The Best Way to Spend a Day in Rome

We all know that Rome wasn’t built in a day, and under normal circumstances you’d need more than that to explore the wonder of this magnificent city.

However, use your time wisely and even a limited time in this ancient capital will be enough for you to appreciate the majesty of Italy’s first city.

Whether you decide to visit the cities ‘greatest hits’ or if you’d prefer to stay off the beaten track and explore some of Rome’s lesser known attractions, it’s a city you’ll be forever thankful you visited.

Be awe-inspired by Rome’s ancient ruins

As well as being home to hundreds of excellent museums, it could be said that the city of Rome is in fact a museum in itself! No matter where you turn you can’t help but be greeted by wondrous Roman architecture, old city walls and other precious monuments which made Imperial Rome admired and revered across the world.

Thankfully, many of this great city’s attractions are reachable by foot which is ideal for those with a limited time here.

Situated directly next to the Domus Aurea – the remains of Emperor Nero’s enormous portico villa completed in A.D. 68 following a great fire which destroyed scores of aristocratic dwellings – is the world-famous Colosseum, surely the most iconic elliptical amphitheatre on the planet.

Built during the Roman Empire, the Colosseum was used for brutal and bloody gladiatorial contests and could even be filled with water for ship battles. Nowadays, the immemorial structure is purely open for tourists, and no trip to Rome would be complete without paying a visit.

St. Clement Basilica, Parco Del Colle Oppio and the Arch of Constantine are all nearby and within easy walking distance, and even a few hours spent wandering these ancient streets will leave you with a great impression of how Rome would have looked and felt during its heyday.

Visit the land-locked city-state of Vatican City

Regardless of your faith, beliefs and background, a visit to the truly majestic St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City should be high on anybody’s travel itinerary. If you’re lucky enough to arrive on a Sunday you’ll be able to witness the Pope deliver his sermon to an enormous crowd, otherwise take a look inside and view Michelangelo’s Pieta, the tombs of past Popes and take in the panoramic view of the city by climbing the Basilica’s dome.

Marvel at Michelangelo’s 5 year labour of love

Located directly next to St. Peter’s Basilica within Vatican City, lies the Sistine Chapel, where you’ll find Michelangelo’s biblical masterpiece located on the Chapel’s ceiling. Painted entirely by hand, it took the influential painter and sculptor 5 years to complete.

Got more than one day?

For those lucky enough to have more than one day in this beautiful city, why not take in a memorable sight-seeing river cruise on the famous River Tevere, one of the most important commercial waterways over 2,000 years ago during the Roman rule.

Or, if that doesn’t tickle your fancy, simply spend your days wandering the streets and enjoy a glass (or three) of delectable Italian wine or traditional pizza in one of the city’s many piazzas.

Take a look at our extensive range of full-board Mediterranean cruises. Alternatively, give our friendly sales team a call on 0808 2746 777.