catholic church, with the highest unreinforced concrete dome in the world.
• Spanish Steps: The widest staircase in Europe is a nice place to relax and soak up the sun. The steps were built to climb the steep slope between the Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Plaza), and the Trinita de Monti church.
• Trevi Fountain: In person, it is much larger and more impressive than in the movies. Be sure to toss two coins in with your right hand over your left shoulder; one for a wish, and another for your return to Rome.
• Vatican City: This key shaped city-state is home to the Pope, and the world’s largest church. Catholic or not, it is an amazing place to visit.

Money Saving Tip: Saint Peter’s Basilica is free to visit, but may cost you 2-3 hours of your time waiting in line.  Tickets to the museum and Sistine Chapel are cheapest at the ticket office inside the city walls, near the Basilica. This too will cost about 2-3 hours of your time. Lines are shorter in the morning.

Stay in the heart of the City

To save money on transportation to a major hub, I suggest staying near Rome’s Termini train station and metro stop. The train is convenient for travel between cities in Italy, while the metro provides easy access to rest of Rome.

Need to get to the airport? Buses run from Termini to both Ciampino and Foumicino every hour. Fare is $5.50 one way. Be sure to reserve your seat ahead of time, or you may be taking a taxi for a flat rate of $42…yikes!

Our hostel, ‘The Yellow‘  was a short walk from Termini. Not only was the location great, we were very happy with the helpful staff and fun atmosphere. The hostel has a bar downstairs that serves up low-cost, high-quality meals and drinks. At night, the staff and travelers a like gather in the bar to exchange stories, or sing karaoke duet.

If you book a private room, chances are you will be put up in the hotel across the street for the same price. We were pleasantly surprised with the free upgrade.

Cross something off the bucket list

It is always gelat-O’clock in Italy, and this delicious treat is never far. I figured if I am going to try every flavor in Italy, I might need a strategy to accomplish this ambitious goal. Below are my suggestions for the most complete gelato eating experience.

1. Pick 3 flavors (or 4 if you are going all in). I usually go for the fruit, cream, chocolate combination; my favorite: amaretto, black cherry, and Nutella.
2. Ask for the flavor you want the most of first, followed by the second and third complimentary flavors.
3. Grab a spoon, some napkins, and maybe a bib to tackle the mountain of gelato piled on the cone.
4. Enjoy…and repeat.

Give the strategy a try at some of the best gelaterias in Rome:

Old Bridge: For over 25 years, Old Bridge has been producing world-famous ice-cream in a small shop just outside Vatican City. New flavors are made every day. After a visit to St. Peter’s, this treat is worth the wait in line.

Giolitti: Hidden in the streets of Rome somewhere between the Pantheon and the Spanish Steps, Giolitti is one of the oldest gelaterias in Italy. They serve nearly 50 flavors of homemade gelato; that is 16 visits to try every flavor. Once we stumbled upon the shop, we had to come back for more.

Total flavor count: 14

Rome has been one of my favorite trips to date. I enjoyed seeing the real places that have captured my attention in many movies and novels. There is something to discover around every corner. I want to hear about your discoveries in Rome. Please comment below or send your suggestions to info@travelchicks.tv.

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