Consider Quartiere III Pinciano. “I prefer to stay in the Quartiere III Pinciano / Rome Claridge area, just north of the Villa Borghese. Not only is it less expensive, but the tram runs right along Viale Liegi down to the Vatican.” – Kent, dispatch, Honolulu, Oʻahu
Stay in Trastevere. “Stay in Trastevere! It’s such a dreamy neighborhood with old-world charm but gelato on every corner.” – Tricia, corporate communications, Seattle, Washington
Do the classics – but also consider venturing out. “See the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps and the Vatican. If you have time, take the train to Florence, Pisa, Pompeii, Sorrento, Positano and the Amalfi Coast. If you go to Florence, visit the Galleria dell’Accademia, home of the David statue. Pompeii is a short train ride from Rome and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also, around Pompeii, there are several Limoncello makers nearby as well as olive oil producers.” – Amanda, customer service, Portland, Oregon
Keyholes, Caesar and…cats? “Hike up to the Avetine Hill and find the door with a keyhole for a perfectly framed view of the Vatican. Visit the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary in Rome, which is the same location where Julius Caesar was assassinated.” – Darren, e-commerce, Seattle, Washington
Don’t forget about hidden history. “There is an underground archeological area called Vicus Caprarius – The Water City. It is an old aqueduct that feeds the Trevi Fountain. You need to make a reservation to see it.” – Kristen, reservations, Phoenix, Arizona
Say “sì, sì, certo” to classes and tastings. “I went a couple of years ago and took a small trip to Frascati (about a 45-minute train) and took a cooking class that came with wine. They were awesome, and I still make fresh pasta once a week or so. The wine windows in Florence are super cool, and the Mortadella Lab in Bologna is a must. If you can swing it, a balsamic tour in Modena is great too.” – Zach, pilot, Seattle, Washington