Vacation rentals in Rome

Children are adored in Italy so it is not a problem for your little ones to tag along whether you’re in a restaurant or a museum. Apart from pointing to them where the lions lived in the amphitheater, your kids can also learn to become a gladiator. Enrol them for a two-hour "Gladiator School" class that begins with a visit to the Gruppo Storico Romano where they can look at artifacts and try on gladiator costumes. There is also an all-day program for older kids who want to get a gladiator diploma.

Otherwise, the Teatrino de Pulcinella al Gianicolo is great entertainment for young children with its captivating puppet shows. Eat ice cream at the bottom of the Spanish Steps, ride a bicycle with your kids around the city, or explore the spooky catacombs of St. Callisto for lots of fun; there’s always something for children to do in Rome.

The Eternal City of Rome is replete with fascinating museums and galleries. However, one that you should not skip is the Museo e Galleria Borghese. It is a special place because you’ll find so many pieces of artwork and history in one space. Enjoy the museum walk that will take you from the Roman period to the Golden Age. Admire the works of Caravaggio, Bernini, Canova, and Titian, to name a few.

After the museum, head to the Colosseum, where you can marvel at the enduring grandeur of this well-preserved Roman arena. Check out the cavea and the podium where spectators were seated according to their positions in society. Don’t miss a great photo op at dusk when the Colosseum is bathed in a lovely light. Climb to Oppio Hill located above the Colosseo Metro station, for gorgeous views of the imposing Colosseum.

A quiet oasis is the imperial quarter of the Roman Forum with the mighty Colosseum. At the Circus Maximus, your vacation home offers a magnificent view of the remains of Emperor Nero's palace. In the area of Via Appia Antica you will find a comfortable vacation home in the middle of ancient Rome. The Tiber River meanders through the middle of the city. With its high bank walls, avenue of plane trees and baroque bridges, it is very romantic. In the Middle Ages, the bank opposite the old town was a frowned-upon slum. Then, in a catacomb, they discovered the tomb of Simon Peter, who was crucified there in an arena. St. Peter's Basilica was built right above it, and the mighty Vatican next to it. The despised "other" bank of the Tiber developed into a baroque boulevard around the ancient Castel Sant'Angelo. This district is called Prati and features wide boulevards with countless chic stores. Nearby is also the enchanting neighborhood of Trastevere, with its secluded alleys, lively squares and excellent restaurants. This is an ideal area for your Rome vacation rental, from which you should visit the Vatican Museums.

With so much to see and do in Rome, you might find it hard leave it and explore other places. However, there is plenty to discover outside of the city. If you’re longing for the beach, go to Fregene Beach, 26mi. from Rome. Anzio/Nettuno, S. Marinella, and Terracina are other options where you can sunbathe and swim.

If a seaside excursion doesn't appeal, drive to the World Heritage Sites in Tivoli, just 26mi. away. Admire the Mannerist frescoes and ornate fountains that adorn the landscape. For the adventurous, it is also possible to see the ancient wonders of Naples and Pompeii in a day. Catch the train or drive to Pompeii, 150mi. away from Rome. From there, it is a short drive to Naples. Tour the ruins, check out the forum, the brothel, and its amphitheater. In Naples, visit the Museo Archeologica Nazionale for its amazing collection of classical art, admire the Veiled Christ sculpture at the Cappella Sansevero, and eat authentic Neapolitan pizza.

Colosseum The Colosseum, built in 80 AD, is considered the largest amphitheater ever built, with its former capacity of 50,000 spectators. Incidentally, the venue for gladiator fights has a remarkable cellar system. Pantheon The Pantheon is an ancient structure dating back to the 2nd century that was later rededicated as a Roman Catholic church. For 1,700 years, its dome was considered to have the largest span in the world. The Archbasilica of San Giovanni in Laterano The Lateran Basilica of San Giovanni was the coronation site of the Pope until the 19th century and is part of the Vatican City State. It includes an octagonal babtistery, the papal chapel and the Scala Santa holy staircase. Galleria Borghese The Galleria Borghese is located in the Villa Borghese park and is one of the most valuable private art collections in the world. It houses works by important masters such as Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, and Titian. Piazza Navona In the Parione district, Piazza Navona is home to Gian Lorenzo Bernini's High Baroque Fountain of Four Streams. The square is lined with magnificent palaces and splendid places of worship such as the church of S. Agnese in Agone.