In ancient Rome, poets claimed that this city would last forever despite any empires falling or changing. Today this spot has landmarks connecting moments in history, telling the tale of western culture throughout milenia.
While Rome is a modern sprawl with a vibrant nightlife, visitors to the city should not forgo checking out the historic places. Locations that connect the ancient Etruscan culture which became the empire, passing through the Middle Ages and Renaissance, and intertwine with modernity are not to be missed.
Here are 10 places and things to do when visiting this so-called Eternal City.
City of Rome
Go into the catacombs
Underneath the city is a labyrinth of burial sites for Jewish people, early Christians, and other communities, full of frescoes and sculptures. Walk underneath the busy streets into this underground cemetery to get a piece of history unlike no other.
Coliseum
Walk through the massive space where the gladiators fought with wild animals or each other. Experience the architecture of the place that became a space where the powerful and the populus would witness the spectacle of the empire.
Colosseum in Rome, Italy
Try a plate of Cacio e Pepe pasta
If your plans include eating like a true Roman, don’t miss out on trying out the local pasta dish cacio e pepe. Almost every local restaurant is sure to have their version of the dish with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper, which is a must-try.
Typical Street in Rome, Italy
Visit the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome
A tradition established in the 14th century by a Catholic saint, travelers are recommended to visit the churches of the Basilica of St. John Lateran, St Peter's Basilica, St. Paul Outside-the-Walls, St. Mary Major, St. Lawrence-Outside-the Walls, the Shrine of Our Lady of Divine Love, and the Holy Cross-in-Jerusalem. Both the devout and those interested in seeing sacred art will have a unique tour experience of seeing walking in the footsteps of those who would come to Rome to witness their faith.
Blue hour over the Roman Pantheon
Walk up the Spanish Steps
The famous stairs connecting the Piazza di Spagna with the Trinità dei Monti church have become a sight every visitor to Rome must see for themselves. At the base of the steps is a fountain commissioned to the artist Bernini by a pope in the 17th century.
Piazza Navona, Rome, Italy
Roman Forum
Want to be in the space where emperors, tradespeople, and great philosophers once came together? The Roman Forum was the marketplace and center of all public and commercial activity. The archaeological ruins, which include temples and basilicas, show the greatness of an empire that went from what is now Great Britain to Iran.
Explore the ancient Roman Forum
Janiculum
If you’re looking for great views of the city, this hill is a great place to see Rome from another angle. The Janiculum houses a shrine, several universities, and even a 16th century villa.
Explore the ancient ruins of Rome
Roman Baths
Caracalla is where the ruins of one of the places where the ancient inhabitants of the city would do their bathing ritual still stands today. Unlike other spots, which eventually became Christian churches, it withstands the test of time.
Visit the Forum Romanum, the center of ancient Rome
Vatican City
Aside from St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, the Vatican has plenty to see in terms of historical landmarks and museums. You can see all the treasures that go from prehistoric findings such as mummies, to statues and tapestries. Don’t miss out on Michelangelo’s greatest feat when visiting the Sistine Chapel. Depending on when you decide to visit you might even get to experience a Papal blessing from the square.
The holiday of a lifetime. The company is Alaksa-owned and thhat makes a big difference to the experineces you get i.e. meet genuine First Nations tribes people. The amount of wildlife was beyond my expectation, and seeing everything on sucha small, intimate boat made it even more spoecial and unique.
Liz O
1 day ago
Adventure Life covered all the details in planning our trip to Ireland. Any questions we had were answered immediately. Any trip glitches, which always happen when traveling, were resolved immediately. There were no worries, just fun!
Kathleen Weller
1 day ago
It was an outstanding, up-close, educational vacation of nature, culture, history, animals and geology! It was everything they promised! Binoculars were plentiful on the boat, but I'm glad I brought my own. Food was excellent. Rooms had black-out shades. Pack/wear multiple layers of clothing (I carried a small backpack when off the ship). Crew were delightful and very accommodating! Remember to jump FEET FIRST first when taking the optional polar plunge! Spend as much time outdoors as you are able and ENJOY!!!
Janet Dutton
6 days ago
Excellent travel advice and service
This is my second experience working with Adventure Life. I’m sold. Jess Heuermann is an experienced traveler and provides a lot of useful information when planning a trip. These are the questions I like to ask at the outset - What’s it like to go here, there, what would you suggest, what do people report, can we add any additional side trips? Jess took the time to answer my questions and seek additional information to share with me. Petchie Colina is outstanding in helping with travel logistics and final preparations. Adventure Life has excellent guides and offers private guides and small group adventures. We enjoyed the opportunity to talk with the guides and drivers to learn more about their countries, cultures and histories. A highlight was having the guides pick local restaurants where we could share meals together. Highly recommend.
Claire Cordon
1 week ago
Our six-day tour in Iceland went smoothly with one exception. We had asked for two rooms each night. Somehow we were booked with one room with three beds. It could not be fixed at the first hotel in Reykjavik because the hotel was fully booked. Once informed of the problem, however, Adventure Life rebooked for two rooms for the remainder of the trip. As an 85-year-old traveler, I appreciated that one could participate at different physical levels at many of the stops. Iceland is a great place to visit but on the expensive side.