Holy Land Cruise ADVENTURE STARTS HERE
Rome (Civitavecchia) , Italy | Sicily (Messina) , Italy | Jerusalem (Ashdod) , Israel | Haifa , Israel | Limassol , Cyprus | Rhodes , Greece | Ephesus (Kusadasi) , Turkey | Athens (Piraeus) , Greece | Naples/Capri , Italy | Rome (Civitavecchia) , Italy
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Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
BORN TO ROME
The Eternal City endures with endless adventures. Sip a cappuccino in an al fresco café and watch the city wake. Peruse ancient artefacts in National Roman Museum and Italian masterworks in Villa Borghese. Or learn about the ancestors of the Romans at the National Etruscan Museum.
The Eternal City endures with endless adventures. Sip a cappuccino in an al fresco café and watch the city wake. Peruse ancient artefacts in National Roman Museum and Italian masterworks in Villa Borghese. Or learn about the ancestors of the Romans at the National Etruscan Museum.
in Rome (Civitavecchia)
ANCIENT AND AMAZING
Walk through the heart of Ancient Rome. Start at the Colosseum, an enormous arena where gladiators once battled. Then meander around the Roman Forum’s timeworn ruins, past crumbling temples and basilicas. See where emperors lived on Palatine Hill – and enjoy an up-close view of the 2,000-year-old, well-preserved Pantheon church.
ADVENTURE SQUARED
Roam around Rome’s piazzas, as each offers a unique perspective. Dine al fresco in Piazza Navona and climb The Spanish Steps in Piazza di Spagna. Wander cobbled alleys in bustling Trastevere and browse Campo de’ Fiori’s artisanal stalls. Be sure to toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain for good measure.
SACRED SPACES
Explore the Vatican Museums’ extraordinary collection of tapestries and classical statues. Step inside the Sistine Chapel and be awed by Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes. Then enter St Peter’s Basilica, one of the world’s largest churches, to stand under its enormous sky-piercing dome.
LOCAL CUISINE
Romans live to eat, whether it’s family-style or in a pavement café. For an authentic taste of Cucina Romana, try carciofi alla Romana (braised artichokes) or spaghetti alla carbonara. Enjoy panino (stuffed sandwiches) or thin-crusted Roman pizza. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a scoop of gelato. Then finish the night with a glass of white wine from the surrounding Lazio region.
SHOPPING
Street stalls throughout the city are your best bet for souvenirs. Via Condotti offers a string of couture Italian designers. Browse artist studios along Via Margutta, or the indie artisan retailers of the Monti neighbourhood. Porta Portese is the city’s largest flea market – and La Rinascente, the first department store.
INSIDER TIP
The train ride between Civitavecchia and Rome is approximately 80 minutes each way.
Sicily (Messina), Italy
BOOTS OFF
Messina is the coastal jewel of northern Sicily. Let yourself get a little lost in the city, as you wander the streets taking note the of the history embedded in its architecture. See the famous Messina Cathedral – its dome has stood since 1551. Stroll among neoclassical and Art Nouveau sculptures at the Camposanto. And check out the Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, a 12th-century church that offers a unique example of Norman architecture, blending Arab, Byzantine and Roman elements.
Messina is the coastal jewel of northern Sicily. Let yourself get a little lost in the city, as you wander the streets taking note the of the history embedded in its architecture. See the famous Messina Cathedral – its dome has stood since 1551. Stroll among neoclassical and Art Nouveau sculptures at the Camposanto. And check out the Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, a 12th-century church that offers a unique example of Norman architecture, blending Arab, Byzantine and Roman elements.
in Sicily (Messina)
Photographer's Playground
Messina's panoramic views and patchwork of architectural styles are an invitation for the creative photographer. The Neptune and Orione fountains created by Michelangelo's collaborator, Montorsoli are renaissance masterpieces.
