Finally I was able to do what a tourist came to Rome to do!
Colosseum was my mission 4 years ago. I thought if I had one day in Rome and cannot go to the Vatican (which is technically not Italy, I know), I want to at least see the Colosseum but I wasn’t able to since my Rome exploration was cut short by the accident. So this time, it was the first thing I did.
Grandness
Colosseum is an amphitheater built to use for gladiator fights and other spectacles for the people’s entertainment during the 1st century. Later in the medieval times when the priority of the empire changes, the Colosseum was actually slowly ruined, the stones were taken to build churches. Fortunately it has not completely vanished and we still have a grand ruin to admire.
The Palatine
It’s one of the most popular tourist attraction in Rome but curiously it is not so difficult to go in to. It can be confusing and overwhelming as many people will offer you tours but just go directly to the ticket booth. The ticket costs 12 euros and with additional 5 euros for a guided tour, you don’t have to be in queue, which is what we did. It’s better to have someone tell you the stories anyway. This ticket is also valid on the same day for the Palatine beside the Colosseum.
with Alissa, my travel mate in Rome
I’ve skipped a bunch of museums while on this long travel but the Vatican Museum is not one of them for sure. It was the first tour I booked when I got there. I didn’t have so much time in Rome as it is quite an expensive city and my Schengen visa is running out and there are a few places I still want to go to. I’m meeting 5 more friends in 5 Schengen countries and I just booked a flight to Morocco to stop my visa, which I will explain later in more details. It’s not morocco all inclusive holidays for families but it will be an interesting trip I’m sure.
Vatican Museum
I booked a tour with When in Rome tour company. It’s pricey at 30euros but it’s 4 hours walking with an enthusiastic, friendly, and knowledgeable guide. We only saw the highlights as you will have a lifetime and not see everything. My room mate did it for 45 euros so I think I got a good deal.
Vatican didn’t feel so “Holy”. Unlike my experience in Jerusalem, the Vatican feels more like visiting the Palace of Versailles. It is so rich you can smell it. “If it looks gold, it is gold.” our guide pointed out. And you practically need a sunglass walking through the masterpieces. But it is crazy to imagine walking the steps Michelangelo did and admiring the works he saw.
You do learn a bit about Michaelangelo and his relation with the pope in this tour. Hint: not a good one. It was told that he was the most popular sculpture in this time after making the Pieta, displayed in St Peter’s Church, and the pope commission him to the ceiling of sistine chapel and he wasn’t too happy about this but it’s not a project u can say no to.
Pieta behind a glass case
The tour starts with all visitors going through security check, you go through the various rooms of the museums, then to the Sistine chapel, then finally comes out the St. Peter Square. What I love about the Vatican is that you are allowed to take a picture of almost everything paintings, sculptures, tapestries, etc–the only restriction is the the Sistine chapel, which makes people want to try with their camera phones, but the guards are very strict and would not hesitate to shout at you or escort you out. At the end of the tour, don’t forget to go up the dome. Take the elevator o
St. Peter's Basilica from the dome
Vatican view from the top
St Peter's Basilica / Square
Someone told me once that a lifetime isn’t enough to see Rome, but also, you can see it in 3 days. I chose the later option and stayed for 3 days. :) I also saw the Pantheon which is an amazing building. I visited some of the beautiful piazza, including going back to Piazza Venezia.
Hi! Is it better to stay around Termini or Vatican if I’m going to take a tour of most of Rome’s popular spots? Though I’m a bit worried of Vatican getting crowded especially on holyweek.
Where could we book for the best and just the necesary guided tours? Could you tell me, what tour is the most advisable to get? Like what can be dome by DIY conveniently and by a guided tour? Thanks a lot!!!
I meant, mass in the basilica..
