Introduction
The thought of arriving in Rome's vast and ancient city was both exciting and daunting. As a solo woman traveler, I found the airport manageable but chose to ease into my Roman holiday by opting for a less stressful and slightly more expensive way to reach my accommodation. There were several options available, including the Fiumicino Rome shuttle, taxi, train, and bus. I found the site "Rome2Rio" and Google Maps particularly helpful in deciding. Ultimately, I decided on a taxi, which took about 30 minutes and cost about 30 Euros. Although it cost more than the bus or train, I felt it was the best choice for me. The ride in was balmy, with crazy traffic and ancient sites dotted amongst 'newer' buildings.
My Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Night Electric Bike Tour
After settling into my accommodation, I took a walk around the area and got the local bus timetable. That evening, I embarked on a night electric bike tour—a great introduction to Rome and its main sites. The tour started at 7 PM, lasted four hours, and included a stop for wine and local cheese and deli products. Traveling in a small group of six, our guide was wonderful. The chatterings of the closing day, the ride on cobblestone roads, and the views as the sun set are imprinted on my mind.
Day 2: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps
This day involved lots of walking. I started with a tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Loving history, I opted for the Colosseum tour that included the underground and booked it as far ahead as I could. Afterward, I walked the Via dei Fori Imperiali towards the Trevi Fountain and finally to the Spanish Steps. A pizza and Aperol Spritz were well-earned that evening.
Day 3: Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Largo di Torre Argentina
I visited the Pantheon at 10 AM, then walked to Piazza Navona. On the way, I passed Largo di Torre Argentina, an archaeological site containing Roman temples where it is believed Julius Caesar was assassinated. It is also a cat sanctuary.
Day 4: Vatican, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, and Castel Sant'Angelo
I made sure to book the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica tour early. After the tour, I walked to Castel Sant'Angelo.
Day 5: Baths of Caracalla, Circus Maximus, and Trastevere
Upon arriving at the Baths of Caracalla, I walked to Circus Maximus and ended my afternoon in Trastevere, which has an amazing array of cute, cozy restaurants.
Day 6: Final Day
I spent my last day enjoying walking in the city, eating my last tiramisu, and drinking my last Aperol Spritz. Feeling more relaxed using local transport, I took the Leonardo Express non-stop service from Roma Termini Train Station back to the airport.
Tips and Hints
Book must-sees ahead of time: Popular attractions fill up quickly, so plan in advance.
Split and hide money: I gave myself a budget for each day. I split my cash into those 6 days and kept each allotted amount in a different place in my accomodation.
Don't interact with street sellers: They can be persistent and sometimes overwhelming, as well as cost you some money.
Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes: The long walks on cobblestone streets can be tough on your feet. Rotating between two pairs of shoes every other day helped prevent wear in the same spots.
Physical care: I used Deep Heat on my calves every night and pawpaw cream on my feet.
Bus drivers may not be helpful: They are likely get bombarded with questions from tourists and may have lost patience.
Rome in the spring is an experience to cherish, and with a bit of planning and self-care, it can be a smooth and enjoyable adventure.
Comments