Escaping to Rome For The Ideal Last-Minute City Break – Spending time in Rome is something most people will have probably thought about at some time.
Finding your ideal city break is sometimes a long-anticipated event that you have been excited about for months. But sometimes, the best experiences are spontaneous.
The only down-side is the planning that comes with it. With a few solid pieces of advice behind you, it’s more than possible to plan the ideal last-minute get-away to Rome and have that holiday you always dreamed of.
First things first, travelling at the last minute doesn’t mean you can’t do it in style. Taking a quick look at price comparison sites will help you to find the best deal for your flight as well as helping you work out a journey that is the least hassle for you.
Some may prefer the middle-of-the-night flights, while others may prioritise their beauty sleep and choose a daytime flight. Whatever your perfect trip looks like, taking a look at the flight time, airport location and price are your holy trinity in planning a peaceful get-away.
During your stay, you may choose from one of many elegant hotels in the city centre of Rome or indulge in the more homely option of renting an apartmentAirbnb. As hotels are a popular choice for hosting business affairs, alternative options such as an Airbnb or temporary rentals will give you a range of different options to explore even if you are travelling at a relatively busy time, such as in the summertime.
A quick Google search for luggage storage Rome will provide you with some of the best storage options for your holiday once you arrive. This way, you can leave your bags and start exploring even if your accommodation check-in time is a bit later on. You can also be sure that your items are handled with care and safety when leaving them during a browse around some of the top tourist sites.
Once you have got all the flights, accommodation and luggage storage sorted, you can start planning the exciting part. Rome is a historical city with an abundance of culture and different opportunities for sight-seeing. With 290 fountains and more than 900 churches, it’s no wonder the city is one of the most beautiful in the world.
Despite there being several churches to choose from, there are a few that really stand out. One of them being St Peter’s Basilica.
This world-famous church stuns all of its viewers with both its enormity and the intricacy of its architecture. The Renaissance-style church was completed in 1415, and its design mimics the three-aisled Latin cross. The cupola (or dome) at the top of the structure sits in the centre.
To reach the very top of the church will undoubtedly help you get in your daily exercise, taking on average 551 steps. To this day, it is famous both to tourists and as a Catholic pilgrimage site. Its combination of beauty, culture and history is an unmissable part of any stay in Rome.
A leisurely walk down Appian Way.
Sometimes, it is the simple and most understated things in life which bring us the most joy. At the heart of the city centre, you will find Appian Way which, like St Peter’s Basilica, has no shortage of rich history. The route is one of the earliest ever Roman roads, paved to transport military supplies and troops as early as 312 BC.
If you wish to experience something a bit more dark and daring, you can walk amongst the Roman Catacombs. This eerie but fascinating landmark is also open to the public.
You may not have time to walk the entire route, as it runs from Rome to Southern Italy. A brief walk will still show you some beautiful sights, surrounded by forestry and immersed in nature.
If you wish to continue your pursuit through nature, another must-see location is the Orange Garden.
This not-so-hidden gem will give you a breathtaking view of the city, perched on top of the Aventine Hill. From the top of this picturesque scene, you can see both the Italian capital and Vatican City, the world’s smallest independent state.
Take a stroll through the Piazza Navona.
This colourful open space is plentiful with different cafes, restaurants and shops. Here, you can stroll at your leisure or partake in guided tours. This scenic piazza and its lively buzz will keep all of your senses stimulated, with fountains, street artists, and of course magnificent architecture. Here, you might also come across the Fiumi Fountain.
This monument, designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, serves as a monument of power and respect for the Pope. There was to be a contest in which leading artists would enter with their designs, but the Pope insisted that Bernini carry out the process himself after seeing his impressive work. The four Gods depicted in the artwork include divine entities from mythology in Africa, Asia, South America and Europe.
Make sure to squeeze in a sighting of the Circus Maximus.
Circus Maximus was the largest stadium used for chariot races in Ancient Rome. This unique site will take you on a journey back in time where you can practically hear the sound of the cheering crowds at the gladiator fights. Later in its history and giving it its current name, the site was used to host circus shows. Today, it is an open park where tourists can stroll through and envisage the many events that took place there and look on at the ruined but picturesque surroundings.
All in all, planning and going on a last-minute get-away to Rome is an experience worth having. With careful holiday-planning and an open mind to exploring culture and history, exploring this beautiful and ancient city is definitely enough to satisfy that travel bug (at least for now)
Nic | Nic's Adventures & Bakes says
Thanks for sharing, Rome looks a lovely place to visit as soon as we can safely visit 🙂
Karen Burns-Booth says
Can’t wait to travel again too