Romantic Rome

Description:

Rome is definitely one of the world's romantic cities, as immortalized in many movie love stories. The city center is small enough that much of it can be explored on foot. Visit in late spring or early summer, when you can enjoy the warm nights outdoors but avoid the intense day heat that sets in during summer. From the food and wine to the gardens and ancient art, this is the perfect place for a romantic vacation to remember.

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Author: JennyMM


Day 1 - Rome


In an equally prime location, yet smaller and much more intimate, than some of the more famous upscale hotels, the Scalinata di Spagna is a cozy yet elegant bed and breakfast right next to the Piazza di Spagna. Ask for a view of the Steps for the ideal romantic stay. The view from the top of the Steps is spectacular, and the perfect introduction to Rome. Later on in the evening, the crowds shouldn't be as extreme. Make your first Roman meal a late dinner at La Taverna dei Fori, a small family-owned restaurant with great antipasti and pasta dishes.


1

Piazza di Spagna

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Location:

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piazza di Spagna
00187 Rome, Italy

Phone:

+39 6 48 8991 (Tourist Information)


2

La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali

Location:

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16 Via Madonna dei Monti
Rome, Italy

Phone:

39 06 679 8643


3

Hotel Scalinata di Spagna

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Location:

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Piazza Trinità dei Monti 17
00187 Rome, Italy

Phone:

06-6793006


Day 2 - Rome


Walk or take a bus south from the hotel to the site of Rome's most spectacular ruins. First, walk around the site of the Roman Forum, covered with columns that are the remains of ancient temples and other buildings that composed the center of Roman life. There are inexpensive guided tours in English given several times daily, or bring some of your own information, but either way you'll need a guide since it's hard to distinguish some of the former buildings without help. Next, visit the Palatine Hill, said to be where Rome's first homes were built, which charges admission (but the single ticket is good for both the Hill and the Colosseum). There's a great view of the city from here, as well as a museum with a lot of sculptures. Walk to the Arco di Constantino, Rome's most memorable victory arch, to see all of its incredible friezes. Nearby is the Colosseum, one of Italy's most well-known symbols. You'll most likely be offered tours, pictures, and souvenirs on the surrounding areas, but definitely choose to bring your own guide materials and explore on your own. Although you can imagine its former magnificence, this architectural wonder is still awe-inspiring in its current state. Share a wood-fired pizza for dinner at the small Gioia Mia, which also has hearty pastas and other classic dishes.


1

Roman Forum

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Location:

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Via Romolo Artioli
00186 Rome, Italy

Phone:

+39 06 3996 7700


2

Palatine (The)

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Location:

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Via San Gregorio
00184 Rome, Italy

Phone:

+39 6 699 0110


3

Arco di Costantino

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Location:

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via San Gregorio
Piazza del Colosseo
00184 Rome, Italy

Phone:

+39 6 48 8991 (Tourist Information)


4

The Colosseum (Colosseo)

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Location:

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Piazza del Colosseo
Piazzale del Colosseo, Via dei Fori Imperiali
00184 Rome, Italy

Phone:

+39 6 700 4261 / +39 6 700 5469


5

Gioia Mia

Location:

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via degli Avignonesi 34
Chiuso la Domenica
00187 Rome, Italy

Phone:

39 6 488 2784


Day 3 - Rome


On top of one of Rome's seven hills, the one where the Etruscan's temple of Jupiter once stood, the Capitoline Museum and other structures on the Piazza di Campidoglio are full of some of the world's best classical artwork. The name of Italy's most popular dish internationally (macaroni), Maccheroni is a trattoria with rustic, traditional Roman ambience, food, and wine. Try to sit outside for a peaceful lunch. Pretty incredible whether you're religious or not, the Scala Santa are believed to be the very steps from Pontius Pilate's home that Jesus walked up on the way to be crucified. You can "walk" up them on your knees, or walk along side. One of Rome's most beautiful squares, Piazza Navona has several beautiful sculptures and fountains. For dinner, Armando al Pantheon is a family-run restaurant with lots of classic regional dishes, including unique meat and pasta dishes.


1

Capitoline Museum

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Location:

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Piazza del Campidoglio
186 Rome, Italy

Phone:

39682059127


2

Piazza del Campidoglio

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Location:

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piazza del Campidoglio
00186 Rome, Italy

Phone:

+39 06 060 608(Tourist Information)


3

Macheroni

Location:

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Piazza della Copelle 44
00186 Rome, Italy

Phone:

06-68307895


4

Scala Santa

Location:

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piazza San Giovanni in Laterano 14
00184 Rome, Italy

Phone:

+39 6 48 8991 (Tourist Information)


5

Piazza Navona

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Location:

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piazza Navona
00186 Rome, Italy

Phone:

+39 06 060 608(Tourist Information)


6

Armando al Pantheon

Location:

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31 Salita de' Crescenzi
00186 Rome, Italy

Phone:

39 06 6880 3034


Day 4 - Rome


Full of narrow streets and medieval buildings, the Trastevere area is perfect for spending a morning walking around and stopping into its little cafes and shops. On the way to lunch, stop by the Markets of Trajan, remnants of an ancient bustling market that has been reused and reshaped over the centuries. Eat at Sora Margherita, an small and rustic old restaurant with great hand-rolled pasta. The San Clemente basilica is three stacked churches, with fascinating history. Make sure to go all the way down to the oldest part of the building. On summer evenings, there is an outdoor jazz festival at Villa Celimontana, and you can sit outside and enjoy a light dinner and a class of Chianti while you enjoy the music and dancing.


