Budget Package Rome Tour
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If you have just one day in Rome, what should you do? There are so many choices, but if you are going to be there for such a short time, get out to see the sites, and try to be as Italian as you can possibly be.
First experience: Have cappuccino for breakfast. The Italians consider it a breakfast drink, and with it they will have a cornetto, which is actually a croissant. That’s it. If you are an eggs and bacon and cereal and juice and coffee breakfast mama or papa, let it go. It’s just one day. Also, eat breakfast standing. It’s not only Italian, it’s practical too, as you may be asked to pay a cover fee if you get a table.
After breakfast, visit the one place that Rome is known for – St. Peter’s Basilica. This is considered to be the holiest site for Roman Catholics, and it is believed that St. Peter, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus, is buried underneath the altar. The Catholics consider St. Peter to be the first Pope, and 85% of the people in Rome are Catholic. The Basilica is an amazing work of architecture which was constructed over many years, and a large part of its architecture was a contribution of Michaelangelo. Of course, the latter is most widely known for his art, and his most famous piece of Catholic sculpture, the Pieta, is here. Catholic countries the world over have made variations of this dramatic sculpture of Mary (whom Catholics venerate) holding the dead body of her son Jesus on her knee.
Another place to visit is the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, which is considered to be among the most widely renowned museums in the world. From Genesis to the Last Judgment, artwork is seen in the Chapel’s ceiling. There are also frescoes of Moses, Jesus, and some of the Popes of the Catholic church. The ceiling is the work of Michaelangelo, where he painted more than 300 figures. The frescoes were by the greatest artists of the Renaissance like Botticelli, Raphael, and of course Michaelangelo. The art is breathtaking and dramatic.
For lunch, there are two dishes that are known the world over and associated with Italy – pasta and pizza. Upon the liberation of Naples in the 1800s, Garibaldi once said that macaroni will unite Italy.
So you may as well get a taste of Rome’s street food. Try Panificio Firenze, located just of Via Nationale at 51-52 Firenze. It is famous for its mini pizzas, which the Italians like to fold over then eat. At Panificio Firenze you can also make your own sandwich, if that is what you would prefer. Just get a number on the slot, and wait till the number lights up on the counter. Then you will be able to choose among the fresh meats and cheeses on display. You also have a wide selection of breads to choose among. Sandwich! For desert you may want to get a pastry or two.
