For centuries Rome has maintained a mystical, surreal atmosphere of both Italian charm and ancient history. It’s no wonder Rome has much to offer the whole family. If you’re considering your
family holidays, consider this ancient city for all its wonders. One of the first things that come to mind when speaking of Italy is the fondness for food. It is quite easy to find a delectable place to eat in this aromatic city. After all, the Italians lay claim to such fabulous dishes as Alfredo sauce, pizza, risotto and gelato. Though they may not have invented some of the aforementioned dishes, they certainly have perfected them. A family dining experience becomes a merging of families, as the hospitable trattorias or osterias (small family owned restaurants) extend themselves to make you feel welcomed, and well fed. Consider dining in restaurants in the “Old Jewish Ghetto” of Trastevere (meaning across the Tiber River), or in the side streets just beyond the Pantheon.
Many restaurants in this area cater to families and speak English. If dining is first among Italians, fashion comes in as a close second. Though the women in the family may prefer this pastime more than the men, the latter may be entertained by the people watching alone! The high end stores of Gucci, Prada, Ferragamo and ……… can all be found in the area of the Spanish Steps, precisely along Via Frattina. If you’re looking to do more conservative shopping consider walking along Via del Corso or across the river along Cola di Rienzo. Many smaller shops have just as much fashionable charm as the famous designers, with reasonable prices. Once your appetite for both food and fashion has been met, plan out your educational agenda by visiting the cities many sites. It is recommended that you plan an entire day at the Vatican and Sistine Chapel as well as the Coliseum. Though you will find yourself among masses of tourists, the experience is worth it. Entice your children by taking the long and very narrow stairwell to the Cupola or Dome of St. Peters. There you can experience a panoramic view of Rome and Vatican City. The best time to visit the Vatican and Sistine Chapel are lunch time and after as the tour groups line up early in the day. Most commonly, the last Sunday of each month, admission is free to the Sistine Chapel. Otherwise, expect to pay approximately 14 euro. The Coliseum too can be a full day’s experience. It is a great feat and especially popular with smaller children who can climb the different levels and imagine the roar of lions passed. You may consider paying a tour guide to share the ancient details of the coliseum, or rent one of the headsets available at the ticket office. Be sure to retain your ticket stub, as the purchase price of the coliseum allows you access to the Palatine Hill and Gardens across the way. Another way to visit many great sites in a self-guided walking tour would be to map out the following route. Start early in the morning at the Piazza del Popolo with cappuccino’s and croissants in one of the squares many bars. Take Via Babuino up to the Spanish Steps. After pictures, window shop along Via Condotti to Via del Corso. Follow Via del Corso to the Trevi Fountain. After pictures and coin tossing (for many returns), grab a slice of pizza or sit down lunch. Cross back to Via del Corso and follow signs to the Pantheon. Visit during day light hours to experience the open oculus. Consider gelato at one of the gelateria’s nearby. Finish the day by visiting the Piazza Navona and crossing the Tiber river at the Angels Bridge, leading directly to Castel Sant’Angelo. By this time the family will be ready for dinner. There are some things to consider if you’re tempted by a Roman holiday. Rome is a wonderful walking city, so be sure to pack comfortable shoes. With the exception of summer, days in Rome can be warm and nights cool, so be sure to pack layers of clothing that can be removed as temperatures fluctuate. Also, if you plan to visit churches or museums, many places require women to cover both arms and legs to a conservative level. This means no miniskirts, bare midriffs or shoulders. Buon Viaggio!
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If you’re considering your
family holidays, consider this ancient city for all its wonders.
