Travel planner - ROME in 48 HRS

Travel planner - ROME in 48 HRS





Rome wasn't built in a day and you certainly can't experience it all in merely two. However, here's a starting guide to the best sights and adventures this Eternal City has to offer...

For a long time, autumn in Italy was the perfect shoulder season. Not too hot but still warm during the day, not crowd-free but certainly fewer tourists. However, things have changed around a bit. Autumn has been pulled into the nation's high season. Fall is still a great time to visit the country but since it is a transitional season, one needs to be prepared for some weather variations. On our visit early this year, the idea was to maximise the dreamy Italian capital and its wealth of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, since two days was all our schedule and budget allowed.

HISTORY ON FOOT

So it was going to be a piedi a Roma or `on foot in Rome' as my hosts said! Our tour started with getting a pair of comfortable shoes as there is no other joy quite like seeing the Eternal City on foot. Not only does this save some serious Euros, it also allows you to walk along the smaller by-lanes and explore the lesser known aspects around world-famous historical sites such as the 2000-year old Roman Colosseum. For instance, no tourist guide will tell you that the Colosseum is connected underground to the Ludus Magnus, a training school for the notorious Roman gladiators. Next, we proceeded to the glorious Piazza Venezia, a sprawling marble monument that offers a breathtaking, panoramic view of the city. We also visited the Greek temple Pantheon and the famous Spanish Stairs on which Hollywood starlet Audrey Hepburn enjoyed a traditional gelato in the classic film A Roman Holiday. From here, we strolled straight to the Trevi Fountain which is the world's largest Baroque fountain with intricate white marble sculptures and a gushing stream of crystal blue water. Toss in a coin here and the universe will conspire to bring you back here.

PACK IN RIGHT

Sometimes it feels like they named it the Eternal City just because it would take an eternity to see it all.The key to a satisfying experience then is prioritising. Visit popular sights at unpopular times. There are two must-sees in Rome -the Ancient City and the Vatican. Both of these sights are busiest in the early morning. Don't wear yourself out by getting up at the crack of dawn and partaking in frenzied tourism all day. Instead, visit less popular sights like the Circus Maximus, the Capitoline Museums or even the Roman Forum and Palatine.

ADVENTURE IN THE AIR

Aching feet aside, we arose bright and early the next morning to indulge in a simple yet delicious breakfast of chocolate croissants generously baked with butter, and the world-famous strong black Italian coffee.

Soon, our 48-hour sojourn came to an end, but not without us committing to return, if only to explore more of the city's famous nightlife, shopping avenues and Cucina Romana, or the exquisite Roman food and wine trails.

Annabel Dsouza

TOI20AUG17