Celebrate New Year's Eve in Rome

Celebrate New Year’s Eve, Capodanno, in Rome and wave goodbye to 2014 as you welcome what 2015 will bring. If you’re going to be in Rome for this special time, read on; we’ve got a list of things to do in Rome to help you celebrate the 31st December into the 1st January. In true Roman style, there are historic traditions and both contemporary culture to appreciate – so take your pick, and buon anno to you! Coliseum Celebrate in one of the oldest parts of Rome, at one of the oldest attractions, the Coliseum. Dating back over 2,000 years it’s one of the most iconic backdrops to spending New Year’s Eve and you’re guaranteed a great photo moment. At midnight, you’ll be able to enjoy views over the city’s fireworks display and can continue the street party at your leisure. Imperial Forum Slightly down the way from the Coliseum, the Imperial Forum is featuring its very own Vintage Party this year to celebrate 2014/2015. Expect everything themed from the '30s to '60s – from music to decorations. You’re invited to dress up, too! Hosted by Swing Circus, there will be an orchestra, DJ, dancers and Linda Hop the swing performer. Not least, a marching band and a clown for the kids. Definitely worth a visit! Circus Maximus This year Rome is pulling out all of the stops and visitors and locals alike can enjoy plenty of historic backdrops for their New Year’s celebrations. Another venue to head to is Circus Maximus to enjoy a real knees-up. With a full blown concert, starting with the Italian one-to-watch Mannarino, followed by local rappers and artists, it’s after midnight that it all kicks off. With a break for the impressive annual fireworks, the early hours of 1st January 2015 will see a DJ set by Daddy G and Grant from Massive Attack. Names not to be sniffed at. St Peter’s Basilica If you are looking for something slightly more quiet and reflective, why not head over to St Peter’s Basilica. Starting earlier than the evening revellers, the Pope will be hosting the Feast of Mary, Mother of God, at St Peter’s Basilica at 5pm. Here, the Pope will celebrate the First Vespers of the Solemnity of the Mother of God, followed by the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, the traditional singing of the “Te Deum”, and the Eucharistic Benediction. You will need to pre-book tickets as it’s a highly sought after event. Alternatively, the following day (1st January 2015) you can attend a Mass at 10am (tickets are also required). Gianicolo As Rome is such a romantic place, spending New Year’s with your loved one in this historic city can be a special moment. We suggest you head up to the Gianicolo, a hill that starts in Trastevere. Climb this winding summit and you’ll reach one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the city. Overlooking the city, you can see the iconic domes from St Peter’s Basilica to Piazza Victorio Emmanuele II not to mention you'll get a great panorama of all the firework displays around the city, illuminating the sky line. Don’t forget your camera as you’re guaranteed a breath-taking New Year’s Eve. Don't forget you can make great savings if you explore Rome with the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Card. Granting you free entry into the Vatican City and sights, as well as free entry into the Coliseum and many other historic attractions with the Roma Pass. Click here to find out how you can save.

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Airport Travel in Rome - Best Transfers