Dawn of the Duomo
Head to the Astronomical Clock at noon to catch the tower's daily spectacle, starring its bronze statue carousel. The 12th-century Santissima Annunziata Church, Gothic-style Messina Cathedral and the 19th-century Galleria V. Emanuele III span through centuries of architectural diversity.
A Piazza with a View
Once you reach the Sacrario di Cristo Re, you'll discover a panoramic view of the strait and most of Messina. Visit the beautiful temple and the tomb of the unknown soldier during your Sicily cruise. Afterwards, walk back down to Piazza Cairoli to Viale San Martino where you can enjoy a refreshing granita, a sorbet-like Sicilian treat.
Local Cuisine
The cuisine here is one of the most antique in Sicily, with influences from Greek and Arabic cultures. Try Messina specialty la ghiotta di pesce stocco, filets of cod or swordfish baked in tomato sauce with potatoes, capers and herbs. Sample Sicilian bucatini, which combines pasta with local sardines and North African-inspired flavours like saffron, pine nuts and raisins. Or hit up the street vendors for arancini, the cheesy balls of fried rice that are the ultimate Sicilian comfort food.
Shopping
Shop in local markets for the typical products, such as cheese, figs and marzipan. Visit the Galleria V. Emanuele – the world's oldest active shopping centre, dating back to the 1800s – for artisanal crafts such as coral jewellery, hand-painted glazed ceramics and fine crocheted items. Stop in the small shops off the main roads to see artisans at work during your Sicily cruise.
INSIDER TIP
Messina is a great place to discover by foot; within 10 minutes you can be at the Cathedral.
CRUISING
CAN'T MISS FAVORITES
Things to Do
A BOLDER BOULDER
Rise to the occasion and take on the signature Rock Climbing Wall. From beginners to speed climbers, everyone can enjoy an unparalleled view from 12 metres (40 feet) above deck. Included in your fare, no reservation required.
ON PAR FOR ADVENTURE
Hit the links on the high seas! Refine your mini-golf game on a green that overlooks a sea of blue. Included in your fare, no reservation required.
CRUISING
FOR FOODIES
Things to Do
A FAR EAST FEAST
Say “Konnichiwa” to a reimagined favorite. Sushi, sashimi and more, all made-to-order with intense flavors, the best ingredients and impeccable presentation.
A CUT ABOVE THE REST
For more than a decade, the chefs of Chops Grille have proudly presented quality, hand-cut prime steaks at this hallmark Royal Caribbean restaurant.
Jerusalem (Ashdod), Israel
OY VACAY
After you arrive at the port at Ashdod, it's a one-hour drive to Jerusalem, the city sacred to Jews, Muslims and Christians alike. Enter the Old City through one of the eight gates, built in the early 16th century by the Turkish Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent — see the ferocious-looking animal carvings of the Lion's Gate or the flower rosettes carved above Herod's Gate. Take in the smell of Arabian coffee, incense and spices at one of the markets of the Old City as you venture to the historic Wailing Wall. Enter the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and see its ornate shrines and austere icons. Then, head to the nearby Dome of the Rock, with its distinctive gold dome and traditional Islamic geometric designs.
After you arrive at the port at Ashdod, it's a one-hour drive to Jerusalem, the city sacred to Jews, Muslims and Christians alike. Enter the Old City through one of the eight gates, built in the early 16th century by the Turkish Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent — see the ferocious-looking animal carvings of the Lion's Gate or the flower rosettes carved above Herod's Gate. Take in the smell of Arabian coffee, incense and spices at one of the markets of the Old City as you venture to the historic Wailing Wall. Enter the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and see its ornate shrines and austere icons. Then, head to the nearby Dome of the Rock, with its distinctive gold dome and traditional Islamic geometric designs.
in Jerusalem (Ashdod)
Houses of the Holy
Head to the Temple Mount, an large public space sacred to all three monotheist religions. Visit the iconic gold-plated Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, built in 705 AD. The plaza is surrounded by walls, including the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site. Tourists and pilgrims alike write prayers on pieces of paper and crumple them into the crevices of the wall.
