A work colleague of mine who did a semester in Rome sent this to me and I'd thought I would share....I wonder if Disney will offer any pre-cruise excursions in Rome?
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Okay here is the greatest guide to my favorite city in the world. Roma: La Citta Eternale
Rome can seem intimidating at first, it is kind of crazy, but give it a chance and I think you will be in amore also.
Recommended books -
Cheap Eats Italy: Sandra Gustafon – they are out of print/a few years old but the recommendations are still very good.
Heat: An Amateur cook in a chefs kitchen (novel, but my favorite restaurant is in here - Checchino)
Rick Steve’s Italy or Rome
Dining options –
Pizza -
(Trastevere) Pizzeria Ai Marmi – classic Roman must try pizza, famous for the pizza with the egg on top. It is legendary.
Pizza al Forno in Camp de Fiori (when facing the two the “original” is on your left with a simple “forno” sign above the door. You will not be disappointed. (La Vineria in Campo is a GREAT wine bar, but don’t be the American tourist that hangs out in Campo the whole trip!)
Dinner – the golden rule in Rome is avoid anywhere that has a menu turistico or pictures of the food outside. The food has been heated up by microwave and you will be so sad. Basically skip the places with pics, wander down an alley, find mostly people speaking Italian and you will be golden.
Eating in the Jewish Ghetto is always a good decision, check Rick or Sandy’s recommendations
Checchino dal 1887: if you eat dinner at one restaurant in Rome, choose this one. This is where in the book Heat (in case you don’t have time to read it before) Mario Batali sends one of his chefs to learn Italian cooking.
Angelina’s a Testaccio – This is to the left of Checchino in Tastaccio – This is where the REAL DEAL ITALIAN LOCALS eat. They won’t speak English but they have a menu translated. GET THE TIRAMISU here. You’re welcome. There is another outpost of Angelina’s that opened near the center of Rome that is also spectacular
Easy/Classic Roman food for cheap, can you get any better: Pizzeria Montecarlo (I go here EVERY visit)
Deserts -
Gelato – Blue Gelato is always a safe bet there are several throughout the city. Look for somewhere busy and you will be in good shape. One of my fav’s is a small shop when facing the Pantheon head on to the right of it.
Tartufo – the original tartufo was created at a restaurant in Piazza Navona – consult a guide book to remind you which one. It is something like Il Fratelli and is in the middle of the far long side if the square.
Note: Always say yes to Panna, it is Italian whipped cream and it is amazing.
Must see sights –
I highly recommend bike tours if there is one available, one of the best ways to see any city efficiently and not feel guilty about carb loading
Obvious must sees: Coliseum, Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Vatican/St Peters, Piazza Navona
My favorite museum is the Borghese Gallery, if you like smaller museums and Bernini sculptures you will adore this place as well. Plus the walk is through a beautiful park.
Cooking class - Andrea Consoli, Executive Chef, Cooking Classes in Rome,
www.cookingclassesinrome.com – this class beats the Coliseum on Trip Advisor for things to do in Rome, just saying J
Florence: Trattoria Mario – bistecca ai fiorintina (this is a MUST DO / Lunch only spot get the steak), Il Latini – great dinner spot, but there will be a crowd outside waiting to get in. Verrazano: Wine/Cheese/Sandwich shop, cool place to check out for lunch. Trattoria Sostanza: Awesome, new favorite we found last time – Pollo ai burro (chicken with butter) was amazing. Check out the leather market, Duomo, Uffizi and Accademia (David) – I would try to make reservations online in advance for Uffizi and Accademia.
You definitely need to go to Cinque Terre. Buy the Rick Steve’s Book for there if you decide to go. It is a great resource. We stayed in Vernazza when we went but all of the towns are special and lovely.
Buon viaggio e tanti auguri!
