Jan 04

Tour Rome Golden Treasures Exhibition | Rome Art Exhibitions of 2011

By ItalyTravelista Italy, Rome Exhibitions, Rome Museums, Rome Travel Tips, Rome Walking Tours 1 Comment »

rome exhibitions in 2011 nancyaiellotours Tour Rome Golden Treasures Exhibition | Rome Art Exhibitions of 2011

Rome visitors in 2011 will enjoy a great deal of art exhibitions ranging from Van Gogh to contemporary art, from Palazzo Farnese Renaissance art to futurist artist Pablo Echaurren via Teotihuacan City of Gods at the Palazzo delle Esposizioni and the amazing Golden treasures from Romania’s Museums at the Imperial Forum museum. 2011 is going to be another year of unforgettable shows in Rome.

Ancient Treasures from Dacia in Rome at the Imperial Forum Museum

Until April 3, 2011 the ancient ruins of the Trajan’s Market form the backdrop for the exhibition of over 140 gold and silver priceless artifacts all discovered within the territory of Romania, known as Dacia during ancient Rome times. Famous for its goldmines since prehistoric times the Dacia region became known throughout the world for its goldsmiths and this exhibition features gold spiraled bracelets (2nd Century B.C.) each one weighting 2,2 pounds, a ceremonial sword (17th Century B.C.), religious artifacts, exceptional treasures like a beautiful Greek-style helmet (4th Century B.C.), and little gold plaques (2nd Century A.D.) together with jewels from the tombs of the Barbarian princes and the Pietroasa treasures that belonged to the Ostrogoth or Visigoth (5 Century A.D.) royal family.

On display abroad for the first time in more than 30 years the artifacts of this priceless collection are on loan from the National History Museum in Bucharest and seven other Romanian museums. In hosting the show the Imperial Fora Museum is also displaying for the first time 6 sculptures of Dacians that used to be standing in the Trajan’s forum almost 2000 years ago. Due to the stunning settings this exhibition is especially suitable for families visiting Rome with children who want to get out off the beaten path and enjoy a day in the life of ancient Rome.

Eat, drink and relax in/around the Trajan’s Market in Rome

Next to the Monti district this area offers a lot of foodie options from a quick sandwich to a gourmet lunch or dinner. Rome food lovers can enjoy a set menu lunch ($) or gourmet dinner ($$$) at Open by Antonello Colonna, exceptional Roman and Lazio food at the Provincial wine bar right in front of the Trajan’s column, a sandwich at Tricolore (haven’t tried yet), a glass of wine with cheese platter at 313 Cavour ($/$$) or even Indian fares at Maharajah ($$) along with Urbana 47 ($$) and the several grocery stores and pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) places located on Via dei Serpenti, Via Urbana, and Via del Boschetto.

Tickets and Info

Official Website: www.mercatiditraiano.it

Call Center 060608 (Daily from 9.00 AM to 9.00 PM)

Nearest Metro Station: Line B Cavour

Opening hours

  • Tuesday- Sunday: 9.00 am – 7.00 pm
  • December 24 and 31: 9.00 am – 2.00 pm
  • (last admission 1 hour before closing time)

Closed: Mondays

Entrance Fees

  • Adults: € 11,00
  • Concessions: € 9,00

Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours specializes in personalized Italy travel services and private guided tours designed for the independent traveler visiting Italy. Nancy Aiello Tours offers a wide range of top quality Italy travel services for the demanding guest who wants to enjoy Italy art and history, Italian food and made in Italy shopping in comfort and style. We are glad to offer our privileged guests private Italy transfers by fully insured a/c Mercedes Benz limo and minivans, Italy V.I.P. concierge services, Italy accommodation tips, Italy tour planning services, private guided skip the line tours to explore Italy museums and exhibitions. Tour Italy at Your Own Pace with Nancy Aiello Tours!

Ciao from Rome

Nancy Aiello

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Apr 24

Rome by Night | Walking Tour of Rome | Free Rome Tour

By ItalyTravelista Free in Rome, Italy, Rome, Rome Entertainment, Rome Nightlife, Rome Travel Tips, Rome Walking Tours, Vatican 3 Comments »

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.