Join the Pilgrims
Join the pilgrims to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of Christianity's most sacred sites. It is believed by many Christians that the church that stands today was built on the spot where Jesus' resurrection occurred. It was built in 335, destroyed in 1009 and gradually rebuilt. When you enter the sanctuary, take in the smell of frankincense and the contemplative candlelight.
Powerful Memorial
Yad Vashem, an 18-hectare site, is Israel's official memorial to the 6 million Jews who perished during World War II. Photos of those killed completely cover one of the ceilings. There is a collection of works created in ghettos and camps, and an eternal flame burns near a crypt containing the ashes of the victims.
Local Cuisine
The culinary scene is a creative mixture of cuisines from Jerusalem's countless immigrants. Enjoy some hummus with bread, falafel, kebab, shawarma or other Middle Eastern fare in the Old City during your Jerusalem cruise. For Mediterranean-style eateries, go to Jaffa Gate where you can find a bounty of street vendors selling local fare like burekas, a flaky pastry filled with savor cheese and vegetables.
Shopping
Browse the arcade with art boutiques at Cardo in the Old City. In the Muslim Quarter and Mahane Yehuda Market, you'll find Arabic ceramics, embroidery, coffee, spices and sweets. For hand-stitched clothing and bags from a collective of West Bank women go to the Bint Al Balad Workshop and Cafe on HaAhim Pereire St.
INSIDER TIP
Check the opening hours before your visits, especially during Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath that begins on Fridays at sunset.
Haifa, Israel
MEDITERRANEAN MARVEL
Stroll around Haifa's diverse neighborhoods, such as the elegant German Colony and the Arab Wadi Nisnas. Visit the Bah'ai Gardens with the intriguing Shrine of the Bab, Haifa's most recognizable landmark. Then take the cable car, a trio of orange balls, to the northern tip of the wooded Mt. Carmel. Admire the colorfully painted dome in the church at the Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery.
Stroll around Haifa's diverse neighborhoods, such as the elegant German Colony and the Arab Wadi Nisnas. Visit the Bah'ai Gardens with the intriguing Shrine of the Bab, Haifa's most recognizable landmark. Then take the cable car, a trio of orange balls, to the northern tip of the wooded Mt. Carmel. Admire the colorfully painted dome in the church at the Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery.
in Haifa
Better in Bab
Visit the Shrine of the Bab, a pilgrimage site built in 1953. It's said to hold the remains of the Bab, the spiritual predecessor to the Baha'i faith's prophet Baha'ullah. Canadian architect William Sutherland Maxwell unified Middle Eastern and European styles here. Then, visit the symmetric Baha'i Gardens with their 19 steep terraces.
Star of the Sea
Take the cable car up to Mt Carmel (546 meters) and enjoy the magnificent views. Visit the Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery, Latin for "Star of the Sea." Admire the church's beautifully painted ceiling and dome. Stretching back to the Crusader era, the monks originally inhabited the mountain caves.
Romantic Quarter
Stroll around the picturesque, restored German Colony at the foot of the Baha'i Gardens. German Templars who came to establish a Christian community here built the houses in the 19th century. Cruise to Israel to admire the pretty stone houses, browse the little shops, and meet the locals in the lively cafes.
Local Cuisine
Fill up for your Haifa adventure with some burekas, a crispy phyllo dough pastry often filled with vegetables, spices and cheese. Enjoy Middle Eastern fare like falafel wraps slathered in tahini sauce or lamb shawarma brightened up with herbaceous parsley in the Wadi Nisnas or Hadar neighborhoods. For desert, taste sweet baklava, with layers of flaky pastry and pistachio sweetened with honey, or knefah, a light cheesecake soaked in sweet syrup.
