Rome (111)Rudy Maxa unearths the marvels of Rome, a city where the ancient and the modern live side by side. With world-famous sites such as the Colosseum and the splendor and pageantry of Vatican City, Rome has a culture all its own, immortalized in architecture and art.
Join Maxa on his quest to find the best cup of coffee, the perfect slice of Roman pizza and the best bottle of Italian wine the city has to offer — and for an experience no traveler will ever forget.
Rome Transportation, Cell Phones
Buses, Trains, Subways
www.venere.it
Buses, trains and even a subway are at your disposal in Rome when you purchase an all-inclusive travel ticket.
District Maps
www.roma2000.it
Rome is separated into rioni (districts), and plotting out how you'll get from one to another ahead of time is highly recommended.
Cell Phone Rental
www.initaly.com
Renting a cell phone is an easy and less expensive way to keep in touch while visiting the city.
Rome Attractions
Museum Discount Card
www.romeguide.com
The Roman Archaeologia card provides discounts of up to 50 percent on most of Rome's major attractions.
The Roman Forum
www.letsgo.com
The ancient Roman marketplace is open for tours.
Palatine Hill
www.letsgo.com
Once Rome's most fashionable address, the hill is quite a walk so bring along a good pair of walking shoes to enjoy this piece of Roman history.
The Colosseum
www.letsgo.com
Holding as many as 50,000 crazed spectators in its glory days, The Colosseum attracts thousands again as Rome's most famous historical sight.
Trevi Fountain
www.worldtouristattractions.travel-guides.com
Legend has it that if you throw a coin into the waters of this magical fountain your return to Rome is assured.
The Pantheon
www.letsgo.com
This temple dedicated to "all the gods" has stood for more than 2,000 years and holds the tombs of some of Rome's most famous artists and statesmen.
Roman Fountains
www.stuardtclarkesrome.com
With 280 to choose from, here is a list of some of the popular and famous Roman fountains.
Papal Audience
Audiences with the Pope are held every Wednesday morning but tickets must be reserved well ahead of time, through the Prefecture of the Pontifical House of the Vatican City:
Tel: 011-39-06-698-83017
Dress code requires no shorts or tank tops and women's shoulders must be covered.
The Bishops' office for your country can also arrange audience tickets as well as tickets for Easter and Christmas Papal services.
Bishops' Office for U.S. Visitors to the Vatican
Tel: 011-39-06-690-011
nacvisoffrome.csm@citiesonline.it
St. Peter's
www.twenj.com
This stunning architectural masterpiece features works by Bernini and Michelangelo.
Vatican City
www.letsgo.com
The Catholic Pope rules with full sovereignty over this tiny theocracy, 108 1/2 acres within Rome. Read up on the visitor's code of conduct before visiting.
The Vatican
www.vatican.va
Home to the Catholic Pope, this magnificent structure also houses impressive museums as well as a library and the Vatican's secret archives, which you may view only with special permission.
The Spanish Steps
www.romaclick.com
A favorite tourist hangout for decades, also host to various flower and fashion shows
Piazza Navona
www.letsgo.com
Built over the ancient ruins of a racetrack, this popular plaza is a favorite among visitors for shopping and dining.
Rome Dining and Shopping
Pizza
www.frommers.com
Discover the variables before selecting a slice.
Coffee
www.italiaplease.com
Advice on Roman coffees, from the standard to such concoctions as a zabaione smoothie
Desserts/Gelato
www.letsgo.com
Gelato, the Italian equivalent to ice cream, is a treat not to be missed and this site lists many of the famous, traditional vendors still serving such desserts in Rome.
)
