Yes, seriously! I mean it.
Especially if you are a first time tourist in this city and have limited time on hand to explore the colossal and historic magnificence of Rome and Vatican City. I will admit, I have never been as enchanted by any city I have been to so far as much as I have with Rome. Indeed it deserves several visits or even better a short stay if life permits.
Let me show you through the following pictures the main highlights of the city along with comments below each highlighting money and time saving tips.
click on any image below to view large size slideshow and my tips & commentary
Inside the Vatican Museum
Inside the famous Sistine Chapel. The original work by Michelangelo showed all characters in the nude. However, due to prudish decency laws prevalent at the Church in those days, additional artists were commissioned to “cover up” the nude parts. These artists were called the “underwear painters”!
Inside Vatican Museum
Spanish Steps
Walking through Vatican Museum {Note: This is an interesting tapestry work by Raphael. No matter which direction you see the image from, the eyes of all the people in the work will always look towards you!}
This is a Roman era ruin excavated in the heart of the city’s commercial avenue. The depth you can see indicates the ruins exist below the current modern city of Rome. Around 70% of the ancient ruins have not been excavated to date!
Panoramic view of Vatican City taken standing front of the Basilica
A rare glimpse inside the Pope’s private chambers (taken through the key hole)
Ruins of the ancient Roman Senate
Carlo was our tour operator from privatetourinitaly.com. He is one of the most courteous and professional person I have ever met in my life.
Inside the grand arena of the Colosseum. A portion you see exposed used be covered by a massive wood deck (partially recreated in the backdrop) over which the gladiators fought. Now the extensive tunnel and storage system located underneath the arena is exposed for all to view.
Famous Trevi Fountain
Ancient ruin excavated in the heart of the city
View of Rome taken from inside the Vatican Museum
The famous Colosseum has three walls and had multi levels for seating organized by social class. Christian persecution took place here until emperor Constantine stopped this practice. In time the activities stopped here entirely and it fell in disrepair as scavengers stole parts to build the Basilica.
The famous Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo {Note: Camera flash use is officially prohibited but when inside everyone ends up using it due to lighting conditions. It is hard to enforce prohibition. However, I leave you to do the right thing as flash is slowly damaging the famous artwork and eventually may be closed to public}
Ancient statues actually were in technicolor! We seem that as plain today because over centuries the color has eroded. Do you know how the Romans created the dye? From human urine! They taxed urine for the ammonia content and thus urine was precious for its color producing capacity. So term arose “money stinks”!
Inside Vatican Museum
Outside walls (and official boundary) of Vatican City. {Money Savings Tip: There is generally a big line to get in to the Vatican Museum located on the other side of the walls. However, there are several scalpers who will attempt to sell you guided tours by “skipping the lines”. I chanced it out with one operator. I was glad I did. The operator name is Maya Tours. It cost 45 Euro per person to skip the line and have guided tour of Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museum. I saved a lot of time and money by going with them. Email toursmaya@yahoo.it and ask for Lydia. But always take precaution with other scalpers offering “skip the line” tours. Some may indeed be bandits looking for unsuspecting tourists. Safety first.}
Vatican City guards on duty
Tomb of Raphael located inside the Pantheon
Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II (National Monument to Victor Emmanuel II) or Altare della Patria (Altar of the Fatherland). Commonly known as the “wedding cake” building.
Located east of the Colosseum. Used to be housing quarters for the gladiators.
The Pantheon dates back to BC era
The balcony from which Mussolini delivered his famous speech during the World War
Because I was in Rome only for 9 hours as part of port of call of cruise ship, it was a rush job getting through so much. The port town of Civitavecchia is located 1.5 hours away from Rome so that gives you only about 6 hours of time for tours after taking off commute time. I would not recommend doing a rush tour of Rome by yourself. I used the service of privatetourinitaly.com for all three port of call shore excursions in Italy during the cruise. I highly recommend their service.
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I loved all three cities – Rome, Florence, and Venice. Prior to visiting Venice, Florence was my favourite, for the reason that Barbara mentioned — it’s walkable. I actually did Rome on my own when I called there for a cruise. I mapped out exactly what I was going to see and we covered a lot of the city, in fact. Next time though, I would pick just maybe three things I want to see. That’s what I did in Florence and found that much more enjoyable, because regardless of how many hours you have at the port of call, each city deserves at least three days.
I agree. Italy has so much history and beauty one day does not do justice. I wish I could do a live abroad in Italy.
Have you done the Alaska cruise?
Thanks, Larky. I agree Rome is a city to be savoured though I must confess that Florence is my favourite because you can walk through it. Venice is very beautiful particularly if you take a walking tour or a day trip to one of the islands like Murano or Burano. Milan is kind of interesting but best to go during the fashion season.
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Thanks Barbara. Indeed my Florence post just came out. And yes, architecture wise, Florence trumps all other cities of Italy (except Venice perhaps but I have not been)