As this is a destination wedding, you will likely be in Rome for several days. Below are some ideas of sights to see and things to do while you are visiting this iconic city in Italy!

https://www.romefreewalkingtour.com/

Meeting point: Valentino's, Piazza di Spagna, 38

Join the daily "free" walking tours in Rome! They are €1 for the booking fee but provides expert, licensed guides who have graduated in art or archeology that will lead you on a two-hour tour to visit the wonderful sights of Rome. Both tours begin in the Piazza di Spagna by the Spanish Steps. The 10am morning tour includes Column of Marcus Aurelius, Temple of Hadrian, Pantheon and the Piazza Navona and ends at Castel Sant'Angelo. The 4pm afternoon tour includes Ancient Roman Aqueduct, Trevi Fountain, Roman Forum, the Imperial Forums and concludes at the Colosseum. It is a great and inexpensive way to explore the many sights of Rome!

m.museivaticani.va (closed on Sundays)

For all things Vatican, this is the website to visit to book tours of the Vatican Museums. In addition to the museums, admission tickets provides access to Raphael's Rooms and the Sistine Chapel. It is 17 euro for general admission per person and a guided tour will cost an additional €270 per group.

https://www.villaborghesetours.com/

If looking for a good place to go for a walk, hike or run, check out Villa Borghese! With over 200 acres of land, there is ample space to explore and it is under 10 minutes walk from the Spanish Steps. You can also visit the Borghese Gallery and the Gallery of National Gallery of Modern Art. You can even book a Segway!

Shopping in Rome:

https://anamericaninrome.com/wp/2018/02/where-shop-rome/

For some great suggestions on where to shop for anything high street to high end, check out this comprehensive link to all things shopping in Rome!

https://www.romaexperience.com/virtual-colosseum-tour/

If you want to experience something unique, see the Colosseum in 3D. The Immersive Experience Tour will cost €335 but will show you the Colosseum what it was like over 2000 years ago. It is 3 hour long tour but includes the first and second ring of the Colosseum, Imperial and Roman Forums, Arch of Constantine, Basilica of Maxentius and Basilica Ulpia, Trajan Forum and Temple of Peace and the Gladiator Barracks. 'Skip the line' tickets are included in the price.

Day Trips From Rome:

Castel Gandolfo Residence (closed on Sundays)

Originally serving as the summer palace of the Pope, this property was converted into a museum open to the public as Pope Francis felt the property was too extravagant. Just under €5 and a short 45 minute train ride from Rome Termini to Castel Gandolofo Station (departs hourly), you can explore this beautiful 135 acre property. Visit the Apostolic Palace and gardens and walk around the village with its quaint shops and restaurants that sit above Lake Albano! To purchase tickets, visit the Vatican Website at m.museivaticani.va.

Florence

Slightly farther but still only 90 minutes by train is the amazing city of Florence! If you can get there around 9, here is one suggested itinerary that allows you to get a good feel for the city in a day: Take the train from Roma Termini to Firenze Santa Maria Novella Station. Upon arrival walk 15 minutes to Accademia Gallery, home to the famous Michelangelo's David. Walk 10 minutes from the Gallery to Mercato Centrale where you pick up an assortment of Italian foods or eat an Italian food court! 10 minutes more from here and you can reach the Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore. This cathedral hosts Brunelleschi's Dome, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistry of San Giovanni, the Crypt of Santa Reparata and the Opera Museum. As the birthplace of gelato, be sure to grab some on the way to the Basilica of Santa Croce, just 10-15 minutes away. The church is beautiful but is famous for the resting place of Michelangelo and Galileo. You can finish your tour at Florence's oldest landmark, the Ponte Vecchio Bridge. With shops to explore you can take in the views of the Arno River. It is only 10 minutes from here back to the train station to return to Rome!

If you need additional tour ideas or have any questions, don't hesitate to contact Jackie at weeksje4@gmail.com.

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