Sep 03

nancy aiello tour vatican by night illuminated The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel by Night | Unusual Top Quality Rome Tour

The 2010 edition of The Vatican Museums by Night will continue on September and October 2010 every Friday from 7.00 pm to 11.00 pm. Book your Vatican by night tickets early to avoid disappointment!

The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with more than four million visitors every year, more than 7 kilometers of alleys and more than 1400 rooms to tour host one of the most incredible collections of art and masterpieces in the world enjoyed by independent travelers and families with kids alike. The Vatican Museums are among the greatest museums in the world displaying works from an immense collection going back to ancient Rome times built up over the last 5 centuries by the Holy See starting with Pope Julius II who founded the Vatican Museums in the 16th century.

Rome visitors every Friday night on September and October 2010 have this truly memorable opportunity to enjoy the 2010 edition of the Vatican afterhours tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.

By touring the Vatican by night visitors are able to admire not only the breathtaking collections that include the Upper Galleries of the Vatican Museums (Candelabra, Tapestries and Maps), the Raphael rooms and the Sistine Chapel but will also have access to the Egyptian Museum, the memorable Pio-Clementino Museum and it’s Octagonal Courtyard home to some of the best Vatican’s classical statuary.

That’s just the beginning with more good news for October 2010 with the exceptional events «Che c’è di bello» that blend music, theater, cultural and art exhibitions. To attend these Vatican by night events tickets must be reserved in advance through the Vatican State official website or by contacting our VIP Vatican consultants that will be glad to design a one of a kind Vatican by night itinerary customized just for our guests in Rome.

These memorable artistic and cultural shows will start at around 8,30 PM and last for about an hour leaving then plenty of time to continue the tour of the Vatican and will be performed at some stunning Vatican venues such as the Terrazze della Pinacoteca, with its breathtaking views over the St. Peter’s Dome, the Gregorian Profane Museum, Raphael Loggia, the Cortile della Pigna (courtyard of the pine cone), part of the much older Cortile del Belvedere, and also in the so called Braccio Nuovo, a masterpiece of Rome neoclassical architecture.

Here below please find the detailed Vatican events scheduled for October 2010:

  • Friday October 1st «Arte della leggerezza e leggerezza nell’arte” with music by Barber, Grieg, Debussy and Milhaud (Terrazze della Pinacoteca)
  • Friday October 8th : « Spes mea cara. Omaggio a Maria» with Maestro Luca Salerno (Salone di Raffaello)
  • Friday October 15th «Australian Night» meetings with the aboriginal Australian culture and a show performed by Australians aborigines with an introduction by Nereda White (Terrazze della Pinacoteca enhanced by a visit to Missionary Ethnological Museum
  • Friday October 22nd Traditional Russian music conducted by the Moscow’s Cathedral Choir (Cortile della Pigna-Propilei enhanced by a visit to the Icons’ Room in The Vatican Pinacoteca museum)
  • Friday October 29th Il Bel Canto at the Museum with music from Verdi’s Il Trovatore

Would you like to tour the Vatican Museums with Nancy Aiello Tours? Please, contact Nancy Aiello Tours to learn more about our fun and comprehensive private guided Vatican City tour designed just for you and your party. Professional Italy tour planning company Nancy Aiello Tours provides private guided Vatican and Rome tours, Florence tours, Venice private excursions with English, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, French, German and Russian speaking qualified licensed Vatican touristic guides.

For your private guided tours of Italy contact Nancy Aiello Tours at info@nancyaiellotours.com

Ciao from Rome:-)

Nancy Aiello

ItalyTravelista.com

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© Copyright 2010, Nancy Aiello Tours

Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours specializes in personalized private guided Vatican, Rome & Italy Tours for Leisure & Business Travelers including underground Rome and her hidden treasures.

New articles are published on our site weekly, sometimes daily. To keep up to date with our news, tips and current events, please sign up for ItalyTravelista free RSS feed.

If you are interested in publishing a version of this article please contact Nancy Aiello Tours.

