On your own » A Friend in Rome

Happy Birthday, Roma!

On your own, Planning Your Trip No Responses »

Mar 032013

Sunday April 21st Rome will be 2766th year old!

Even this year there will be the historical parade along Via dei Fori Imperiali, just in front of the Colosseum, ending at Circus Maximus (the ancient chariot race track) where the ritual ceremony of the “digging of the trench”, a ri-evocation of the foundation of Rome, will take place: Romulus, Remus, the Vestal Virgins, the she-wolf…the whole tale will be much clearer afterwards!

PS. The historical group arranging the parade is also offering our activity-tour “Gladiator for a day”, a fun way to learn about ancient history!

Longing for a pool…?

On your own, Planning Your Trip No Responses »

Jul 012012

Today we have 34 Celsius degrees, so we decided to post this “survival” advice to travellers currently in Rome (and those who will plan a trip in the warm months in the future)

If your hotel or B&B has no private pool, you can enjoy some public open-air pools. This is surely the best way to spend a few hours during the summertime after a cool morning tour of the city’s attractions.
The slick RivaNord lounge bar is located along the Tiber River near the Ponte Milvio, the bridge famous for inspiring lovebirds to “lock up their love” with a padlock and throw the key into the river.
Whether or not you have a key to throw, you’ll likely start a love affair with the uber-sleek temporary pool that’s set up shop at RivaNord. There are cushy lounge chairs on hand, and a slick bar and lounge for when all that splashing around works up an appetite. Note that this hip spot fills up quickly. If there’s no space at the RivaNord, try one of these other reasonably priced pools:

La Piscina delle Rose (Viale America, 20.Transport: Metro B to EUR Palasport): an Olympic-size swimming pool that the public can use for nominal fee. Visit on weekdays to get the most bang for your buck.
Blue Wave Team – Sporting Club Ostiense (Via del Mare, 128. Transport: Metro B to Marconi): an outdoor pool that’s part of a larger sports club. Save yourself a couple of euros by waiting until afternoon to visit.

Best views over Rome

Arts and History, On your own, Planning Your Trip No Responses »

Jan 022012

Rome’s skyline is unique and magic, you cannot miss a general overview of the city from the top of a famous monument or garden. And you have plenty of options here! We recommend to take a stroll in one of these “belvedere” in a sunny day and possibly at the end of your Roman holiday…you will be able to identify several attractions that you have visited during your holiday.

Let’s start with a short list of free-of-charge panoramic locations: the Garden on top of the Aventino (Giardino degli Aranci), the promenade of the Janiculum hill or the Pincio Garden offer nice terraces from where you can take unforgettable pictures, especially at sunset!

Just investing few euros you can climb the dome of St. Peter’s (the tallest building in town): there is a lift but just for half way, then you have to climb 300 steps! Less steps to go from the top of Castel S.Angelo, and you will enjoy the dome itself from there.

If you are not ready for the steps, chose the terrace of the Vittoriano, the big white monument overlooking Piazza Venezia. The lift will take you to the top in few seconds and Rome will embrace you!

Finally, if you can afford a deluxe meal in one of the 5 star hotels in town, you will enjoy a holystic experience pampering all your senses from a roof top restaurant. Among the best terraces we suggest the GH De la Minerve, the Bernini Bristol and the Pergola at Waldorf Astoria Cavalieri, especially by night.

In the images: view over the Tiber from Castel S.Angelo, view over St. Peter’s square from the dome, the lift on top of the Vittoriano, an amazing sunset from Pincio terrace (enlarge the pic to enjoy it!) + a video with 360° view from the Vittoriano

On your own n°1: a bus through the Vatican Gardens

Arts and History, On your own, Planning Your Trip No Responses »

Dec 222011

This series of posts called “on your own” lists some attractions or tours you can plan during your Roman holiday without the help of a tour guide.

We are perfectly aware the services of a private tour guide are expensive, moreover we believe it is very exciting to be strangers in a new city and to explore it on your own, once you have received some first instructions and background information.

The bus ride though the Vatican Gardens is a brand new opportunity just started in 2011. These Gardens are famous since the time of the Renaissance and it has always been hard to obtain the access . Now the Vatican City is selling a ticket for a 30′ ride onboard of an electric bus. It is an “art and nature” safari available every morning, but wednesdays and religious holidays (i.e. all sundays), from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every 30 minutes.

The cost is 15 euros for a 30′ drive. You can find all relevant info here . Enjoy the ride!