by Richard Smith

Created on: July 14, 2008

Last year I decided that as the fruits of my loins would be 10 and 12 respectively they were ready for a holiday with a difference. Rather than the usual short break spent at Butlins or Euro Disney it was time that they were exposed to a bit of culture with a city break somewhere in Europe and where better than probably the best open air museum in the world Rome. Add in the fact that it is a city that I have never visited and the deal was made, a couple of hours spent on the internet and we were spending the first week of April in Rome.

Anyone reading this review will notice one major omission and that is that we spent no time at the Vatican as our visit coincided with the funeral of Pope John Paul and the crowds were just too much to even attempt getting close to the area for fear of losing either child. This was a real shame especially as we had tickets for a general audience with the Holy Father however his long illness had already put that in doubt

The Geography of Rome

One of the great things about Rome is that despite its size the historic centre is relatively small and compact with most of the sites of interest within walking distance of each other. With the Tiber to the west of the centre only the Vatican and Trastevere are on its west bank with all the other main sites to the east.

Rome most well known geographical features are the seven hills, The Palatine, Capitoline, Aventine, Caelian, Esquiline, Viminal and Quirinal. The downside to these features is at some point in your visit you will find yourself walking up some of them.

Getting around

Whichever of the two airports that you land at unless you get a taxi the coach transfers normally drop off at Stazione Termini which is the major train and bus station.

The best way to get around Rome is on foot so make sure that you have some sturdy walking shoes especially as many of the roads are cobbled and you also have those hills to contend with. Add to that the fact that every time you cross the road you take your life into your hands and you may find yourself taking the long way round some of the large squares to avoid crossing the four lanes of traffic that shows no sign of stopping even if there is a crossing.

Taxis are plentiful however they cannot be hailed from the street you need to get one at a taxi rank. If you phone to book one then you will be charged for the journey to pick you up as well as the one to your destination. As with all major cities there are those who will try to fleece tourists however

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