Hi Lil’
Just to let you know I made it to Rome for 3 days. With my friends, we stayed 2 blocks from the vatican museum. The hotels cost was reasonable enough but I could have book a hostel as what you did. Rome is by far the easiest place for tourist to roam around because of the tour buses that offers 24hrs validity of ride not to mention it will guide you through the best attraction tourist must visit. What is more important I happen to attend a celebration of in the basila with the beloved Pope. -)
Hi! Where did you stay in rome? I have browsed over the cheap bed and breakfast within termini, and colloseum but they are so expensive due to high season. Are there any other rome location which is accessible to trains, spots and shops and other alternative accommodations? We’re just 2 and we’re staying for 4nights on holyweek. Thanks!
I stayed in Alessandro Hostel near the Termini Station. It’s great with friendly staff, some of them Pinoys.
hi kabayan! i’m glad i stumbled upon your blog. it’s my dream to travel the world, and i’m really goin’ to do it someday soon. :) i’m going to europe for 2 weeks this feb-mar and i’m planning to go to germany, the netherlands,austria,hungary,czech,italy,france. i know that it’s a lot in 2 weeks but all i really want during this trip is to have at least a “taste” of each countries as this is my first time in europe. to save time and money, what would be my best mode of transpo fr one country to another? fr one city to another? if i use the trains, can i hop on-hop off whenever and wherever (schengen visa) i want? are there any hostels that accept walk-ins? thank you so much for your info/help!
continue to enjoy your great adventure!
happy travels to you. i find that train is the most convenient and economical. you don’t have to go so early like when taking a flight and no baggage limitation. to answer questions: let me suggest this itinerary-it is easy by train because they’re beside each other. Germany>>Poland>>Czech>>Austria>>Slovakia>>Hungary>>Italy(Venice,read my post on Budapest to avoid the same mistake by train)>>France>>Netherlands. But then again with such a tight schedule maybe you should fly. And I suggest you plot your itinerary NOW and book your flights. It’s cheaper when booked far in advance.
I stumbled upon your blog while searching for Schengen visa requirements. Great job by the way. You gave the clearest answers to all questions anyone needs to ask in applying for one. :) Although one question, if I am a full time mom and wife, no income and fully dependent on his income, will his papers suffice? He’s an American citizen, Filipino, doing business in the Phils.
We plan to be in Italy for about 10 days, I know it’s quite short but which cities do you suggest that I stay longer in? Venice, Rome or Florence?
yes, ur husband document will suffice. among the 3, Rome would have much much more to offer.
Thank you thank you! Got my Schengen and UK visa so easy because of all the info I got from your sites. Now I’m following you, booking When In Rome tours. Thank you Lili. May God bless you in more ways you can imagine. You are such a blessing!
I did it alone in 2 days, did it alone the first day and with a friend the 2nd, which entails some riding. Going with organized tour is slow, so i just read on my own about the specific site i went to. I have perfected shooting myself with the scene in that trip. I just missed climbing the St Peter’s Dome but i went to the basement for the tombs of the popes. I also tasted the best pizza, ice cream and capuccino, and was so happy to taste them from where it originated.
So great pictures – brings back memories of when I visited Rome a few years back.
I did everything, except… the Colosseum – I was young at the time and I think I was put off by the £10~ fee.
I see. That is also what I have observed in Turkey. There is a separate gates and access to registered local guides.
I will be in Italy that will start in Turin-Milan-Verona-Venice-Florence and Rome next week for a week.
I will surely look up to your lists of visited places in Rome. I just wonder how this time around, in this particular place you choose to have joined-in a tour group package?
Isn’t it conducive enough to wander alone or group of friends?
cheers lil”
Hullo. I’m a fan of walking tours if you read some of my past posts. I like to hear the stories as I see the sight. I’m not so much into lonely planet and reading beforehand about the places. and in the 2 sites where i joined the tour group, it’s 2 of the busiest in Rome and the queue takes forever. joining a tour group makes u skip them. i didnt have so much time to waste while in rome. :) cheers