Travel Counsellors - Our Travel Diaries
All Roads lead to Rome
by Marie Hourihane
Friday 1st April 2011

I have just returned from a weekend break away to the eternal city of Rome with my husband, this was our 3rd visit. Rome always impresses on all level and there is always something new to see and do there. We flew direct from Cork and the transfer into our city centre hotel took about 30 minutes. We stayed at the 4 * Twenty One Hotel which is a boutique style hotel between the Spanish Steps and the Vatican and we found it very central for all the major sightseeing. The next afternoon, we booked a guided tour of the Vatican museums, as it tends to be quieter that time of the day. We had been to the Vatican before but we managed to see many more treasures and still found the Sistine Chapel captivating 2nd time around.
Rome is an amazing city with its ancient ruins nestled between hotels and shopping districts and this impact on the city is most dramatic at night time. The Coliseum backlight is stunning and perfect for that romantic stroll after your evening dinner. There are lots of pasta and pizza restaurants along the main tourist routes so if you want to find a more excusive dining experience I would advise to venture of the beaten track where you will get better value for money. The famous Gallaterias Ice-creams are a welcome relief from all the waking and can be found on almost every street corner.
You can get around the city very well using their public transportation system as it's very good and cheap, but if you are using a taxi it is always advisable to agree a price first.
Whoever said ‘all roads lead to Rome’ probably had no idea this ancient capital would become one of the world’s favorite holiday destinations, Rome is a magnet for history buffs, culture vultures and lovers of all persuasion and you’ll be swept up in Le Dolce Vita too. Its many masterpieces of art and breathtaking architecture, monuments and museums mixed with its modern Italian lifestyle makes this city a must to visit. I would be more than happy to share my experiences with you so get in touch.