Rome is a great place to start an Italy trip

Rome is the perfect place to start your Italy visit

Rome was the perfect place to start our Italy trip.  From Rome we had A brief stop in NaplesBefore we completed our trip to Italy 5 Weeks in Sicily  

Booking a luxurious hotel is easy. Enjoyed a pampering experience.  While it was tempting to stay in the St Regis RomeOn this return trip to Rome, we explored a little bit more each day.  We revisited some classic tourist attractions.  We found new places. Rome: Things to do and see.  We were so happy to return to Italy!

Heading To Rome

There were several options for flying from Toronto to Rome.  The flights with connection were a little less expensive.  From Toronto, connecting flights to Europe often required a stopover in Germany or Munich.  This time, there was an option to connect via a short hop from Toronto to Montreal and then fly directly to Rome.  In the winter, this was a risky option for a delayed connection due to snow.  In early September, this was the perfect route for a snow-delayed connection.

As we took off, we were able to see the beautiful sunset.  We were served dinner quickly and even managed to get some sleep.  When we awoke, we enjoyed the view from the window as the plane flew over the Swiss Alps.

When we landed in Rome Fiumicino Airport, the plane stopped mid-field.  We wondered if Air Canada had trouble getting gates.  We saw a large field of planes, and later learned that an airport expansion had closed many of the gates.

We were impressed with how quickly the customs process moved.  Our passports had been scanned electronically, and after a quick personal inspection we were at the baggage claim.  When I checked the Apple tag, I was delighted to see that both of our checked baggage had arrived in Rome.  They soon appeared on the carousel.

We found the person holding a sign with our name when we left the baggage claims area.  We had no need to search for buses or trains at the airport.  Pre-ordering pickups made the arrival much less stressful.  Even if that meant a long walk from the garage to where the driver would have to park!

We were very excited to start our Italy tour in Rome.

The St Regis Grand Hotel, Rome: A Luxury Stay

We chose to begin our Italy trip with A luxury stay at St Regis Rome.  Recent renovations to the St Regis RomeThe former Grand Hotel has been given a modern touch to complement its classic elegance.  

Our upgraded suite provided a great pampering basis in Rome.  The welcome amenities of Champagne and chocolate were perfect.

We had a good meal at the hotel.  Breakfast was included in the price. Marriott Bonvoy is the best way to earn Marriott Bonvoy statusThe food was plentiful and varied.  Appertivo was a great spot to enjoy a light snack. One night, we ate a multi-course meal.  

It was a great way to begin a visit to Italy in Rome. St Regis Rome: a luxury stay in Rome.

Traditions At St Regis RomeRome is a great place to start your Italy visit

You can also find out more about the following: St Regis RomeWe did not want to miss the many luxury rituals.  At 7pm, the champagne sabering is a classic. St Regis treat.  We watched this show several times, by different staff members.

We enjoyed Afternoon tea in the afternoon one day. Lumen Lounge.  A large selection was offered of teas.  Two large trays were filled with sweet and savory treats.  We also added some bubbly Champagne.

Rome is the perfect place to start your Italy trip.

Rome is a great place to discover new and old favourites.

As a result, We wandered RomeThe famous landmarks were easy to find.  We visited the Colosseum during our early Rome visits.  We only needed a quick look to bring back memories.

As we walked from Trastavere, we visited the  Piazza del CampidoglioWe walked down to the Palatine hill and found some amazing views.  We saw a lot as we walked.

We returned to the Trevi Fountain one day. Even early in the morning, this was a popular spot to visit. Tossing a coin into the fountain would bring us back to this wonderful city.

In the past there were 18 gates that allowed you to enter Rome.  We wandered Rome and found Ponta Pia.  Michelangelo created the Porta Pia within the ancient Aurelian Walls for Pope Pius 4. We found a piece of the old wall.

As we walked the streets of Rome, art and architecture captured our attention.  Some pieces taught us a bit of history.  Other pieces simply piqued the interest of our readers.

Explore the sights and sounds of RomeBringing back old memories and creating new ones.  Rome is the perfect place to begin an Italy trip.

On Hot Days in Rome, We Found the Fountains

Even in early September, it was still very hot.  When We wandered around Rome at mid-day, the temperatures often approached 35°C (~88°F).  The sound of water trickling had a cooling impact.  Even if it were illegal to get in the fountains to cool off!

We walked around the area near our hotel Naiads (or Nymphs) fountains at Piazza de Republica.  In the other direction we found the Fontana Dell’ Acqua Felice.

We were fascinated by the variety of statues at Quattro Fontane, which was only a short walk away.  We then walked over to the Triton Fountain.

We found many things to do in Rome, even though it was very hot. Fountains to enjoyCooling experience. 

Trastevere, Across The River

One day Wandering in RomeWe crossed the Tiber to Trastavere, a neighborhood in Rome.  We strolled down the riverbank to enjoy a tranquil and calm view. We took in the sights as we walked along the narrow streets.  

When we needed to take a break, we found a small coffee shop.  Later, we stopped at a local restaurant for lunch.

Start an Italy visit in Rome and don’t miss a trip to Trastevere across the Tiber River.

Everywhere We Went, We Found Another Church

On our first visit to Rome we visited St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museum.  This set the bar very high for the churches of Rome.  It was impossible to avoid visiting some local churches. We wandered around Rome.  

We were barely out of the hotel when we discovered the Basilca of Saint Mary of Angels and the Basilica Santa Maria del Vittoria.  But we did go inside

We enjoyed some quiet moments in the Chiesa di Santi Vincenzo e Anastasio, at the Trevi Font.

The Basilica Maria de Trastavere was one of our planned stops while we were in the Travestere region of Rome.  The Basilica Maria de Trastavere is a beautiful church both inside and out.

Rome is the perfect place to begin your Italy visit. There are a lot of churches you can visit.

Pizza And GelatoRome is a great place to start your Italy visit

We ate well and drank plenty on Our stay at the St Regis Rome. When we started our Italy trip in Rome, we couldn’t resist bringing some of the local foods we love.  We couldn’t leave Italy without trying some of the local pizza.

We visited several places in our quest for the perfect gelato.  Everywhere we stopped, we found dark chocolate (fondonte).  Salted caramel gelato was not easy to find.

Italy was always a wonderful place to visit for food.

Heading to Naples by Train

From Rome, we took the train to Naples. Train to Sicily.  Our hotel was close to the station so we went there to check it one day in advance of our departure.

We went through the massive Termini station and passed the long queue of cabs awaiting arrivals.  The signs updated the status of the arrivals and departures.

The corridors are lined with stores and food shops on two levels.  We considered buying a SIM card from Italy for our phone in the airport.  We bought our TIM Tourist sim card for our cell phone at the train station.

We were delighted to see the departure of Rome. St Regis RomeThe car was a courtesy and it took us to the station.  

We Were Happy to Start Our Italy Visit in Rome

We were headed to Sicily for 5 WeeksIt would have been easier to fly directly there.  We were happy to begin our Italy trip in Rome.  

We were able to discover some old favourites as well as find new ones. Rome: Things to do and see.  Our Enjoy a luxurious stay at the St Regis RomeSet a high standard for all hotels that followed This Fall, visit Sicily and Malta.

Did you begin your Italy trip in Rome?  What was your favorite thing to do or see?

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