Nothing can deflate the feeling of landing at your vacation destination and feeling lost. What do the words say? Why doesn't your GPS work? Does data really roam? So, let's talk about travel in Rome - getting to and from the airport, the airports themselves, and whether you're better off using public transport or booking a transfer! Travel in Rome - which airport? Rome has two airports: Leonardo da Vinci International Airport and Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport. So, depending on where you're flying from, you'll likely end up in one or the other. Travel in Rome - how far away is each airport from the city? The good news is that both airports are equidistant to the city center, each taking around 30-35 minutes by car. Travel options in to Rome from the airport Before we talk about transfers, which may be your best option as they take all the stress out of your arrival, let's explore alternatives first. Hire a car If you're planning on doing your own driving throughout your vacation, then hiring a car might be your best bet. Both Leonardo da Vinci International Airport and Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport have numerous rental companies based within walking distance. If you're landing at Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, you could rent a vehicle from Hertz, Enterprise, or Europcar, among others. Or, if you're landing in Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport, you could try Firefly, LEASYS, or Thrifty. Prices differ depending on the vehicle you want and the length of time you want it, so it's best you do your own price comparison. That way, you can get the best deal for you! Public transport If you're only staying in Rome for a short period and your baggage is manageable, then you might consider taking public transport to the city center. Both airports have decent connections, so it's more than doable! Public transport from Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport You have two options here. The first is a relatively simple shuttle bus, which will set you back €6, and takes around 35 minutes to get into the city center. The second is via train. From the airport, get the Airlink shuttle to Stazione FS di Ciampino, and then a train to Roma Termini - Rome's central train station. This will take 35 minutes and will set you back €2.70. Public transport from Leonardo da Vinci International Airport Again, you have two options to choose from. The first is another shuttle bus. It's slightly more expensive at €7 and takes around 35 minutes non-stop to the center of Rome. Similarly again, your other option is a train. You can get it straight out of Leonardo da Vinci International Airport; it takes 32 minutes and costs around €3. And now, let's talk about transfers. Travel in Rome - why you should book a transfer from the airport As a stranger in a strange land, it couldn't hurt to get some know-how from the locals. And that's what you'll get in spades if you book an airport transfer. Cab drivers will be able to provide you with local tips and tricks with a vacation twist, so be sure to strike up a conversation and see what tasty gossip nuggets you can mine. Besides, you may have already started celebrating your vacation on the plane, so leaving the driving up to someone else might be the best - and legal - course of action! Suppose you're traveling to a city that doesn't use English as a second language. In that case, it can be difficult to articulate directions, read bus and train timetables, or understand what stops and connections you need to make on any given journey. And, let's be honest, it's the last thing you want to worry about when arriving at your vacation destination! With a transfer, you've already booked the trip, and your driver will know exactly where to take you. Plus, you needn't worry about being overcharged by a sly driver looking to make a quick buck off of a clueless tourist. Unfortunately, it's one of the most common issues you'll run into in Rome, but with a prepaid transfer, there's no need to negotiate! Travel in Rome - types of transfer vehicles from Leonardo da Vinci International Airport Minibus In a group, a minibus is your best bet. They can sit up to 7 people depending on your choice of vehicle, and the baggage area will be yours to own! As it's a private vehicle, you won't have to worry about any other stops on your journey, and this halves the travel time to 35 minutes. Price-wise, you're looking at anything from €30-100 per head, so it's worth researching which works best for you. Car The most stylish choice on this list, a private car is also the most expensive. Like the minibus, your trip to Rome will take around 35 minutes. Unlike the minibus, prices range from €60-400 per person, depending on your vehicle type. That's a lot of dough, but if you've got it, why not flaunt it? Oh, and it's a car, so it can only seat 1-3 people. Travel in Rome - types of transfer vehicles from Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport Minibus Seating 1-7 people, a minibus will set you back anything from €80-280 per person, and takes around 32 minutes. Car A private car from Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport will take around 32 minutes, can seat 1-3 passengers, and will cost anywhere from €60-450 And that's our guide to transfers and travel from the airport in to Rome! Need some vacation inspiration? Check out Go City. With us, you can see all of Rome's best bits when and how you want.
Dom Bewley
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Day trips from Rome

Rome is located just so that it is great for short day trips out of the city in less than two hours travel time. Rome has a whole historic area to be discovered in Ostia and the Appian way as well as other great destinations for the summer, like the Ostia Lido with long sandy beaches and seaside bars. If you’re staying in the city for a bit longer, it’s well worth planning some day trips from Rome to explore more of the area.   Appian Way The Appian Way is one of the most impressive historic ruins in Rome and is one of the earliest stretches of straight roads in Rome, dating back to 312 BC. The road was originally used as a military road which is why it needed to be as straight and strategic as possible, later aiding in the victory of the Second Samnite War. Visitors can still see the ruins and old road still intact – and set in a public park it makes for a great day out and a beautiful spot for a picnic. Address: Via Appia Antica, Roma How to get there: 118 bus from Circo Massimo Metro Station   Ancient Ostia Ostia Antica, or Ancient Ostia, is Rome’s ancient harbor city – before the river moved over the years to where it lies now. Ostia means ‘mouth’ in Latin and was the mouth of the River Tiber. The oldest settlements, most believe, date back to between 396 and 267 BC and it was mainly a military center until the early Imperial period where there is evidence of a theatre and the growth of the Forum, where commerce and trade took place. For anyone interested in history, it’s a fascinating Address: Ostia Antica, 00119, Rome How to get there: Roma-Lido station (by Piramide) and get off at Ostia Antica   Ostia Lido Ostia is the Romans’ go-to summer destination. Just 30kms away from the city center by train, this seaside resort brings both Italian tourists and locals alike to its sandy shores. The town itself is relatively small, with typical Art Deco buildings along the coast and more Fascist-style buildings towards the fringes. During the summer months, it’s a great place to spend the day, bring your towel and enjoy the many seaside restaurants and bars to take you through the day and into the night. If you’re staying for longer there are many B&Bs and hotels to choose from for a short stay. Address: Ostia Lido, Rome How to get there: Roma-Lido station (by Piramide) and get off at Ostia Lido Centro   Castelli Romani The Castelli Romani are a cluster of wine-producing towns southeast of Rome, set in the volcanic area of Colli Albani. It’s a pleasant escape from the hot summer months, with its natural lakes and beautiful mountains with a national park. One of the most popular towns in the area is Frascati – known mostly for its wine! It’s a beautiful hillside town where you can sit out at pavement restaurants, drink wine and indulge in fine food. Address: Frascati, Rome How to get there: Train to Frascati from Termini   Hadrian's Villa Villa Adriana, or Hadrian’s Villa, is one of the most beautiful complexes of Roman ruins you can visit. Situated in Tivoli, you can wander through the classical buildings still standing and exemplary of the times in which they were built. Having been built in 2AD, it is the perfect ancient city with architectural styles from Egypt, Greece, and Rome and its statues and monuments give it the status as a World Heritage Site – and rightly so. Spend the day discovering the beauty of this ancient villa from its thermae, to its theatre, temples, and staterooms. Address: Largo Marguerite Yourcenar, 1, 00010 Tivoli RM How to get there: COTRAL buses to Tivoli from Ponte Mammolo station
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Dinner with a View: The Best Rooftop Restaurants in Rome