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Apr 18

Rome for children | Family Oriented Rome Tours | Kid friendly activities in Rome

By ItalyTravelista Free in Rome, Italy, Rome, Rome Entertainment, Rome for Kids, Rome Travel Tips, Rome Walking Tours 1 Comment »

tour italy with kids Rome for children | Family Oriented Rome Tours | Kid friendly activities in Rome

Summer is approaching fast and Rome, Italy is the ideal place for families with kids to spend their holidays. Rome’s rich archeological, artistic and cultural heritage are so remarkable that Rome’s historic centre has been listed by UNESCO as World Heritage site. Rome is a wonderful and very safe place to visit with kids, with lots of fun and informative family oriented activities bound to keep the troops entertained. What are the secrets behind a memorable Roman trip with children? Get every family member involved when planning your trip to Rome, keep your schedule loose as there are so many things to do in Rome, and to get the most out of your Roman Holiday when in Rome allow quality time at quality venues to enjoy Rome at your kid’s pace. Here is Italytravelista‘s list of child friendly activities and sights to be visited in/around Rome that will keep the whole family happy and entertained without breaking the bank!

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

When you look down at the Roman Forum from the terrace on the Capitoline Hill you see the center of the world and the world’s biggest and most ancient jungle-gym. Kids can hide behind the 2000 years old ruins, run on the grassy mounds near the temple of Julius Caesar and have fun at the Farnese Gardens, the first botanical garden in the world. Remind your kids that all the palaces in the world are named after the Palatine hill because the Emperors built here their Palatial houses.

Colosseum

In the Colosseum tell your kids the tales about gladiators and wild beasts. Manned elevators could bring up to 1,000 warriors at the same time or else hundreds of hungry lions…or both! Superb engineering went into the Coliseum. 50,000 spectators could be seated to enjoy the ugliest show of all: death to men and beasts. Tell your children the thumbs up or thumbs down that originated here as the Emperors decided freedom (up) or death (down) for the gladiators.

rome with children Rome for children | Family Oriented Rome Tours | Kid friendly activities in Rome

Gladiator School in Rome

Kids will love a day at the Gladiator School and learn how to become a Roman gladiator. During this two-hour lesson, a gladiator instructor teaches kids and adults how to fight with authentic weapons used by the gladiators of ancient Rome. Lessons are organized and led by members of the Historic Group of Rome who specialize in the re-enactment of Roman life and gladiatorial combat.

The Baths of Emperor Caracalla

The Baths of Caracalla were the largest thermae in the world when completed in 217AD whilst today is a huge playground largely neglected by the hordes of tourists where to enjoy a sunny day with the dramatic Roman ruins in the background. A short stroll from the Caracalla’s Baths leads to the very off the beaten path museum of the Walls of Rome. Located just inside the Porta San Sebastiano kids can march along the Aurelian Walls, just the way the ancient Roman Legionaries used to do.

Early Christian catacombs

There are 69 catacombs on the outskirts of Rome and thousand of tombs but only 5 of the catacombs are open to the public. These underground dark labyrinths are spooky enough to delight and perhaps even frighten most kids!

The Mouth of Truth (Bocca della verità)

Remember the scene with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck in the film Roman Holiday? For fun show the kids the original lie detector which is located in the portico of the Basilica of Saint Mary in Cosmedin, one of my favorite medieval churches in Rome. According to a medieval legend if you put your hand into the mouth and tell a lie you’ll be bitten!

mouth of truth with kids kids rome tour Rome for children | Family Oriented Rome Tours | Kid friendly activities in Rome

Church of the Immaculate Conception or Capuchin Kript

A spooky place which just might fascinate the older kids! The bones and skulls of thousands of Capuchin monks have been crafted into decorative tableaux. No photos allowed and small donation is appreciated by the friars.

Piazza Navona Square

The joyous curves of this sensuous square typify baroque Rome with masterpieces by both Bernini and Borromini. In 86 A.D. Emperor Domitian built a long U-shaped stadium here and since then Piazza Navona Square has served as a glorious outdoor theater. There is much street entertainment going on in this beautiful square including mimes, puppet shows,caricaturists and painters. A great spot for a tartufo ice cream gelato.

Saint Angel’s Castle

Castel Sant’Angelo is just like Rome, layer upon layer, building upon building. This is the most magnificent of all the Roman Imperial tombs that became a fortress in the Middle Ages, a Papal Castle in the Renaissance, and a museum today. Kids can visit the papal prison complete with winding dark scary corridors, secret passageways, real cannons and cannon balls. The view from atop the castle is terrific!

Janiculum Hill

Above Trastevere on the rim of the Janiculum Hill in front of the statue of Garibaldi, is one of best places to view Rome. Pony rides and merry-go-round are near. A puppet show in Italian runs every afternoon and donations are welcome. At noon sharp kids will be amused by the firing of a cannon just below this lofty square, a tradition dating back 100 years when it signaled lunch time for the workers.