Shopping
Haifa's largest shopping mall is the Grand Canyon and includes over 200 designer and boutique shops. In the Haifa Flea Market, you can find vintage and secondhand items, including handmade silver and gold jewelry. During your Israel cruise, look for decorative plates and ceramics hand-painted with traditional geometric patterns or Holy Land-themed designs.
INSIDER TIP
There are banks in Hadar and around Carmel Center where you can get the local currency, New Israeli Shekel (NIS).
Limassol, Cyprus
ROMAN AROUND CYPRUS
Limassol's new marina sits between the old and new ports, and the entire area is ripe for exploration. Head up to the 14th century Kolossi Castle and museum on a journey that will take you through the historic heart of the city. Then wander over to the zoo or the impressive archaeological remains on Cyprus, that dates back to the Romans.
Limassol's new marina sits between the old and new ports, and the entire area is ripe for exploration. Head up to the 14th century Kolossi Castle and museum on a journey that will take you through the historic heart of the city. Then wander over to the zoo or the impressive archaeological remains on Cyprus, that dates back to the Romans.
in Limassol
Colossal Kolossi
Located about 11 kilometers from the city center, Kolossi Castle was built in 1210 by the Order of St. John of Jerusalem and acted as a stronghold for the city. During the Middle Ages, it stored reserves of sugarcane. While it is now partially in ruins, it stills bears its former owner's coat of arms and its three floors offer a one-of-a-kind look into the past with much to explore.
Antiquity Today
Considered the most impressive archaeological remains on Cyprus, much of what you discover at UNESCO-protected Kourion dates back to the Romans. This includes the Theater, the Forum, he Nymphaeum, the Public Baths, the House of the Gladiators and much more. The restored Greek Roman Theater is still in use today and offers unique acoustics as well as views of the city. While there are no guided tours of the ruins, there are plenty of information boards to read along the way.
Pottering Around Town
The Limassol Archaeology Museum is connected to Limassol Castle, and it traces the history and development of Cyprus from its prehistory roots through to Roman times. Much of what is on display was unearthed close by, including a number of items from Kourion. Part of the museum is dedicated solely to ancient Amathus, and for those who love to see pottery from throughout the ages, this is the place for you to visit during your vacation.
Local Cuisine
Local, as well as, international influences are found in Limassol cuisine, including a strong Asian influence. Local seafood, such as clams and mussels, play a big part in traditional eateries. For something light, start with a Greek salad with fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, basil and olives. With restaurants lining the waterfront as well as tucked away among the streets of the historic center, you'll find something to suit your palette.
Shopping
Head to Agiou Andreou Street for local items and Makarios Avenue for designer duds during your Cyprus cruise. Limassol has plenty to offer the inveterate shopper. Leather goods, olive oil, traditional lacework and glassworks are all of high quality and many are created using traditional methods.
INSIDER TIP
Limassol has plenty of sandy and rocky beaches within easy reach, including the main beach: Akti Olympion.
Rhodes, Greece
COLOSSAL ADVENTURE
Start your exploration of Rhodes at its harbor, where you'll find the site where the city's famous Colossus once stood. Then, traipse through the ancient streets of its Old Town. Discover the diverse history of Rhodes at the Palace of the Grand Master and the Suleiman Mosque, both near the Gate of Saint Anthony. Then, sun yourself on one of the pristine beaches, and enjoy a plate fried baby shrimp and a glass of white wine while overlooking the waters.
Start your exploration of Rhodes at its harbor, where you'll find the site where the city's famous Colossus once stood. Then, traipse through the ancient streets of its Old Town. Discover the diverse history of Rhodes at the Palace of the Grand Master and the Suleiman Mosque, both near the Gate of Saint Anthony. Then, sun yourself on one of the pristine beaches, and enjoy a plate fried baby shrimp and a glass of white wine while overlooking the waters.
in Rhodes
Colossal History
The site where the Colossus once stood is a momentary stop, but Rhodes offers plenty of other history. Ascend the Acropolis of Rhode, which rises above the port. Or stroll through the scenic Old Town, where you can climb the clock tower for a bird's-eye view of the city.