1

Trastevere

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Location:

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Viale di Trastevere
00153 Rome, Italy

Phone:

+39 06 060 608(Tourist Information)


2

Markets of Trajan

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Location:

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via 4 Novembre 94
00187 Rome, Italy

Phone:

+39 6 679 0048


3

Sora Margherita

Location:

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piazza delle Cinque Scole 30
00186 Rome, Italy

Phone:

39 6 686 4002


4

San Clemente

Location:

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via Labicana 95
00184 Rome, Italy

Phone:

+39 6 7045 1018


5

Villa Celimontana

Location:

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piazza della Navicella
00184 Rome, Italy

Phone:

+39 6 48 8991 (Tourist Information)


Day 5 - Rome


Visit Ponte Milvio, where it is tradition for couples to lock a padlock onto a streetlight and then throw the keys into the river, creating an unbreakable bond. Then head east to visit the Museo Nazionale di Villa Giulia (National Etruscan Museum) for a fascinating look into the Etruscans, who lived in the area prior to the Romans. A tour of the Galleria Borghese is a true can't-miss, a smaller gallery housed in a majestic villa full of medieval and Renaissance art, including many Berninis. After, walk around the surrounding parks and gardens of the Villa Borghese, a green respite from the bustle right in the middle of the city. See your entire meal cooked in front of you at the incredible restaurant Quinzi Gabrieli, which honors the Mediterranean seafood tradition in a fresh and elegant way.


1

Ponte Milvio

Location:

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lungotevere Milvio
00191 Rome, Italy


2

National Etruscan Museum (Museo Nazionale di Villa Giulia)

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Location:

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Piazzale di Villa Giulia 9
Villa Borghese
00196 Rome, Italy

Phone:

+39 6 320 1706 / +39 6 322 6571


3

Galleria Borghese

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Location:

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Piazza Scipione Borghese 5
Off Via Pinciano
00197 Rome, Italy

Phone:

+39 6 841 3979


4

Villa Borghese

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Location:

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piazzale del Museo Borghese 5
00196 Rome, Italy

Phone:

+39 6 48 8991 (Tourist Information)


5

Quinzi & Gabrieli

Location:

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Via delle Coppelle 5-6
00186 Rome, Italy

Phone:

06-6879389


Day 6 - Rome


Either get to the Vatican really early to try to avoid the lines or get a pass to skip the line online ahead of time. The Vatican grounds themselves should be explored, as they're covered with gardens, fountains, and artwork. Make sure to spend some time in the Vatican Museums, which are full of some of history's best works. The crowning art is, of course, in the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo's ceiling and wall frescoes are truly incredible. Then visit St. Peter's Basilica, which also holds some famous and beautiful artwork and interior decor. Treat yourself and your loved one to a long dinner at La Pergola, one of Italy's best restaurants. In a private park with an unrivaled view of the city, it's worth every penny.


1

The Vatican

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Location:

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viale Vaticano
Rome, Italy

Phone:

+39 06 6982 (Switchboard)


2

Musei Vaticani (Vatican Museums)

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Location:

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Viale Vaticano
00165 Rome, Italy

Phone:

+39 (0)6 6988 3041


3

Sistine Chapel

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Location:

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viale Vaticano
Viale del Vaticano
Rome, Italy

Phone:

+39 068 530 1758


4

Basilica di San Pietro (St. Peter's Basilica)

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Location:

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piazza San Pietro
Piazza San Pietro
00193 Rome, Italy

Phone:

+39 (0)6 48 8991 (Tourist Information)


5

La Pergola

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Location:

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Via Cadlolo 101
In the Cavalieri Hilton
00136 Rome, Italy

Phone:

06-35092152


Day 7 - Rome


View another incredible yet less crowded monument in the Castel Sant'Angelo, first created as a mausoleum and is now a surprisingly intact castle with views of the Vatican and the Tiber. Grab lunch at the cafe here. The San Giovanni Battista dei Fiorenti is a huge white cathedral that took over 200 years to build, and is full of artwork including sculptures by Bernini. Next, visit the Campo de' Fiori, a beautiful square filled with shops and restaurants, and that hosts one of Rome's oldest open air markets. Flowers, spices, food, and lots of other items are for sale here and fill the air with smells. With a bit of grotesque history, the Campo was also the place where public executions took place. For a romantic end to the day, take an evening cruise of the Tiber down to Isola Tiberina and back. Enjoy the night air with a late dinner at Ristorante Alla Rampa, which has great specials and local wines, for a delicious end to your Roman holiday.


1

Castel Sant'Angelo

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Location:

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Lungotevere Castello 50
Near Vatican City
00193 Rome, Italy

Phone:

+39 6 328 691


2

San Giovanni Battista dei Fiorentini

Location:

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via Acciaioli 2
00186 Rome, Italy

Phone:

+39 6 6889 2059


3

Campo de' Fiori

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Location:

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piazza Campo de' Fiori
Campo de' Fiori
00186 Rome, Italy

Phone:

+39 06 060 608(Tourist Information)


4

Isola Tiberina

Location:

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lungotevere dei Cenci
00186 Rome, Italy

Phone:

+39 (0)6 48 8991 (Tourism Information)


5

Ristorante Alla Rampa

Location:

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piazza Mignanelli 18
00186 Rome, Italy

Phone:

39 06 678 2621


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