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Touring Rome with your family? Check out our NEW Family Rome Tour Website

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Apr 24

vatican rome night tour nancy aiello tour Rome by Night | Walking Tour of Rome | Free Rome Tour

Explore Rome, the Eternal City after dark! Rome lovers think Rome is most beautiful at night when its ancient Rome landmarks, St. Peter’s Square and Rome’s magnificent renaissance squares and baroque fountains designed by Bernini and Michelangelo are illuminated in all their glory! Beside it’s another thing to do in Rome for FREE! ItalyTravelista has three walking Rome tours to suggest where parents and children alike can enjoy the charme and elegance of Rome at night at their own pace!

Tour Ancient Rome by Night

Start off your illuminated Rome tour at Piazza Venezia Square to enjoy the Vittoriano Monument and ask your kids whether the huge white monument looks more like a “Wedding Cake” or a “Typewriter”! Then proceed along Via dei Fori Imperiali where on your left is Trajan’s Column and on your side the ancient Roman Forum. In the background rises the majestic Coliseum and to its right the Constantine’s Arch built in 315 AD. Turn right and take Via di San Gregorio until you reach Via dei Cerchi. Turn right and on your left you will see the Circus Maximus where the famous chariot races depicted in the Ben Hur movie took place while on your right rises the magnificent Imperial Rome palaces of the Palatine Hill. Walk the length of the Circus Maximus and turn right onto Via di San Gregorio. On your left stands the Arch of Janus built around 356 AD by Constantius II just next to the beautiful medieval Church of St. George al Velabro and further ahead on your right take a peek at the unusual circular 6th century Church of San Teodoro. Follow around until you reach Piazza della Consolazione. Take the stairs leading up to the Capitoline Hill but before you actually reach Michelangelo’s square stop for the most stunning view over the illuminated Roman Forum!

nancy aiello vatican tour Rome by Night | Walking Tour of Rome | Free Rome Tour

Tour Christian Rome by Night

Begin your pleasant walk at Piazza Farnese square to enjoy the Farnese Palace lit up and wonder about the great artists of the Renaissance like Michelangelo and Della Porta who worked on this magnificent Renaissance palace now home to the French Embassy. Walk through Campo dè Fiori square lined these days with bars and restaurants but where on Feb. 17, 1600 Giordano Bruno was burnt for heresy onto Piazza della Cancelleria to admire the beautiful Palazzo della Cancelleria, the first palazzo in Rome built from the ground up in the new Renaissance style, and then across the main street to Piazza Navona the most baroque square in Rome. Cross the Tiber river on the Ponte Sant’ Angelo and look at the marvelous Saint’ Angel’s Castle. The highlight and end of your night walking Rome tour will be the breathtaking view of the illuminated St. Peter’s Basilica.

illuminated rome nancy aiello tours Rome by Night | Walking Tour of Rome | Free Rome Tour

Tour Renaissance and Baroque Rome by Night

Your enjoyable walk starts at the charming Piazza del Popolo square designed by Valadier in the 17th century reminiscent of Bernini’s plan for St. Peter’s Square. Pass the two baroque twin churches and stroll down the antique dealer street of Via del Babuino (the Baboon) for a few blocks and then take a left onto the fascinating Via Margutta, home to several artists including the famous Italian director Federico Fellini. At the end of Via Margutta you reach the Spanish Steps. From Via due Macelli go down Via del Tritone and follow signs on your left for the most beautiful baroque fountain in Rome: the Trevi Fountain.

spanish steps by night nancyaiellotours Rome by Night | Walking Tour of Rome | Free Rome Tour

When visiting Rome do tour Rome by night! Pretty much all of the major attractions that you see in Rome during the day are lit up at night. And yes, definitely worth seeing again, and again.

