Roma! ROMAHHHH!!!The city of fountains- 2,000 of them, reportedly. 
Why do people love Rome? The history, the architecture, the glamour and location, location, location. Italy is a great jumping point to see other European countries as it borders many fabulous countries. 
- The customer service is impeccable. No wonder Italy is the most visited destination in travel. #1.
- Landmarks– The antiquity and the cosmopolitan features blended together lend themselves to this photogenic landscape.
- Nightlife scene. -the outdoor dining is fabulous and picturesque.
- Limoncello- the traditional libation of Italy.
- Glamour– Italian people are glamorous. The shops are glamorous. Roma oozes glamour!
- Format.- Rome has a walkability factor. It’s also a capital city that seems cleaner and less polluted than most.
Cappucino. In between hitting the pavement to tour so many impressive monuments, cathedrals, etc., take time to break for a mug of cappuccino and pack a deck of cards in your tote. A coffee-inspired card game is a great way to absorb the people-watching and leisure of a European city.
When I went as a child, my trip to Rome was enhanced by watching I Claudius on Masterpiece Theatre with my brother, the historian. I enjoyed all of the landmarks from reading my guidebooks and because I recalled so many details from the “I Claudius” series. Now, going with my children was fulfilling because they had also prepared well for this destination and I was anxious to see if they’d connect with Rome the way I had as a child. We railed to Rome from Florence and stayed at the Baileys Rome Hotel.
What has always impressed me about Rome is that it’s laid out well for pedestrians. You can get around by map and the city seemed clean to us for such a major metropolitan city. As a child, I marveled at the way the streets were built around the landmarks. It felt like the antiquity and modernity of the city was merged into one. The next day we met our private tour guides who drove us around in a van.
Sightseeing itinerary:
A full day of sightseeing can take place in 7 hours, approximately. Start the morning with touring the treasures of the Vatican; Sistine Chapel and Basilica of St. Peter. After crossing the park of Villa Borghese, you’ll arrive at Vatican City, the smallest independent country in the world. Proceed to the Basilica of St. Peter to enjoy the art of the largest Roman Catholic Church in the world. The Pantheon was on our route and it is one of my favorites as it’s full of history and significance.
In the afternoon, you can explore the Roman Forum and Colosseum. Stroll by the Piazza Barberini to gaze upon the Triton Fountain and on to the Piazza Venezia. The Roman Forum, Senate House, Basilicas and Temples of the major gods are located in the Imperial City centre. Walk down the Via Sacra by the Arch of Titus where you’ll visit the Colosseum, ruins of the Arch of Constantine the Great and last stop on your tour will be the 5th century Christian Basilica of St. Peter in Chains and the world famous statue of Michaelangelo’s Moses.
Not to be missed is the chic shopping of Rome’s boutiques. The salespeople are as chic as the mannequins in the window displays. You will surely find something to buy and wear back home to remember your glamorous time in Roma.
The Spanish steps should be on your sightseeing route. My 10 year old son vividly recalled a scene in Roman Holiday with Audrey Hepburn on the famous Spanish steps. Rome leaves its imprint on every tourist. Cuisine, culture, history, shopping, etc…but for me, it’s the image of the concierge and customer service reps in their three piece suits in the middle of summer greeting me with “Prego! Signora!” Italia definitely earned the rank of #1 visited country!
Suggested reading: Mission Rome: A Scavenger Hunt Adventure (Travel Book for Kids) by Catherine Aragon
photos by Patrick and Gina
http://www.gypsyfamilytravel.com/the-vatican/
Click on link above to read about the Vatican.
From my travel book A Magic Carpet Ride ….
“Tour guides at the major cities and time built in to shop and sightsee was a perfect combination. As we walked around the important sightseeing spots, it fascinated me how my sons knew other details that I hadn’t taught them in our research units. For example, my youngest son knew many details from watching the movie Roman Holiday which I had re- corded for us to watch but didn’t expect him to stay up and finish. The rest of the details they knew from their video game! –They knew specific details about the Medici family (when we arrived in Florence and toured there.) When we went to the Pantheon, they read an inscription and said, “Marcus Agrippa for the third time.” and they knew another inscription/ emblem, SPQR, that was an acronym for “Senate and people of Rome”.
They saw this emblem everywhere. My husband and I found this funny—that video games can be educational ,too, I guess. When I went to Rome as a ten year old, I knew a lot of details from watching Masterpiece Theater’s I Claudius series with my big brother. Times have changed I guess. The Colosseum, the Roman Forum, temples, basilicas, stadiums, Circus Maximus, The Pantheon… so much to see and research ahead of time—or to leave up to the tour guide.”
https://www.amazon.com/dp/069271393X/ref=cm_sw_su_dp (link to order book)
I am rarely a fan of using tour guides but our experience in Rome was greatly enhanced by 3 tours we did with Context Italy. There is a maximum of 6 guests and the docent is a scholar/obsessed in some aspect of the tour. We walked with an architect through the Coliseum and Palatine Hill, an art expert through the Vatican…I highly recommend it!
Thanks for the feedback! I agree that guides are necessary in some places and enhance the experience!