Rome
Arriving in Rome
Most international flights arrive at Leonardo da Vinci (Fiumicino) airport which is located 26km southwest of the city. There is a direct train (Stazione Termini) which usually runs hourly from the airport. You can also get a train from the airport to Trastevere, Ostiense and Tiburtina if you are staying at those locations.
If you're driving, an autostrada runs from the airport to the city via EUR - for an Italian it is a 45-minute drive - Canadians seem to take a little longer.
If you opt to take a cab it will cost you a small fortune.
The other airport is Ciampino, located about 20km southeast of the city. From there you can catch a COTRAL bus that connects with a subway to Stazione Termini, or you can drive down the Via Appia Nuova
On Friday, September 9th at 7:00 pm we meet at the Piazza Navona in Rome. Individuals will be arriving in Rome at on various days. But whatever is going on, be in the Piazza at 7:00 pm.
In terms of planning for a hotel, the following map provides a perspective as to where the Piazza Navona is located.
Rome and Your Car
If you are planning to drive into Rome with your car, it is possible, but not easy. One year it seemed we zoomed right up to the Vatican, parked in front of our hotel, was directed to a parkade a few blocks away -- it was all so easy. Yet on another year we drive for over 1 1/2 hours in a maze of one-way streets with the highlight being an attempt to back up on a busy street and make the "all important turn" only to be lectured by a police woman as to how I was a "very bad driver".
Most of the historic centre of Rome is closed to normal traffic, although you will be allowed to drive to your hotel.
You will probably only have the car if you are joining us in Rome part way through your vacation. Hotels often offer what they call parcheggio convenzionato, which means they have spaces at a nearby private parking garage. They may or may not also have special rates. Aks the hotel about the rates and the hours you have to access your car - including if the garage is closed on any days.
Rome For Your Eyes
Walking through Rome is like a walk through time. There is the anitque Rome, the Christian Rome, the Renaissance Rome, the Baroque Rome and a modern Rome. All parts of the city through its architecture that relfect the city's span of time and history.
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Capitoline Hill - now the seat of the city's municipal authorities was the centre of government of ancient Rome. Great at night when usually deserted. Piazza designed by Michelangelo in 1538 and bordered by three buildings (also by Michelangelo): the Palazzo Nuovo and the Palazzo dei Conservatori, which together house the Capitoline Museums, and the Palazzo Senatorio at the rear. Bronze equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius is a copy based on computer-generated photographs. The original restored and housed behind glass inside the Palazzo Nuovo.
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Castel Sant' Angelo - you read Dan Brown's books. Cross one of the world's most beautiful bridges and walk into Bernini's billowing, circular tank of a building was originally constructed as the mausoleum of Emperor Hadrian. Later converted into a papal fortress in the 6th century, and is linked by underground passages to the Vatican palaces. Several popes have felt the need to take advantage of the secret routes in times of threat.
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Forum - Built over 900 years ago it was the commercial, political and religious centre of ancient Rome from the Republican era until the 4th century AD. In medieval times area used to graze cattle and plundered for its marble. Entered from the piazza leading from the Colosseum.
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Museo e Galleria Borghese -Considered the queen of all private collections established by Cardinal Scipione Borghese. Italian state took over the collection and mansion in 1902. Go to see Bernini's spectacular carvings - flamboyant depictions of pagan myths. It's advisable to book. Closed on Mondays.
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Pantheon - despite The Davici Code, see this building. Marcus Agrippa's Pantheon is at the top of the list of great buildings. A floating dome resting on an elegant drum of columns and pediments. Built in 27 BC, and rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian in 120 AD. Consistently plundered and damaged over the years. Talk a walk around, and if you read Da Vinci Code, see if you can find the space where all the hiding took place.
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Trastevere - the labyrinthine alleys reaps visuals of a bygone past. Washing strung out from the apartments in best Mama-leone tradition has everyone sighing and reaching for their digital cameras. Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere is the area's heart. A true Roman square. Mothers and kids and tourists in the day and artisans selling their craft work at night. The streets east of the piazza is where you'll find the most photographed washing in the world.
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Vatican - well what can be said. A sovereign state that covers 110 acres. Despite the fact with increased security it is getting more difficult to get in this is one of the most moving experiences you will have. Even after numerous visits you can stop the goose bumps and you walk into St. Peter's. And do not wear shorts or you will have to buy paper pants to wear over your bare legs. Try to see the Museum, the entrance is around the side no where near the front and it has restricted hours so check ahead and join the line-up it is worth it.
And much much more.