Ciao from Rome icon smile Rome by Night | Walking Tour of Rome | Free Rome Tour

Nancy Aiello

ItalyTravelista.com

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© Copyright 2010, Nancy Aiello Tours

Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours specializes in private family oriented Rome and Vatican tours led by friendly and entertaining official Rome tour guides designed to satisfy the curiosity and attention spans of the whole family visiting Rome.

New articles are published on our site weekly, sometimes daily. To keep up to date with our news, tips and current events, please sign up for ItalyTravelista free RSS feed.

If interested in publishing a version of this article please contact Nancy Aiello Tours.

rome bridges by night nancy aiello rome tour Rome by Night | Walking Tour of Rome | Free Rome Tour

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Oct 01

 Travel to Rome | Rome in Piazza

Rome Navona Square

The Eternal City of Rome is famous for its mind-blowing monuments, remarkable churches and magnificent museums but the squares in Rome are the best places to enjoy the vibrant city life and the perfect spot to laze away your day surrounded by people and history, as the Romans do! When in Rome visit baroque squares and enjoy your Italian cappuccino next to renaissance palaces or medieval Roman churches. Tour Rome walking your way through art and tradition. This is ItalyTravelista personal list of the most beautiful squares of Rome.


Piazza Navona

Once a site for spectacular Roman games, Navona Square maintains an oval shape, akin to the most famous game arena, Circus Maximus. During the late 15th century, the square underwent a remarkable revamp, and is now the greatest example of Baroque Roman urban architecture. Navona square is dominated by the outstanding Four Rivers Fountain designed by Bernini, and across from the “Nile”, by the church of St’Agnese in Agone designed by Borromini. Here you can relax in one of the several outdoor cafes and restaurants and enjoy one of the several shows performed in the square by street performers and artists.


Piazza del Popolo

Once a site for public executions, these days Popolo Square is far more peaceful, and given its proximity to Borghese park and Via del Corso, it maintains a lively crowd of café-goers, shoppers and businessmen. Enjoy the mighty obelisk in the center of the square while sipping a nice espresso at one of the two pricey bars located in square’s corners. Nearby do not miss the pleasant Via Margutta, a quiet narrow street home to artists and painters.


Piazza Farnese

A quieter alternative to the busy Campo dè Fiori, located just a short walk away. Farnese Square is dominated by the eponymous Palazzo Farnese, a Renaissance palace, boasting works by Antonio da Sangallo il Giovane, Michelangelo, and Giacomo della Porta. While it is necessary to obtain permission from the resident French Embassy to visit the interior, an evening stroll through the piazza allows a glimpse at the frescoed ceilings. The piazza itself is simple and elegant, with two fountains and few cafés. Enjoy a glass of wine at the classy Camponeschi wine bar or a roman dinner at the traditional trattoria Ar Galletto. If you decide for the Galletto make sure to make a reservation asking for a table just in front of the Embassy NOT in the back alley or indoor!


Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina

Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina, in the shopping heart of Rome, is one of the most elegant meeting places, and owes its name to the 4th century chapel of San Lorenzo, built on the home of Christian matron Lucina. Just around the corner from Montecitorio, the Italian Chamber of Deputies, Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina is a regular hang out for politicians and journalists, who are easily spotted eating ice creams or chatting about the next reform at the smart and elegant bar Ciampini, enjoying small but excellent sandwiches and delicious gelati.

 Travel to Rome | Rome in Piazza

St. Lorenzo in Lucina Church | A Great Place to Enjoy Rome

Piazza di Pietra

The impressive facade of the Temple of Hadrian, embedded in the walls of the Italian Stock Exchange building, is the distinctive backdrop for this quiet and pleasant square. The temple was dedicated to the deified Emperor Adriano by his adoptive son and successor Antoninus Pius in AD 145. The temple has just been renovated and its 11 massive corinthian columns shine. A cozy and relaxing setting, the piazza hosts the trendy bar Salotto 42, and La Caffettiera, an elegant Neapolitan-style cafe serving extra-strong espresso to keep you going!


