Vacation Breaks in Rome Italy Sights to See

by Sam
(London)

IT goes without saying that there are so many opportunities with breaks in Rome Italy sights to see and to have a good time.

This is one of my favourite places in the world for short breaks.

It has everything.

The first time I went to Rome was for a day.

Imagine, what can you do in Rome in one day?

The next time it was for five days, much better.

On one of my Italian city Breaks I stayed in a hotel on the Vatican side of the river and for me the location was perfect. I don?t suppose anyone goes to Rome without visiting St.Peter's and whatever your purpose: religious, lover of art or history, it is there. It is also worth going to the top for the view over Rome and the view from the gallery half way up.

Also, the Vatican museum and the Cistine Chapel are must visits on one of your breaks. It is just not possible to describe how amazing these places are. You just have to go. It is worth the queue so go early. There are audio guides available and you must have your passport or they will not let you have one. It is a good idea to plan in advance what your priorities are as you will not see the whole thing in one visit. For instance I had been to Egypt, on various breaks, so I gave that room a miss.

There are the usual hop on and hop off Rome tours, which are always a good way to get your bearings as it will make your breaks in Rome easier to plan.

I tended to walk everywhere, it gives you a good feel of the atmosphere and you see things you would otherwise miss, but the bus is quicker. There are self guided walking tours which go to all the main points of interest in Rome including the Trevi Fountain.

If you need to stop for a quick bite while you are walking about Rome you should try the brightly coloured vans that sell slices of Italian pizza and panini and drinks. They are good value and you can save your evening meal to relax.

I also loved Castell Gandolfo as this was the backdrop to one of my favourite operas, Tosca. Another favourite was the Villa Borghese, the paintings and the sculptures were amazing but you must book well in advance and take your passport to get the audio guide.

I would certainly not want to miss the Pantheon which was a Roman temple later becoming a Christian Church. Don?t be put off by the ugly exterior the inside is amazing with the huge dome and the tomb of Raphael. There are no windows, the only light is from the hole high up in the centre of the dome.

On my Italian short breaks I also enjoy the outside places too. The Forum, The iconic Colosseum, Trajan?s Market (probably the first Italian shopping mall) and of course all the Piazzas.

After all this there is the Italian shopping and eating to fit in. One of my best half hours was sitting in the Piazza Navona by Bernini's wonderful fountain, drinking coffee and eating a cannoli.

Remember to throw a coin over your shoulder into the Trevi Fountain, as you will certainly want to return to Rome.

Short Breaks in various cities in Italy are wonderful. Italy sights await.

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