Day 1 - Wednesday
We arrived around 7pm and took us quite sometime to get to the hotel.
After we checked-in, we headed to one of my favorite places in Rome, La Taverna deli Fort Imperiali. Delicious food, nice staff, open and accommodating for late night diners such as our selves.
Day 2 - Thursday (game day)
The whole purpose of our trip was to watch the AS Roma game in the Stadio Olimpico; but we had a whole day to explore so this is what we chose to do.
Breakfast at a cafe that’s more than 200 years old, very popular as it’s by the Spanish steps and all the high end shops. We grabbed a bite and some really good coffee but $$$.
Then we walked around the Via del Corso (shopping street) making our way to the usual touristy spots which were busy even though it was NOT season.
I booked our lunch at Emma which was highly regarded for their pizza. We samples some pasta's and croquettes and everything was good.
Heading to Stadio Olimpico
If you’re watching a big AS Roma game, here are a few tip:
Do get there early to avoid feeling rushed as it gets very very busy.
If you have the means, take a taxi. You can take public transport like a tram but if you’re not a fan of being stuffed like a sardine then avoid it.
Finding your gate was the toughest part for us, no signs or stewards around to help so we asked a very nice couple.
Leaving like leaving any major event is a mission, just keep walking with the crowds till you can order a cab. If Roma wins, then by all means take public transport if you’re ok with it, otherwise avoid!
Day 3 - Friday (tourist)
Jumping to lunch, try to grab a bite at Enzo. No reservations so you’ll definitely need to stand in line but it moves fast (15 min. wait). The food was good a definitely a famous spot but there is better.
Today was the day I booked our tour at the Vatican Museum was very nice but so so busy and I didn't realize or tickets didn't include the Sistine Chapel.
At night we hung our at the hotels lounge bar, spoke to a random Italian couple and went to be early for our big day tomorrow at POMPEII!
Day 4 - Saturday
Our hotel booked a private tour of Pompeii for us but we had to get there first. We should have booked all tickets in advance but we didn't so things got a bit messy and expensive but we got there!
From Rome to Naples:
Take the train from Roma Termini (Frecciarosa) to Naples Centrale.
In Naples Centrale is where things got confusing because the information desk gave us the wrong info.!!
When you reach the station, you need to go down an escalator (to Napoli Porta Garibaldi) and go right, you'll find a ticket machine to buy your train stubs to take the Circumvesuviana local railway to get to Pompeii Scavi – Villa Dei Misteri stop.
We didn't realize we were misinformed so we took an uber because we were going to be late otherwise. It cost quite a bit but we got there in 15 mins. vs the 45 mins. by railway.
Once you get to Pompeii, it is MAGICAL. And there's no way to do it other than with a tour guide.
Don't forget to check out the Pompeii museum of course.
From Naples to Rome:
We took the Circumvesuviana train from Pompeii Scavi – Villa Dei Misteri and got off at Napoli Porta Garibaldi - that's when we realized how we got misinformed. Go up the escalator and grab your train back to Rome Termini (last train at 20:30pm)
At night, we had our last dinner in Roma at Da Francisco near Vitolo del Fico. A place that seems to be popular with the locals, good food, good wine and great staff.
For a night cap, we walked over to a small open area near Bar Del Fico which gets really lively on weekends. Lots of young Italians drinking and talking - good vibes.
Sunday (last half day)
On our last day, we booked a private tour of the Colosseum and the Roman forum. We got there at 9am and enjoyed the forum to our selves before it got busy; by the time we got to the Colosseum it was packed.
Although I've been there before, this was my first time with a guide and it really does make a difference.
Note: Lots of new procedures have been implemented when it comes to tourist attractions, be sure to always keep an ID on hand, be on time and you can almost never give your ticket to someone else.
Hope my itinerary is useful.
Enjoy your tip!
The home for unique & authentic travel