Piazza della Rotonda

The best preserved ancient Roman, the Pantheon was conceived as a temple to all Gods and was later turned into a Catholic church. Michelangelo referred to this temple as “a work not of humans but of an Angel”, and the surrounding Piazza della Rotonda is the Pantheon’s perfect frame. The structure’s balanced geometry and the outdoor cafés lined around the square are a soothing experience for passers-by. Fiocco di Neve Gelateria on Via del Pantheon 51 and Caffè Tazza d’Oro are just a short walk away, while for a hearty roman dinner you can try Armando al Pantheon.


Piazza St. Mary in Trastevere

This lively square is home to one of the oldest and most original churches in Rome, Santa Maria in Trastevere, which is also thought to be one of the sites where Christians first openly celebrated the Holy Mass. The popular Trastevere quarter is a pleasant place to enjoy traditional roman food and typical Rome thin-crusted pizza.


Piazza Santa Maria ai Monti

Nestled within the narrow alleys of the Monti hill, between Via dei Serpenti and Via del Boschetto, the small and charming Piazza di Santa Maria ai Monti, hosts the main church of the Monti neighborhood and the Catholic Ukrainian Seminar of Rome. Lots of sitting room around the fountain makes the perfect spot to rest your tired feet or to read a book under the sun. Don’t miss a very pleasant pre-dinner rest in one of the several Monti wine bars like Tre Scalini, Al Vino al Vino, Barrique or an Indian dinner at the Maharajah, otherwise you can enjoy a creative Italian dinner at Urbana 47.


Would you like to share your Italy travel tips with us? Please write us your comment and we will be happy to post it!


Have a nice walking tour of Rome!


Ciao from Rome:-)


Nancy Aiello

ItalyTravelista.com

Twitter.com/ItalyTravelista


© Copyright 2009, Nancy Aiello Tours


Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours, based in Rome, specializes in Tailor-Made Private Guided Vatican, Rome & Italy Tours for Leisure & Business Travelers.


New articles are published on our site weekly, sometimes daily. To keep up to date with our news, tips and current events, please sign up for ItalyTravelista free RSS feed.


If you are interested in publishing a version of this article on your website please contact us for consent and further info.

 Travel to Rome | Rome in Piazza

St. Mary in Trastevere | Enjoy Rome as the Romans do!

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Sep 03

 Travel to Italy | Rome Guide to the New Best Restaurants

" Stop Checking the Map! Italytravelista said yummy Restaurants in Rome are There!"

Eating out in Rome is a real treat and one the Eternal City’s great pleasure. Rome offers a wide range of restaurants to please any palate and satisfy any appetite. Over the last few years new fine dining restaurants, run by young and creative people, have sprang up in Rome serving up a range of innovative takes on Italian and Roman traditional dishes in warm and friendly atmosphere making these places an ideal venue for a relaxed lunch or an intimate dinner. These slow food restaurants in Rome are less formal and more focused on seasonal dishes, local and fresh ingredients, knowledgeable but small wine lists, attentive but discreet service, and quality at affordable price. These new Rome slow food restaurants are usually small restaurants located across Rome and no longer tied to the historical Rome center (Centro Storico).

 Travel to Italy | Rome Guide to the New Best Restaurants

When in Rome Settembrini in Prati is a Great Choice

This is ItalyTravelista very personal short list of new and off the beaten path Rome delicious and elegant restaurants that you should try when in Rome between touring the Vatican Museums and a visiting the Borghese Gallery.