Monestary on the Mount
Take the 20-minute drive to Phileremos. It's a moderately difficult hike to scale the hill here. At the summit, you'll encounter a priceless panorama and a peaceful monastery lined with cypress trees.
Land Meets Sea
If you're up for an excursion, hail a cab to Lindos Bay. Here, with your Greece cruise, you'll find the perfect balance of idyllic scenery and convenience – it's less than an hour drive each way from the port.
Local Cuisine
If seafood is your thing, you've come to the right place. Some of Rhodes' specialities include stuffed clams shells, grilled sea bass and squid, served grilled or fried. For dessert, try tangy local feta drizzled with sweet honey and topped with crunchy sesame seeds. Cruise to Greece and stick around the harbour at the northern tip of the island for seaside dining.
Shopping
The most scenic spots to shop in Rhodes are the many boats parked along the sides of the port, where you can pick up colourful sea shells to bring back home. Once you're done here, visit Labryinthos Arts and Crafts to browse creations by local artists.
INSIDER TIP
Don't be fooled by how small Rhodes looks on the map. Put fewer items on your itinerary rather than more to avoid missing your boat.
Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey
A TASTE OF TURKEY
Head straight to the ancient city of Ephesus, a 20-minute drive from the port. Plan your visit based on how much you want to walk and how many sites you want to check out. The House of the Virgin Mary and the Basilica of St. John hold historical import as well as the traditional brick and stone architecture of the ancient near east. And of course, you can see the one remaining column of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Head straight to the ancient city of Ephesus, a 20-minute drive from the port. Plan your visit based on how much you want to walk and how many sites you want to check out. The House of the Virgin Mary and the Basilica of St. John hold historical import as well as the traditional brick and stone architecture of the ancient near east. And of course, you can see the one remaining column of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
in Ephesus (Kusadasi)
Window Into Ancient Life
Don't miss the Library of Celsus or the Scholastica Baths — their dozen ancient marble toilets are a unique sight from antiquity. Consider buying the extra ticket to see Ephesus' Terraced Houses. Not only are they shaded, but you get a sense of what ancient life was like and can see the restoration work in progress.
Set Your Sights on Selcuk
Walk from Ephesus' Lower Gate to the village of Selcuk, where you can visit what's said to be the burial site of John the Apostle at the Basilica of St. John. You'll also find the remains of the Temple of Artemis. About five miles from here lies the House of the Virgin Mary, which traditions holds as the last place she lived.
Haggle for a Turkish Carpet
Stroll the seaside promenade in Kusadasi to catch a cooling breeze. Shop for souvenirs like carpets and spices in the bazaar near the port. Vendors will encourage you to sample their wares and will offer tea to serious carpet buyers. You can also visit Pigeon Island for views from the Byzantine castle once used by pirates during your Turkey cruise.
Local Cuisine
Most visitors will have tried sis kebab (grilled meat on a skewer) and doner kebab (meat shaved from a vertical skewer) before arriving in Turkey. Lamb is popular for both. Be sure to try kofte, spiced lamb or beef meatballs served with yogurt dipping sauce. Have a few meze (appetizers) to get your vegetable fix — great options include grilled eggplant salad and cicek dolmasi, fried squash flowers stuffed with raisins and rice.
Shopping
The Kusadasi bazaar is naturally the place to go for shopping. A Turkish blue eye, meant to ward off the evil eye, makes a great souvenir. Also consider a traditional Turkish kilim (a woven carpet) or a more luxurious knotted carpet. Cruise to Ephesus and look for handmade tiles and pottery in the Iznik design, with floral-inspired geometric patterns. Prices are negotiable, and the first offer by the vendor will be at least double what you should pay.
INSIDER TIP
Ephesus' excavated section is in a 1.5-square-mile area; you'll need good walking shoes.
