Italy Tour
When to visit
The best months for sightseeing are April, May, June, September and
October, but there are some traps. For example, if you visit major art
cities over Easter you will be among even larger than usual crowds of
foreign tourists. From March through May, bus loads of schoolchildren
take part in excursions to cities of historical and artistic interest.
If possible, avoid traveling around Italy in August. The heat can be too
much – especially as most of the locals are on the move and cramming
roads, trains and planes on their way to sea and mountain resorts. June
and September are among the best months to visit resorts. They are all
open but less crowded.
The climate is hotter the further south you go, but there is plenty of
coastline and the shore breezes do help. The hottest months are July and
August and brief afternoon thunderstorms are common inland. Winters
tend to be mild, but prepare for some rain. Don’t count on off-season
rates in major cities, though some hotels in Rome, Florence, Milan and
other big centres will reduce rates upon request if business is slow.
Resort areas, on the other hand, do have recognized off-seasons and you
can save a considerable amount on hotel rooms by visiting then.
If you are looking for special events, the period from May through
September has a range of fiestas. Outdoor music and opera festivals are
held mainly in July and August.
Rome
The biggest problem you will have with Rome is deciding where to start.
The city has so many sights of historic and religious significance, plus
some modern attractions as well, that it demands time from the
traveller. It wasn’t built in a day and you certainly won’t see it all
in a day – or a week for that matter. So obtain a good map, decide where
your main interests lie and go for it.
You could start by taking in the view of Rome and the surrounding hills
form Piazzale Garibaldi at the top of Giancolo (Janiculum Hill).
Otherwise try the view from the top of St Peters dome. Then visit the
Museum of Roman Civilisation and its room-sized scale model of ancient
Rome – to get a glimpse of what the city once looked like.
The classical city is still with us and waiting to be ‘discovered’.
Visitors will notice how most of the straight streets in the Campus
Martuis (Via delle Bottoghe Oscure, Via dei Coroari or Via dei Cestari)
have survived intact from ancient times. Notice how the important
feature here is the piazza – not the streets. The streets only serve to
connect the piazzas.
Taking time and going by foot is always the best way to get to know a
city – but not always the most practical. If time is limited to a few
days, take an organised bus tour.
The Dutch Roman Catholic sister of Foyer Unitas take free tours (though
offerings are appreciated) to many sights around the city and the
Vatican and give slide presentations on various subjects.
Walking tours are available on Tuesdays, Thursdays and some Saturdays.
Taking one of these will give you an idea of where you wish to spend
more time. Most of historic Rome, which is also the city’s centre now,
is within the third century Aurelian Walls and is walkable.
The ancient centre is close to Piazza Venezia, the heart of the modern
city, and most of the sights of
ancient Rome are around the Capitoline,
Palatine and Aventine hills. They can be seen on foot. Much of papal
Rome is centred in the Vatican, but all of Rome is a religious centre.
Virtually all the museums, monuments are archaeological sites run by the
state or city are closed on Sunday afternoons and many on Mondays.
The Colosseo (Colosseum) was completed in AD80 and is a fine starting
point for a visitor to ancient Rome. Open daily, it remains a symbol of
the grandeur of Rome.
Adjacent to this Palatino (Palatine Hill), a great spot for a walk or a
picnic, and the Foro Roman (Roman Forum). The latter was the commercial,
civil and religious centre of ancient Rome. Its large ceremonial
buildings included three triumphal arches, two public halls, half a
dozen temples and many statues and monuments.
Other famous sites include the Pantheon, the best preserved of roman
buildings. It was founded in 27 BC by Agrippa and later became a
Christian church which contains the tombs of Raphael the first two Kings
of Italy.
Post by: Lucky Banks
Being an iconic landmark of the country, thousands of visitors per
day make their way across the bay to behold her majesty. I also took
this trek and I will never forget it. Seeing this American symbol of
freedom, in person, is an inspiring experience. I do suggest planning in
advance for your trip, to avoid lines and crowds as best as possible.