PRIMO | Via del Pigneto 46 | Price: € 40 |

Best Bets| Minitapas | Linguine with baccalà (salted cod) & red Pepper |


SETTEMBRINI | Via L. Settembrini 25 | Price: € 50 |

Best Bets| Mussels & Beans Soup | Lamb with Aubergine Parmigiana | Fresh Seafood |


GLASS HOSTARIA | Vicolo del Cinque 58 | Price: € 50 |

Best Bets| Risotto with Shitake Mushrooms | Lamb | Crab Stuffed Ravioli |


IOLANDA | Via del Fontanile Arenato 155 | Price: € 55 |

Best Bets| Cacio e Pepe meets Matriciana | Suckling Pig |


ROSCIOLI| Via dei Giubbonari 21| Price: € 50 |

Best Bets| Rigatoni Carbonara | Prosciutto Ham | Cheese Plate |


LE TRE ZUCCHE | Via G. Mengarini 43 | Price: € 40 |

Best Bets| 3 Ways Baccalà | Stracotto Lasagna | Spaghetti with Shrimps |


OSTERIA LA GENSOLA | Piazza della Gensola 15 | Price: € 45 |

Best Bets| Seafood | Rigatoni Matriciana | Beef Tagliata |


DA FERNANDA | Via E. Rolli 1 | Price: € 40 |

Best Bets| Mozzarella Cheese & Shrimps | Chicken with Black Olives | Salmon with Black Rice |


ALCHEMILLA | Via San Giovanni in Laterano 220 | Price: € 40 |

Best Bets| Menu Changes Weekly


ANTICA OSTERIA L’INCANNUCCIATA | Via della Giustiniana 5 (Prima Porta) | Price: € 40 |

Best Bets| Risotto | Ravioli with Porcini | Lamb |


Enjoy your Roman Holidays and enjoy the best roman restaurants and Italian delicious food! Did I miss anything? Do you want to share with us any Rome’s tip or insight? Please write us your comment and we will be happy to post it!

Ciao from Rome:-)


Nancy Aiello

NancyAielloTours.com
ItalyTravelista.com
Twitter.com/ItalyTravelista

© Copyright 2009, Nancy Aiello Tours

Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours, based in Rome, specializes in Tailor-Made Private Guided Vatican, Rome & Italy Tours for Leisure & Business Travelers.

New articles are published on our site weekly. To keep up to date with our news, tips and current events, please sign up for our free RSS feed.

If you are interested in publishing a version of this article on your website please contact us for consent and further info.

 Travel to Italy | Rome Guide to the New Best Restaurants

Great Restaurants in Rome | When in Rome Enjoy Great Italian Food

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Aug 28

 Walking Rome Tour | Tour Renaissance and Baroque Rome

The Spanish Steps in Rome

When in Rome enjoy a relaxing Rome walking tour covering at your own pace the Eternal City’s historical center and visit enchanting churches, monumental fountains and Egyptian obelisks.

Discover Renaissance and Baroque Rome in the footsteps of Michelangelo, Bernini and Borromini by touring the famous Spanish Steps, the legendary Trevi Fountain, the marvelous Piazza Navona the heart of Baroque Rome and the lively Campo dè Fiori.

 Walking Rome Tour | Tour Renaissance and Baroque Rome

La Barcaccia Fountain in Piazza di Spagna, Rome

Start your walking Rome Tour from the bottom of Via dei Condotti exploring Rome’s most exclusive designers and jewelers window shops. Reach the lively Piazza di Spagna from where you will immerse yourself into beauty, history and mystery where the combination of a monumental staircase, the world renowned Spanish Steps, an Egyptian obelisk, the refreshing Barcaccia Fountain by Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s Father, and the rosy Trinità dei Monti beautiful French church draws visitors and photographers to the square from all over the world.

From Piazza di Spagna continues your enchanting journey through Rome Baroque and Renaissance past, and a bit further sometime. On the way to the Trevi Fountain don’t miss the opportunity to explore the off the beaten path ancient roman aqueduct of the Aqua Virgo and the outstanding two marble angels crafted by Bernini located in the Baroque Borromini Church of St. Andrea delle Fratte. A curiosity often people think that the two angels in St. Angel Castle bridge are original but..these are just copies of the real ones placed in the Church of Sant’ Andrea delle Fratte!

 Walking Rome Tour | Tour Renaissance and Baroque Rome

Bernini's Angels inside the Borromonini's Church St. Andrea delle Fratte

Next stop will be the outstanding Trevi Fountain! Before leaving the Trevi Square do not forget to throw a coin (over your shoulder with your back to the fountain) into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to Rome!

