4 hours to see Rome...

Pizza Florida Redux

A must for all visitors: Gelateria Teatro and Fatamorgana

 2 key views: from St Peter's and from the top of the Capitoline Hill

OK.  Rome.  I don't know how tourists do it-Rome in a day...or three.  I've been here a bunch of times for extended visits and have not scratched the surface...of course, I have a tendency to repeat my favorites...but I've been thinking about what one really needs to see if you really are on a tight, tight schedule?  I had the chance to put my ideas into a tour on Tuesday with Mere's friend, Caroline.  They arrived from their travels on Monday afternoon.  After a long, yummy family lunch-they skipped a nap and we sent them off to the Vatican-Rome without the Vatican-no way! (Grandpa and I headed to his last stop here-the Piazza del Popolo.) The kids, led by G, gave Caroline the quick tour of the inside of St Peter's and then they walked the steps to the top of the Basillica.  This is the number one thing any visitor should do!!!  With a stop on the way up to see the inside too, a birds eye view of everything in St Peters.  Marvelous. Then they went to Fatamorgana and had gelato.  If that is all there is time for, that would've been a good intro to the glories of Roma.  But Caroline had Tuesday!  Just 4 hours before her flight-after we got Sarah and Mere off on their trip South to Naples and Salerno.  This is what we did-call it the Rome Circle Line  Tour...of course, it is all about my opinions and preferences so I chose all my favorite places!

1. Head toward Castel San Angelo-tell her to visit on return to Roma.
2. Go across the bridge talking about the Bernini statues.
3. Walk through the Centro Storico to Piazza Navonna.
4. See Bernini Fountain, go into Sant'Agnese in Agone.
5. Head across the street and around corner to San Luigi dei Francesi-see incredible Caravaggio.
6. Continue to the Pantheon.  On the way mention San Eustacio cafe and see Santa Maria della Pace.
7. Walk to Santa Maria Sopra Minerva-tell her that is the BEST Church in Rome!!
8. See best obelisk-talk about obelisks in Rome.
9. Walk down the street to the Gesu-tell her about the statue behind the large portrait and the art there.
10. Eat!  Stop at Pizza Florida-sit and look at Torre di Argentina, see the cats.
11. Start walking on the way to the Ghetto-see Turtle Fountain.
12. Go into the Ghetto.  Get pizze at Boccione to eat on the plane.
13. Walk past the synagogue to the Tiber.  Look at the Isola.  Gaze at Trastevere (next time to Santa Maria in Trastevere)
14. Around the corner and up the stairs to Santa Maria in Aracoeli. Wistfully and quickly talk @ Church.
15. Go outside and walk around building to see front view. Walk behind Vittoria Emanuele.
16. Look at the Foro Romano, Colloseo, San Giovanni Laterno, in the distance.  Plan return to Roma and see all of the above.
17. Cross street and make a quick glance at Piazza Venezia and the ghastly monument. Tell her about Via Condotti, S[panish Steps and Trevi Fountain and assure her that she didn't miss all that much by not seeing those.
18. Walk down the street, cross over to head to brave the masses at the Fiori di Campo.
19. Cross street, walk through Centro Storico on different streets and alleys.
20. Head to Gelateria Teatro.  Eat Sage and Raspberry  & Rosemary, Honey, Lemon gelato!!
21. Cross the bridge, walk down Via Conzillacione to Piazza and home.
22. Whew!

I think we covered a massive portion.  Our feet were sore and I really hoofed it.  Caroline was a trooper too because I had to cover so much Church trivia and she was a patient and respectful listener...and a very cheerful walker/sprinter.  And I'm pretty sure she loved Rome.  Like all good girls and boys should!  Thanks for visiting, Caroline!!  It was fun. If anyone else wants a tour, come on!!