Magic Moments in Rome
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| Dreams come true: In the Sistine Chapel "I felt like I was wrapped in the most exquisite blanket." |
Day-by-day itineraries can give you a general idea of what you'll get for your money, but they can't prepare you for the unexpected ways that Rome can work its way into your heart...and perform a little magic. Here are a few "wow" moments from our Best of Rome tour alums...
"There were so many amazing moments in Rome, but I think that my favorite was visiting the Borghese Gallery. I honestly did not realize how many incredible pieces of art, including sculptures by Bernini and paintings by Caravaggio were there. In addition, just watching the Roman people go about their daily activities is something that I miss now that I am home."
— Karen in Reisterstown, MD
"Rome is magic — from antiquities firing the imagination to coffee granitas (or gelatos, pasta, fresh herbs and vegetables, breads and...) stimulating the taste buds. It is a city for the senses: color, taste, textures, sounds, and smells. It is hard to place a favorite memory, but maybe it's the profusion of purple azaleas and the hundreds of people, locals and tourists, sitting among them on the Spanish Steps, bathed in golden light at day's end, enjoying the evening. Or perhaps it is my awe and wonder as lights suddenly illuminated three dramatic Caravaggio paintings in the corner of the Church of San Luigi dei Francesi."
— Tamara in Wilson, WY
"My favorite moment from the trip was visiting Ostia Antica. The sheer size and scope of the ruins is impressive enough, but the chance to walk the streets of an ancient Roman city and see the dwellings, businesses and places of worship and entertainment of the average citizen of that time was something special. History is filled with the doings of the elites of the world, and the monuments of those elites are usually the items most preserved, but Ostia Antica was an egalitarian presentation of a time well removed from our own"
— Thomas in Reisterstown, MD
"The entire week was full of 'wow' moments for me. But I would have to say on the first day when we turned the corner and suddenly the Colosseum was in front of us was very special. And it just continued throughout the day as we walked through the Forum ruins, Capitol Hill, the Pantheon, etc. Francesca's insights, enthusiasm, and detailed explanations of all the sites made it much more meaningful and completely unforgettable. 'Wow' really describes the entire trip."
— Suzanne in Long Beach, CA
"I wanted to see the Sistine Chapel and was not disappointed, I think I almost fainted. Just before going in, I grabbed our guide Sonia by the hand and just shared how excited I was. I think I was 10 when I saw the "The Agony & the Ecstasy" on TV and knew that one day I'd see it. All I could do was smile and ogle when I finally arrived. The crowds of people seem to fade away and I was enveloped in this wonderful masterpiece. I felt like I was wrapped in the most exquisite blanket."
— Carmen in Seattle, WA
To read more comments on Rick Steves' Rome tours, read through our tour member surveys.