 Walking Rome Tour | Tour Renaissance and Baroque Rome

The Trevi Fountain in Rome

Continue your pleasant stroll through Rome narrows streets till you reach the ancient roman Pantheon to appreciate its amazing “oculus”, the central point of the Pantheon far above visitors’ heads, and the richly decorated colored marble floors, that the make the 2000 years old landmark an unforgettable experience.

 Walking Rome Tour | Tour Renaissance and Baroque Rome

The Oculus inside the Pantheon in Rome

Once here do not miss the Egyptian Obelisk in the middle of the Piazza and pay attention to the other Bernini’s gem the small but remarkable Obelisk on top of the elephant statue in the nearby Piazza della Minerva.

 Walking Rome Tour | Tour Renaissance and Baroque Rome

Bernini's Extravagant Elephant Statue in Piazza della Minnerva

After a tasty gelato and a short walk you will reach Piazza Navona (Navona Square), the most Baroque of the roman squares, built on the perimeter of the ancient Domitian’s Stadium and today adorned by the Borromini Church of St. Agnes in Agone and three outstanding fountains: the Bernini’s Masterpiece Fountain of the Four Rivers decorated with an Egyptian obelisk on top, the Fountain of the Moor in front of the 17th century Palazzo Pamphilj, today home to the Brazilian Embassy, and the Fountain of the Neptune also known as the Fountain of the Boilermakers located at the northern side of the Piazza. Today the square is lined with outdoor café and lively wine-bars making Piazza Navona one of the best places in Rome to fully enjoy art, history and la Dolce Vita lifestyle.

 Walking Rome Tour | Tour Renaissance and Baroque Rome

4 Rivers Fountain by Bernini in Navona Square, Rome

You will end your walking tour of Baroque Rome in Campo dei Fiori (Field of Flowers) which derives its name from the Flowering Field that till the Renaissance was really here.

Nowadays Campo, as it usually referred by locals, is very popular with Romans and foreigners alike, who enjoy one of the several shows by street artists performed in the evening or a relaxing glass of wine in one of the many cafés and wine bars located in this very charming square. In the middle of Campo there’s the Giordano Bruno’s Statue, a philosopher burnt to die the 17th of February of 1600 after the Roman Inquisition found him guilty of heresy. Interesting to note that Campo de’ Fiori is the only big Roman square with no churches.

 Walking Rome Tour | Tour Renaissance and Baroque Rome

Giordano Bruno overseeing Campo dè Fiori, Rome

Behind Campo dè Fiori you can admire the beautiful Palazzo Farnese wanted by Cardinal Alessandro Farnese and designed by major artists of the Renaissance, today home to the French Embassy. Also Michelangelo was involved with the project trying to link the Farnese palace to Villa Farnesina, located on the other Tiber’s bank also owned by Farnese family. Observe the two beautiful granite basins that were relocated to the Farnese Square in the 16th century from the ancient Roman Baths of Caracalla.

It’s time to eat now and sure you will find several tasty Italian restaurants, cozy wine bars and yummy pizzerie around to enjoy Italian food & wine as a nice way to celebrate your Renaissance and Baroque Rome Tour.

Slow Food Restaurants & Pizzerie in & around Campo dè Fiori

Did I miss anything? Do you want to share with us any Rome’s tip or insight? Please write us your comment and we will be happy to post it!

Ciao from Rome:-)

Nancy Aiello

NancyAielloTours.com
ItalyTravelista.com
Twitter.com/ItalyTravelista

© Copyright 2009, Nancy Aiello Tours

Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours, based in Rome, specializes in Tailor-Made Private Guided Vatican, Rome & Italy Tours for Leisure & Business Travelers.

New articles are published on our site weekly. To keep up to date with our news, tips and current events, please sign up for our free RSS feed.

If you are interested in publishing a version of this article on your website please contact us for consent and further info.

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