| Rome is one of the most beautiful areas in the | | | | possible. |
| world. The very cradle of human civilization, its | | | | 4. The Roman Forum |
| many landmarks are a joy for the eyes to | | | | Check out the civic center of Ancient Rome |
| behold. The Eternal City remains unrivaled when it | | | | where political, religious, and economic activities |
| comes to the sheer aesthetic supremacy of its | | | | took place. Many of its columns remain standing |
| antique structures and its impressive, | | | | among the ruins even after 2000 years, displaying |
| widely-venerated history. It doesnt come as a | | | | the intricacies of Roman architecture. Admission is |
| surprise then that Rome has claimed the #2 spot | | | | free, opens at 9 am and closes an hour before |
| on the top travel destinations in the world. | | | | sunset. If you want, you can spend a little more |
| 1. Rome | | | | to get a personalized guided tour complete with |
| With a climate mild and rainy in winter rather than | | | | audio pedestals where you can learn more. |
| full of snow, many find Rome the perfect place | | | | 5. The Vatican |
| to vacation during any time of year. You do not | | | | One of the most popular spots to visit in Rome |
| need a Visa if youre only staying for 90 days or | | | | is, of course, the Vatican. In addition to its religious |
| less. Experts recommend visiting Rome in the | | | | importance, the Vatican has a fine collection of |
| off-peak months between October and March to | | | | sculptures, paintings, books, and many other |
| avoid the summer rush. If you can, try to book a | | | | artifacts that chronicle the Catholic Churchs |
| hotel near or within the centro storico or historic | | | | history. You can view St. Peters Basilica, marvel |
| district. | | | | at Michelangelos Pieta, its detailed masonry, or the |
| 2. Take The Tour | | | | papal catacombs. Move on to the Vatican Museum |
| Be sure to make a list of locations you intend to | | | | where even more magnificent antiquities are |
| visit within Rome beforehand to save you time | | | | housed, not the least of that are Egyptian |
| and money. Private tours are a great way to get | | | | mummies from B.C. era. |
| around and at the same time soak up the local | | | | 6. The Sistine Chapel |
| culture. Another great way to economize is by | | | | If pressed for time, skip everything else and |
| taking the TramBus system, that goes around | | | | proceed to the Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo, |
| the city and provides a fascinating tour of Romes | | | | primarily, was known as an excellent sculptor so |
| neighborhoods. | | | | when Pope Julius II commissioned him to paint the |
| 3. Don't Miss These Locations | | | | Bible on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, he |
| The Coliseum is probably, next to the Vatican, the | | | | thought it was a ploy by his rivals who thought |
| best structure to visit in the city. You can tour | | | | Michelangelo, not being a full-on painter, would yield |
| the premises on your own or join those | | | | mediocrity and eMBArrass himself. Of course, we |
| conducted every hour by guides dressed as | | | | all know it didnt quite turn out that way. In fact, |
| Gladiators. Operating hours vary throughout the | | | | the Sistine Chapel is probably the most recognized |
| year, so you will want to call in advance if at all | | | | piece of work from the Renaissance period. |