Rome sightseeing – meeting gladiators!

For those heading into Rome from campsites to the north – such as Camping Tiber or Happy Village, you will probably start your journey at the Prima Porta railway station. A day ticket costs just seven euro and includes travel to Rome from Prima Porta and use of the Metro system, as well as buses. If you are happy walking, then buy a ticket costing 1.80 euro, and this is valid for 100 minutes worth of travel….continue the rest of the day on foot!

So here goes, the tour of Rome in one day.

From the train station at Prima Porta, take the train to Rome “Flaminio”, where you then join the BLUE underground line to “Termini” station. Here, change onto the RED underground line, alighting just a couple of stops down the line at “Circo Massimo”.

Rome sightseeing – The Circo Massimo

Once out of the underground station at Circo Massimo, head along a road called “Via del Circo Massimo” until you reach the river. Turn right, and you arrive at “Piazza Bocca della Verita” – the Mouth of Truth.

Things to see in Rome – the mouth of truth

Departure from the Mouth of Truth is via the church of Santa Maria. Consequently, you must be suitably dressed! However, staff will lend you a veil to cover up! From the Santa Maria church, head through the Circo Massimo to Piazza di Porto. From here, a left turn will take you to the Colliseum.

The Colesseum is an absolute “must”!

Enjoy time here, before heading left once again, passing the Roman ruins, walking along Via del Fori Romani until you reach the Piazza Venezia. Here you will see a large white building known as a “wedding cake”, because of it’s various levels (“tiers”) – this is in fact Il Vittoriano. You can climb to the top of the building and take in some lovely views.

Il Vittoriano, is a monument built in honour of Victor Emmanuel, the first king of a unified Italy,

From Piazza Venezia, take the road called Via del Corso – and follow signs to the Trevi Fountain – the Fontana di Trevi.

The Trevi Fountain was “dry” as maintenance and repairs were being carried out.

Pausing here, take time to throw three coins in the fountain, before heading off in a general “right” direction along Via del Tritone. Turn left at Via Sistina and this road will lead you to the top of the Spanish Steps – remember the film with Michael Caine? We spotted this police car – perhaps ready for the next “Italian Job!”

Only Rome sightseeing could offer this!

View from atop the Spanish Steps

Walk down the steps and turn left at the bottom – head for McDonalds. There are clean toilets here, something that is lacking elsewhere in Rome. Take in a low cost latte or a bottle of water! This was incidentally the first branch of McDonalds to open in Italy.

The around around the Spanish Steps is always “buzzing”.

Back to the bottom of the Spanish Steps, and a walk along one of the many streets, lined with famous name boutiques – and associated prices. Arrival at the River Tiber, cross the river and see the Castel St Angelo. Next, bear right towards St Peter’s Square and the Vatican City.

The Mausoleum of Hadrian, usually known as Castel Sant’Angelo

From the Vatican, walk to Flaminio, or take the blue line underground for a couple of stops.

The Basilica within the Vatican City

Rome sightseeing – our tips

Take a supply of bottled water and cool drinks with you. You will be shocked at the prices on the street. The cheapest bottled water is from McDonalds at one euro. Be vigilant – be aware of pick pockets.

Our Rome sightseeing itinerary is easy to follow and covers many of the major sights. FREE maps are often available in campsites. Tourist information for Rome is easily found – click here.