A First Visit to Rome for Garden Enthusiasts
Day 1 - Ancient Rome
After visiting the Colosseum take a picnic up to the Palatine Hill & enjoy the wonderful orange tree lined avenues & rose gardens of the 16th century Farnese gardens. A bonus is
this fabulous views of the Forum.
After lunch wander down into the Forum. Don't miss the House of the Vestal Virgins where another garden awaits
Day 2 - St Peters & Vatican
An early start today means you can enjoy St Peters Basilica without the crowds.It opens at 7.30a.m Believe me it is worth leaving your bed to see Michelangelo's Pieta in perfect peace. You will be well in time for the 9.30 tour of the Vatican gardens which lasts for 2 hours
Book at http://biglietteriamusei.vatican.va/musei/tickets/do. Scroll down to find English option on left hand side of the screen.
The cost of the tour includes entrance to the museums but I suggest refueling in the museums cafeteria before embarking on the treasures within. Purchase your refreshments & take them to one of the many outdoor tables from which you can enjoy this view of the dome.
Day 3 - Bernini at Borghese Gallery
Booking is essential for this not to be missed museum.
Reservations can be made at www.ticketeria.it/ticketeria/borghese-ita.asp
A morning tour would give you plenty of time to explore the Borghese Gardens either on foot, by renting a bike or even a surrey! There is so much to see - fountains, statues, even a zoo.
Lunch could be a picnic on a bench overlooking the Aesculapius Temple on the lake where there are row boats available to rent.
Look out for the turtle pond!
If you prefer not to picnic today then leave the gardens by heading towards Piazzale Napoleone where a stunning panorama of the city can be seen from the terrace. You can't miss Casina Valadier
which has an outdoor cafe serving light meals from late morning until mid afternoon. After refreshments walk along Viale Trinita dei Monti. If you feel the need for gelato pick up your favourite flavour at Caffe Ciampini & enjoy whilst sitting and admiring the view at the top of the Spanish Steps. Resist the urge to descend the steps, instead continue along Via Gregoriana where you will spot this fearsome doorway
Proceed down to Via Francesco Crispi and then to Via del Tritone & look out for the brown signs directing you to the Trevi Fountain which is a short walk away. You will hear the fountain long before you see it. Don't forget to throw your coin in if you wish to return to Rome. After all there are many more gardens for us to explore together!