Athens (Piraeus), Greece
ACROPOLIS NOW
Explore the harbors of Piraeus, which showcase the Golden Age of Greek history. Visit the Hellenic Maritime Museum and the ship sheds — here, you can see how ancient ships were crafted. In the charming Castella district, you'll find some small, quaint shops and cafes amid the elegant neoclassical buildings. Head to Sotiros Street to find brand name stores, alongside smaller local shops.
Explore the harbors of Piraeus, which showcase the Golden Age of Greek history. Visit the Hellenic Maritime Museum and the ship sheds — here, you can see how ancient ships were crafted. In the charming Castella district, you'll find some small, quaint shops and cafes amid the elegant neoclassical buildings. Head to Sotiros Street to find brand name stores, alongside smaller local shops.
in Athens (Piraeus)
Take Me to Church
The Agia Triada is one of the finest examples of Byzantine-style churches in Greece. The Church of St. Nicholas, which overlooks the port, has a magnificent interior filled with orthodox icons, frescoes and sculptures.
Mediterranean Romance
Part of the Castella district, Mikrolimano is the smallest and most picturesque port of Athens, making it perfect for a romantic afternoon. Take a leisurely stroll along the promenade to take in the amazing views, then settle in a cafe or taverna for some fresh seafood or a refreshing drink with your cruise to Athens.
Boats and the Bronze Age
The Naval Museum has exhibits that present ship building from ancient times to the present day. You will be fascinated by the Neosoikoi, the archaeological remains of the ship sheds where local craftsmen maintained and repaired the boats. Art lovers will have plenty to see at the Piraeus Archaeological Museum, from Bronze Age sculptures to classical Hellenistic pottery.
Local Cuisine
Try the local dishes prepared with sun-ripened tomatoes, eggplant, bell peppers and fresh seafood like mussels and grilled octopus. Look for trovolia, a typical fresh cheese to savor with marinated olives. Ask for recommendations on local wines — the most common white is lively, floral and aromatic Moschofilero, while the red of choice is Xinomavro, an indigenous grape with a bold, complex flavor.
Shopping
You may want to bring back home some of the typical liquors such as the anise-flavored Ouzo or the strong Tsipouro. Greek olives, spices and capers can be vacuumed-packed, making for convenient souvenirs. Look for locally made leather sandals, pottery and hand-painted ceramics. You'll find most shops in the Psyri district, not far from the Acropolis during your Athens cruise.
INSIDER TIP
The yellow trolley bus (number 20) will take you from the port to Passalimani, going through Castella and ending at the Metro station.
CRUISING
SUN DRENCHED DAYS
Things to Do
SWIM IT TO WIN IT
Soak up the sun or savour the shade on expanded pool decks, with complimentary loungers, live music and the opportunity to enjoy a frosty cocktail.
SUN AND SERENITY
Slip away to this adults-only indoor and outdoor retreat. The Solarium is your slice of paradise, with soothing whirlpools, warm sunshine and a refreshing water mist.
Naples/Capri, Italy
The third-largest Italian city and one of the oldest in Europe, Naples combines deep history and modern verve. Check out the extravagant Royal Palace of Naples, the former home of the royal family, with its beautiful tapestries and frescoes. People-watch from a streetside cafe in the Sanita district with a glass of wine and slice of classic margherita pizza. Then, head to Herculaneum to see the ruins left in Vesuvius wake after its historic eruption in 79 AD.
The third-largest Italian city and one of the oldest in Europe, Naples combines deep history and modern verve. Check out the extravagant Royal Palace of Naples, the former home of the royal family, with its beautiful tapestries and frescoes. People-watch from a streetside cafe in the Sanita district with a glass of wine and slice of classic margherita pizza. Then, head to Herculaneum to see the ruins left in Vesuvius wake after its historic eruption in 79 AD.
in Naples/Capri
Go Underground
Interested in getting up close and personal with Naples' past residents? Head underground to visit the Catacombs of San Gennaro. These historic burial places are the oldest in the city and the largest in all of Southern Italy. Spend some time wandering around the different rooms to see how the rooms where the wealthy and poor were buried.