Villa Borghese Gardens

Cardinal Scipione Borghese did for Rome what the Medicis had done for Florence. Villa Borghese was the show-place for this 17th C. artistic flowering. The cardinal invited Jacob More from Edinburgh to landscape this vast area. The English style park is 4 miles in circumference and contains statues, green trees, bike friendly itineraries and a small lake. After a tour of the Borghese Gallery these gardens are the perfect spot for a family picnic.

Borghese Gallery Rome Museum Rome for children | Family Oriented Rome Tours | Kid friendly activities in Rome

Rome’s playgrounds for young children

Rome offers various opportunities for a day out or nice break from ancient ruins and baroque churches. Villa Celimontana, right up the street from the Colosseum, Villa Ada, to the north of central Rome, and Villa Pamphili, the largest park in Rome not far from the Janiculum Hill, are the perfect spots to enjoy walking, biking or perhaps a soccer game with the local kids. Again perfect for picnics.

Rome day trips

Leave the Eternal City behind for a day on your family Roman holiday and visit Tivoli to enjoy Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’ Este with its impressive concentration of fountains, nymphs, grottoes, plays of water, and music. Peek into Roman antiquities at ancient Rome’s port at Ostia or visit the hilltop town of Orvieto with its fabulous 14th century Roman Catholic cathedral and Etruscan underground passages.

nancy aiello tour of orvieto Rome for children | Family Oriented Rome Tours | Kid friendly activities in Rome

“For a great selection of places to stay with discount prices visit Rome Hotels for more information.”

Would you like to share your Italy travel tips and pictures with us? Please write us your comments and we’ll be happy to post them!

Ciao from Rome:-)

Nancy Aiello

ItalyTravelista.com

Join ItalyTravelista on Twitter

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

DSCN9893 Rome for children | Family Oriented Rome Tours | Kid friendly activities in Rome

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Nov 25

Rome Day Trips | Charming Orvieto | Umbria Wine Tour

By ItalyTravelista Food & Wine, Italy, Orvieto, Rome Day Trips, Travel Italy, Umbria 1 Comment »
Nancy Aiello Tours Rome Day Trips | Charming Orvieto | Umbria Wine Tour

Orvieto Day Trip from Rome | Orvieto Cathedral

Orvieto is probably one of the most beautiful hill top towns in Italy very close to Rome nestled in the heart of Umbria between rolling hills, Etruscan landscapes and views to dream about. A memorable Rome day tour excursion from Rome well suited for Rome’s independent travelers, families visiting Rome with kids and teens, and Rome layover cruise passengers. The countryside that surrounds Orvieto is just stunning. It is a shame that Rome visitors don’t seem to want to explore more of it, focusing instead on some of Tuscany’s better-known areas. Leave the Eternal City behind for a day on your family holiday to Rome and visit Orvieto with a relaxing day trip from Rome.

orvieto tour of rome Rome Day Trips | Charming Orvieto | Umbria Wine Tour

A Rome day trip of Orvieto highlights includes Orvieto’s most beautiful 14th-century Cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture, sightseeing Orvieto underground tour, 15th century Saint Patrick’s well, Orvieto Papal Palaces, Orvieto impressive medieval buildings, shopping in the Orvieto historical centre famous for hand crafted ceramics and pottery, and a tour of Orvieto restaurants and Orvieto food and wines. In the surrounding landscape that rolls around Orvieto visitors can find very special wines, EVO oils, honey and delicious salami!

Orvieto Restaurants and Wine bars

La Grotta > Via Signorelli 5 > E.35
La Palomba > Via Manente 16 > E.35
Trattoria dell’Orso > Via della Misericordia 18 > E.35

NOTE: Entrance to churches requires appropriate attire and persons wearing shorts, miniskirts or short sleeves will NOT be admitted. It is also advisable to wear comfortable shoes.

How to reach Orvieto

Orvieto is situated in Umbria (central Italy), halfway between Florence and Rome. It is very easy to reach either by car or train.

By Car > From the Autostrada del Sole A1 turnpike, exit at Orvieto. Orvieto is 120 Km (75 miles) north of Rome, 160 Km (100 miles) south of Florence.

By Train > Orvieto is on the main Italian Railway link: Milano-Roma. Trains leave Rome every 2 hours during the day.

Ciao from Rome:-)

Nancy Aiello

ItalyTravelista.com

Join ItalyTravelista on Twitter

© Copyright 2010, Nancy Aiello Tours

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

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.