Take to the heights at the best rooftop restaurants and bars in Rome While the Italian capital isn't the tallest city in Europe, that actually works in its favour as it boasts a number of rooftop restaurants and bars in Rome with panoramic views over the skyline. Whether you're looking to catch a breath between sightseeing with an espresso, revive yourself before dinner with aperitivo or looking for decadence with Michelin starred menus, there's a number of rooftops restaurants in Rome to add to your bucket list. What a beautiful place #rooftop #dining #drinks #beautiful #nice #chill #roma #rome #italy #🇮🇹 A post shared by Nuttasuk Ngokngarm (@nuttasuk) on Nov 5, 2017 at 2:43am PST Bramante Terrace, Hotel Raphael Looking to get away from the crowds and bustle? Head upstairs to Hotel Raphael's Bramante Terrace, where you'll be able to drink in panoramic views of the Vatican, Castel Sant'Angelo and as much of Rome as far as the eye can see. With a killer wine list, cocktails and a food menu if you're feeling peckish, it's a great place to kick back and relax at the height of sophistication. It's not super well known and the terrace is quite small, making for an intimate experience you'll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. Coffee with a view - - - - - - - #coffee #coffeetime #bar #roma #rome #italia #italy #view #terrace #city #escape #panorama #visit #explore #world #travel #traveller #travelgram #travelblogger #travelphotography #instatravel #wanderlust #beautiful #beautifuldestination A post shared by Alessio Terzi (@terzibus) on Sep 24, 2017 at 12:44am PDT American Bar, Hotel Forum Step into another time period at the American Bar, where you'll be able to unwind with views over ancient Roman landmarks like the Colosseum, Altare della Patria and of course, the Roman Forum ruins from which the hotel derives it name. You don't even need to be a hotel guest to lounge around here and it's a gorgeous place for a date night, if you're in the mood for romance. A post shared by marcodetomassi (@marco.detomassi) on Oct 23, 2017 at 3:55am PDT Casina Valadier Located atop the iconic Villa Borghese, this tranquil bar and restaurant has breathed neoclassical life into one of the Villa's historical structures and has become a must-visit spot for those on the tourist trail. The menu's worth making the trek out with recipes such as beef tartare sprinkled with comte flakes, lamb with a truffle and caprino cheese crust and mixed seafood grilled to perfection. As it's up on high, you'll be able to see all the major sights stretching out across the horizon from St Peter's Basilica to Piazza del Popolo. ✨🇮🇹 Tu chiamale se vuoi emozioni... @palazzomanfredi #Roma #Colosseo 🇮🇹✨ Photo by: @italian_places ___ #yummy #foodie #cooking #lunch #breakfast #fashionfood#instacake #cibo #gnam #homemade #foodblog #Ilovefood #pranzo #cucina #foodart #tasty #delicious #foodpic #cucinaitaliana #dinner #eating #yum #italian_places #bar #ilovefood #rome #coliseo #colosseum A post shared by Best Food, Chef And Restaurant (@italian_food) on Nov 8, 2017 at 8:19am PST Aroma If you like the finer things in life, Aroma over at Palazzo Manfredi is one of Rome's best fine dining destinations - with a gorgeous view to boot. With a Michelin starred seven course tasting menu primed for an indulgent culinary evening, it's a surprisingly modest set-up which lets the food and the unbeatable view over the Colosseum speak for itself. Come with a hefty wallet though, dining at Aroma doesn't come cheap. On June the 25th we will be hosting our last Sunday brunch of the season! We will be back in September. Minerva Roof Garden Restaurant and Bar are always open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and delicious cocktails...For cocktails lovers here a shot of our strawberry frozen daiquiri !!! #cocktail #delicious #minervaroofgarden #relaxing #breathtaking #view #pantheon #piazzadellaminerva #rome #grandhoteldelaminerve A post shared by grandhoteldelaminerve (@grandhoteldelaminerve) on Jun 23, 2017 at 5:53am PDT Minerva Roof Garden Another fantastic hotel bar on the list, the Minerva Roof Garden crowns the Grand Hotel de la Minerve located in the heart of Rome. Just a stone's throw away from sights such as the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain, it serves as both a restaurant and bar when the lights go down with traditional delights and more modern choices up for grabs. It's utterly chic with white jacketed staff keeping a beady eye out for those who need a champagne top up and a stellar view of sights such as the Pantheon.
Megan Hills
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