Church Bells Ring
Naples' churches are a great way to tour its architectural treasures, and most of them are concentrated in the old town centre. Check out San Domenico Maggiore, with its impressive gold-gilded ceiling and interior. Inside Sansevero Chapel, you'll find a number of impressive Baroque statues and classical art. And don't miss the beautiful frescoes and peaceful vibe of Gesu Nuovo Church during your Capri cruise.
Local Cuisine
Neopolitan-style pizza is Naples culinary gem. Grab a seat at L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele, which has been serving up pizza since 1870, and order a slice of simple, classic margherita, topped with fresh basil, tomato sauce and local mozzarella di fiore. Cruise to Naples and head to Friggitoria Vomero for the town's best arancini – gooey, fried spheres of rice and cheese – or panzarotti, a mini-calzone stuffed with mozzarella, tomato and other ingredients like spinach or ham.
Shopping
Head to Via Toledo, the longest shopping street in Naples, which offers small boutiques and a huge department store. Continue down the road to Galleria Umberto I, a beautiful shopping gallery for some high-end souvenirs such as silk scarves and leather shoes to take back home.
INSIDER TIP
You won't be able to visit the Catacombs of San Gennaro without a guided tour, so be sure to book yours well in advanced.
Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
ETERNAL ADVENTURE
Spend the afternoon combing Ancient Rome’s ruins or the spiritual treasures of Vatican City. Sip pre-dinner aperitivo – or better yet, hop in the home kitchen of a local chef for a hands-on lesson in La Cucina Romana. Evenings in this romantic city are perhaps best spent at the Teatro dell’Opera or wandering its many buzzing piazzas.
Spend the afternoon combing Ancient Rome’s ruins or the spiritual treasures of Vatican City. Sip pre-dinner aperitivo – or better yet, hop in the home kitchen of a local chef for a hands-on lesson in La Cucina Romana. Evenings in this romantic city are perhaps best spent at the Teatro dell’Opera or wandering its many buzzing piazzas.
in Rome (Civitavecchia)
ANCIENT AND AMAZING
Walk through the heart of Ancient Rome. Start at the Colosseum, an enormous arena where gladiators once battled. Then meander around the Roman Forum’s timeworn ruins, past crumbling temples and basilicas. See where emperors lived on Palatine Hill – and enjoy an up-close view of the 2,000-year-old, well-preserved Pantheon church.
ADVENTURE SQUARED
Roam around Rome’s piazzas, as each offers a unique perspective. Dine al fresco in Piazza Navona and climb The Spanish Steps in Piazza di Spagna. Wander cobbled alleys in bustling Trastevere and browse Campo de’ Fiori’s artisanal stalls. Be sure to toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain for good measure.
SACRED SPACES
Explore the Vatican Museums’ extraordinary collection of tapestries and classical statues. Step inside the Sistine Chapel and be awed by Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes. Then enter St Peter’s Basilica, one of the world’s largest churches, to stand under its enormous sky-piercing dome.
LOCAL CUISINE
Romans live to eat, whether it’s family-style or in a pavement café. For an authentic taste of Cucina Romana, try carciofi alla Romana (braised artichokes) or spaghetti alla carbonara. Enjoy panino (stuffed sandwiches) or thin-crusted Roman pizza. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a scoop of gelato. Then finish the night with a glass of white wine from the surrounding Lazio region.
SHOPPING
Street stalls throughout the city are your best bet for souvenirs. Via Condotti offers a string of couture Italian designers. Browse artist studios along Via Margutta, or the indie artisan retailers of the Monti neighbourhood. Porta Portese is the city’s largest flea market – and La Rinascente, the first department store.
INSIDER TIP
Conservative attire (no vest tops or shorts) is required when visiting Rome’s religious sites.
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INSIDER TIP