10 MUST-DO EXPERIENCES ‘WHEN IN ROME’

The top 10 experiences when in Rome…

1. Throw some coins into Trevi Fountain

Hey now, you can’t visit Rome without visiting the world-known Trevi Fountain – the largest baroque fountain in the city, completed in 1762. A popular tourist destination, many people flock here because the fountain has been so beautifully depicted in many famous films, like the iconic “Roman Holiday”. Throwing coins is a must when visiting the fountain, and it’s believed that the number of coins used can bring you a different wish. One being to return to Rome some day – two to find love – and three to find marriage.

2. Look through the Pantheon oculus

A former Roman temple, and now a church, the Pantheon is one of the most recognised buildings in Rome. A circular building with towering columns, the building is covered by a concrete dome with a central opening – the oculus. Open to natures elements, it’s one of the best-preserved buildings from Ancient Rome.

3. Take in some history at the Colosseum

An amphitheatre that needs no introduction, the Colosseum is the perfect place to get cultured about the Roman Empire. The largest amphitheatre ever built, it opened in 80AD made of concrete and sand. Today it still stands, however worn and torn by age and weather. It was once used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles – today it is renowned as one of the seven wonders of the world.

With Contiki you are given two experiences with the Colosseum, on the night of arrival you are able to dine on delicious Italian pizza while sitting in viewing distance of the spectacle, and the following day you are able to take a guided tour of the Roman Forum beside it as well as the inside of the amphitheatre.

4. Dine on some pizza or pasta pretty much anywhere

There’s nothing quite like eating something so universally well-known in the place where it was born. When strolling around Rome, you can find pizza and pasta anywhere, and there’s nowhere that you could go that won’t top the tastes you’ve had at home.

5. Take a look through the Aventine Keyhole

Discovered thanks to Contiki, the Aventine Keyhole is literally a keyhole view of The Vatican. Perfectly capturing the Vatican in the distance through a line of gardening, it’s a semi-secret viewpoint that’s worth seeing. Nearby is Aventine Park where you are also able to take in the continuing panoramic views of Rome.

6. Walk the Spanish Steps

Located in the heart of this ancient city, the Spanish Steps climb a steep slope, with the Trinita dei Monti church towering at the top. Many like to walk the 138 steps, or simply gather within the curves and terraces connecting Piazza di Spagna and upper Piazza Trinita dei Monti. It’s the steps unique design and elegance that has made it so popular, as well as its featuring in several Hollywood films.

7. Stroll through the Roman Forum

Located by the Colosseum, the Roman Forum was for centuries the centre of Roman public life. Now a rectangular plaza surrounded by the the ruins of several important ancient buildings, with Contiki you are able to take a guided tour within the forum. The main sight of the forum includes the Arch of Titus, the Temple of Saturn, Temple of Vesta and the church of San Luca e Martina.

8. Take a look at Vittoriano (Monument to Victor Emmanuel II)

Probably the first thing you’ll spot when making your way into Rome, the Contiki bus also stops here for the perfect group photo. A huge white monument, it’s terraces offer some of the best views over the city. Locally referred to as the “Wedding Cake”, the monument looks notably newer than the surrounding architecture. Built between 1885 and 1911, it was dedicated to the first King of Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II.

9. Step into the smallest country in the world, The Vatican

Never has stepping into a country become so easy. On Contiki’s European Inspiration tour you are able to take part on a guided tour through this historical city. Located just north of the city of Rome, it’s worth taking the time to see the Vatican Museums and St Peter’s Basilica, an Italian Renaissance Church recognised worldwide as one of the holiest Catholic shrines, and the burial sit of the first pope.

10. See Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam in the Sistine Chapel, The Vatican

A fresco painting by Michelangelo, the Creation of Adam forms part of the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling illustrating the biblical creation narrative in which God breathes life into Adam, the first man. One of the most replicated religious paintings of all time, it’s incredible to stand beneath imagining how Michelangelo created the masterpiece from 1508-1512 – and all while standing upright!

Thatraveller was welcomed to Italy thanks to Contiki