Holidays 2016 |
When in Rome ... by Audrey Ellard Walsh
R
OMA, the Eternal City immortalised in William Wyler’s silver screen love letter Roman Holiday, retains a timeless allure to this day. The Italian capital, which combines almost three millenia of history with the buzz of a vibrant, modern city, is sure to deliver something for everyone whether your interests lie in cinema, culture, religion or food. Just a three hour flight from Dublin, Rome makes an accessible option for a romantic weekend getaway, or a laid back extended break.
What to see
Rome has a large range of archaeological sites and museums ranging in speciality from classical history to contemporary interest to take advantage of. Admission to many members of the Musei in Comune system run by Rome City Council are free while national museums and archaeological sites including the Colosseum offer free admission to all on the first Sunday of each month. Note that most attractions close on Mondays as well as on
December 25, January 1 and May 1. Roma Pass, an initiative which is sponsored by Rome City Council and the Ministry for the Arts and Cultural Activities and Tourism, offers tourists and locals the opportunity to benefit from discounts and services on events, exhibitions and other cultural activities. Available online for €36, the pass is valid for three days and offers free entry to two museums or archaeological sites of your choice and concessionary tickets to all other museums and archaeological sites visited thereafter. The pass also entitles the bearer to free use of the city’s public transport network in that time. See www.romapass.it for details. Vatican City, the half square kilometre city state situated within Rome is a day trip in itself. The Vatican Museums, which include the famous Sistine Chapel will take you several hours to fully appreciate while climbing the 551 steps of the Cupola dome in St Peter’s Basilica will take another hour but offers incredible views across the city. Admission fees are payable for both with guided tours available if booked in advance.
Getting around
Rome wasn’t built in a day and don’t expect to see it in one. Spanning 1,285 square kilometres it is home to almost three million residents, making it the fourth largest European city. Many of the city’s best known tourist spots are spread far apart making walking tours virtually impossible, fortunately, it boasts a well connected public transport system incorporating bus, tram and metro services. Most routes pass through the Roma Termini railway station, the city’s main transport hub, where half hourly trains arrive from Leonardo Da Vinci Airport and private coaches serve Ciampino. Connections can be caught to other top Italian cities such as Venice, Milan and Naples or major European destinations such as Paris and Zurich.
A Hop On Hop Off tour
provides the perfect introduction to the city. As well as taking in the key sights in quintessential open top fashion, with unlimited 72 hour usage it doubles as a reliable and cost efficient mode of transport. Stops are located convenient to attractions such as
St. Peter’s Square the Trevi Fountain, Vatican City, Palatine Hill and Spanish Steps while Piazza Venezia, the city’s central hub, is adjacent to the Pantheon, Michelangelo’s Piazza del Campidoglio and the main shopping street of Via del Corso. Prices for a standard tour start at €25 with options to include supplements to beat the queues at the colosseum and Vatican for an additional fee. Take this opportunity if you can. Queues can stretch for upwards of an hour at peak times- an unpleasant experience in baking summer heat particularly at the Vatican where you will be asked to cover your shoulders and knees if wearing shorts.
When to go
Rome has a mediterranean climate making spring and autumn the most pleasant times as daily temperatures range from the high teens to mid twenties.
Part of Ancient Rome tour
The peak tourist seasons coincide with the balmy weather, a higher hotel rates can be expected accordingly. Winter travellers can take advantage of the off season at the risk of occasional rain showers, while those hardy enough to brave highs of 30 plus in July and August will also enjoy quieter shops and restaurants as Italians leave the city for their summer holidays. In summer the city comes alive after dark with street performers and gelato vendors catering to those enjoying the cooler temperatures. The quieter streets also make the evening the perfect time to hop in a rickshaw or rent a bicycle or quintessential Vespa and gain a unique perspective on the city by touring the banks of the Tiber or through the many winding side streets.
Topflight Offers
Topflight’s new Italian brochure has just been launched and is full of a most amazing selection of Italian holiday options. Due to the popularity of the acclaimed ‘Stay and Explore’ programme, Topflight have added plenty more dates, destinations and itineraries for you to choose from. The dedicated Topflight Tailormade team are on hand to offer you even more flexibility with your Italian holiday, and design the perfect itinerary to suit your personal tastes and needs. Options range from multi-centre holidays, cruise and stay holidays, city breaks, dream honeymoon ... you name it, Topflight can organise it for you. Topflight’s Italian programme continues to grow every year, with the ever popular Puglia and Tuscany itineraries expanded. Topflight also have some wonderful new hotels along the Amalfi Coast, Lake Garda and Sorrento. Book early to avail of some wonderful early bird options! Call Topflight, the Italian Specialist on 01 240 1700, see www.topflight.ie or visit your local travel agent.
The Colosseum