Tour Italy at Your Own Pace with Nancy Aiello Tours

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Oct 19

Travel to Rome | A Day at the Vatican | Vatican Tips

By ItalyTravelista Italy, Rome Museums, Rome Travel Tips, Travel Italy, Vatican, Vatican Museums 2 Comments »

Travel to Rome | A Day at the Vatican | Vatican Tips

A Day at the Vatican | Tour Saint Peter 's Square

A tour of Rome is not complete without a day at the Vatican to visit the Holy See, explore St. Peter’s Basilica the world largest Christian church and tour the Vatican Museums the most impressive collection of fine art.


The Vatican City is one of most fascinating areas in Rome with an appeal that is quite unique. In the very small Vatican State visitors and devoted Catholics will appreciate an impressive collection of artistic and cultural treasures starting from St. Peter’s Square, one of the greatest architectural masterpieces of all time, one of the many open-air museums in Rome!

Designed by Bernini and built between 1656 and 1667, Saint Peter’s Square features two gigantic semicircles each comprising four rows of Doric columns totaling 284 columns adorned by 140 statues of Saints. In the middle of St. Peter’s Square is the famous Egyptian obelisk brought to Rome to grace Nero’s circus and erected in its current location by Pope Sixtus V in 1586. There are also two beautiful 17th century fountains adorning each side of the Holy Square. Between the obelisk and each fountain you’ll see a circular stone that marks the focal points of an ellipse and standing on one of these points, it appears to comprise a single row of columns. The backdrop to all this is St. Peter’s Basilica one of the most visited Rome’s landmarks.

Travel to Rome | A Day at the Vatican | Vatican Tips

Bernini's Saint Peter's Square | Vatican City a Must See When in Rome

The construction of the Basilica of Saint Peter began under Pope Julius II in 1506 and was completed in 1612. The imposing Church was built on top of a former 4th century basilica erected by the Emperor Constantine on the spot where the legend says the apostle Peter was crucified and buried. The dome was designed by Michelangelo and the church, the largest church in the world, covers an area of 23,000 m² (5.7 acres).


St. Peter’s Basilica is a magnet for art lovers featuring Bernini’s majestic canopy in the nave, Maderno’s magnificent Chapel of the Confession, the Pieta by Michelangelo, the Clementine Chapel by della Porta and the stunning tomb of Clement XIII by Canova, just to name a few of the famous masterpieces on display.


But a Vatican tour would not be complete without a tour of the Vatican Museums and the breathtaking Sistine Chapel ceiling, painted by Michelangelo.

Visitors will be impressed by the Egyptian and the Etruscan Museums, the Papal Apartments painted by Raphael and the Pinacoteca gallery that houses masterpieces by Giotto, Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio and more Raphael. A visit to Saint Angel’s Castle, built by Emperor Hadrian in 135 AD, is a great way to round off a tour of the Vatican City.

Travel to Rome | A Day at the Vatican | Vatican Tips

Saint Angel's Castle | A nice walk from the Vatican

Vatican Travel Tips:

  • Vatican Museums Tickets can be purchased online at the Official Vatican Website
  • Vatican Dress Code For both ladies and men, knees and shoulders must be covered. No shorts of any kind are allowed
  • Wear comfy shoes. Sensible shoes are essential if you are to attempt the ascent of the Dome, as the 320 marble stairs after you emerge from the lift are very slippery
  • Days closed The Vatican Museums are closed on Sundays, except the last Sunday of the month when entrance is free of charge. Expect large crowds then. St. Peter’s Basilica is also closed every Wednesday morning when the Papal Audience is scheduled
  • Papal Audience Papal Audience is held every Wednesday and the free of charge Papal Audience Tickets should be booked well in advance
  • Dear Visitor Please Note: Don’t set your expectations to high! It’s a public ceremony and you won’t be able to talk to His Holiness, take pictures of your kids with the Pope or handshake with the Holy Father
  • More Vatican Tips and info can be found at my previous Vatican post here

Pizzeria and Restaurants near the Vatican

Trattoria Micci | Euro 30 |

Pizzeria la Pratolina | Euro 25 |

Pizzeria Giacomelli | Euro 25 | Via Faà di Bruno 25 Prati |

Osteria dell’Angelo | Euro 25 | Via Giovanni Bettolo 24 Prati |

Osteria Centouno | Euro 28 |

Cafes, Pizza to Go and Bars near the Vatican

Mondo Arancina | Pizza and arancini rice balls |

Pizzarium | Excellent Pizza to go |

Caffè Antonini | Good sandwiches and excellent Cappuccino | Via Sabotino 25 | Prati |

Franchi | Delicious deli very close to the Vatican City | Take Away |

Piacere e Passione | Excellent coffeeshop with food |

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

Ciao from Rome:-)

Nancy Aiello

ItalyTravelista.com

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© 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.

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