Winter in Rome? Yes, please!

It’s been ages since my last trip to Rome. I was still at the University and remember long train trips, crowded and loud roads. So I was happy to receive the invitation for #WinterinRome by Linda of The Beehive in Rome to see how is Winter in Rome the past weekend.

TooMuchRome

Rome is renowned as the Eternal city and it’s one of the must-sees if you’re coming to Italy. It’s been for centuries the center of Western culture, as well as the center of political and religious power of our country. Therefore it has a high concentration of art, history and cultural heritage, going from the Roman times to modern ages.

I have to say that Rome is definitively toomuch! There are endless things to do and to see all around the city, from the most famous Colosseum to the less known Jewish ghetto, from the Trevi Fountain to the EUR bas-relief by Pablo Morbiducci.

Thinking about all of this was kind of overwhelming, but also super exciting. This is because you could never have toomuch of Rome (like Tuscany :D)! So what’s the best way to discover Rome if you don’t have toomuch time? On a tour of course!

Vespa in Rome: this is Dolce vita

When I think about Vespa I always recall the image of Audrey Hepburn holding tight to Gregory Peck while passing by the Colosseum. The scene was part of Roman Holiday by William Wyler, that together with La Dolce Vita by Federico Fellini, and of course other great movies, created the myth of Italian lifestyle, the so called dolce vita (sweet life).

I was then really happy to spend the afternoon on board of a Vespa and with Scooteroma Tour! This company is specialized in guided tours of Rome on board of Vespa and also Ape Calessino, another Italian symbol. The explosive Annie, together with her Italian husband Giovanni and her boys’ team, rides a red Vespa around the most beautiful spots of the Eternal city.

She likes to describe herself as a concierge on two wheels and I think this phrase perfectly matches the customized tours she organizes. We had a great afternoon exploring Rome, moving from top sights like Colosseum and Gianicolo hill to less known spots like Terme di Caracalla and Giardino degli Aranci on the Aventino hill.

Driving a Vespa to Colosseum passing by colorful streets of Rome. This is very much my kind of Dolce Vita! #winterinrome #rome #vespa

A photo posted by Valentina Dainelli (@toomuchtuscany) on Jan 23, 2016 at 9:32am PST

Here below a funny 15 sec video by No Half Measures Films that shows the fun we had on the tour with Scooteroma!

3 good reasons to visit Rome in Winter

First off winter is low season. This means that prices are much cheaper than in high season – generally from Easter to Autumn. You can have the same accommodation, services and tours for a lower price, i.e. you can plan a longer vacation.

Second reason is that Rome is not crowded. Except from very tourist areas, that are all-year-round crowded, other areas in the city are quite empty, except for local people. This means shorter queues or no queue at all for most of the museums, monuments and famous sightseeing. It’s also a great time to take pictures 😀

Last but not least, this is the perfect time to blend with locals, that would have much more time to talk to you, show you around and spend some time in front of a good espresso.

TooMuchTips

Stay at The Beehive! – This stylish ho(s)tel in Rome is literally located 3 minutes walking from Termini train station. It offers cozy rooms, both private and shared, within a welcoming atmosphere at very reasonable prices. You can spend some time in the quiet garden or in the lounge area, take a slice of one of the home baked cakes while while reading the local newspaper. Linda and Steve, together with their 3 daughters and their staff, could really help you to sort out your Roman holiday: they have great tips, an useful app for your phone, as well as a friendly smile to cheer you up.

Take a tour and optimize your visit – as I’ve said at the beginning Rome can be quite overwhelming, since it’s one of the largest cities in Italy. I suggest to book one or more tours to be sure to see what’s hot in the Eternal city and of course get the best out of your Roman holiday! Read my posts about Rome for foodies and tour of the Vatican Museums.

Visit the Giardino degli Aranci! – don’t miss the beautiful garden on top of Aventino hill. The view over Rome is amazing and if you’re visiting it in Winter you’ll see the orange trees full of fruits! In addition close by you can have one of the most Instagrammed views of the Eternal city: Saint Peter’s Cupola through a lock framed by tall trees.