Thinking about a couple’s getaway in Rome? The Italian capital is synonymous with good food, beautiful architecture and romance. But while you shouldn’t miss the major tourist sites, don’t forget to make time for some of the lesser known romantic experiences. Here are some of my favourite tips for exploring the city’s more romantic side.
Take a Tour of Rome on Horseback
Several companies around Rome offer options to tour the ancient city on horseback, including a trip along Appian Way and through the Roman countryside. Just outside the city there are lovely little forests which offer idyllic havens where you can stop and relax.
A bespoke tour gives couples the ultimate in intimacy. The only other person joining you will be the guide, who can make sure you stay on the right path and look after the horses if you want to take a mid-tour picnic.
Most tours last for about two hours.
Find a Spot to Picnic
Whether or not you take the tour on horseback, a romantic picnic is always a lovely way to spend an afternoon.
Fruit in the Orange Garden
Fortunately, this is also a city of beautiful parks offering panoramic views and hidden treasures. After you and your date finish up with the Coliseum and the Forum, head over to the Giardino degli Aranci– also known as the Orange Garden.
This is without a doubt the most romantic garden in town. It sits on the top of the Aventine Hill and offers fantastic views of the city skyline. Sit on a park bench and share a panino and a bottle of wine.
Then when you’re done, walk a few hundred feet to the Basilica of Saint Sabina and the nearby Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta, where the world-famous keyhole offers a perfect view of the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. There can be a bit of a queue at the keyhole during busy times, but it’s worth it.
Make a Wish Together
It wouldn’t be a trip to Rome without a visit to the Trevi Fountain. And, as the legend goes, throwing a coin in the fountain guarantees that there will be more trips back to this fabulous city in the future. Just make sure you do it right: stand with your back to the fountain and throw a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder into the water. A more recent story says that the first coin in will guarantee you return to Rome while a second means new romance and a third will lead to marriage. So make sure you check on the status of your relationship, before you toss in those two extra coins!
The Tale of the Trevi Goes Back Centuries
The Trevi’s current popularity coms from its prominent role in films including “Roman Holiday” and “La Dolce Vita.” But the 85-feet-high fountain has a history that goes back centuries. This spot has always been the end of the Acqua Verginae, one of ancient Rome’s famous aqueducts. The aqueduct itself was destroyed in the sixth century, but it was rebuilt 900 years later when a previous fountain was built on this spot. That same aqueduct now feeds into the Trevi Fountain as it stands today, which was completed in 1762.
Of course, it’s usually crowded with tourists and the occasional pickpocket. So make sure your wallet is in a secure spot.
Fun Fact: All those coins tossed into the fountain each day are collected at night and redistributed to local charities.
Finish Off the Perfect Day with the Perfect Sunset View
The Giardino degli Aranci is a great spot to watch the sunset, but guards can be rather strict about closing up right when the sun sets.
Another idea is the Terrazza del Gianicolo, which offers a lovely chance to watch the sun dip down behind the buildings of the Vatican. From the hilltop, you and your date can watch the city start to twinkle down below.
Where to Stay
Starhotels Michelangelo – This lovely hotel is perfect for couples who want to experience Rome’s art and culture. It’s in the heart of the city, just a few hundred feet from Saint Peter’s Square and within reach of several major museums.
Ambasciatori Palace Hotel – The Ambasciatori is just a 10-minute walk from the Trevi Fountain on the fashionable Via Veneto. Its romantic restaurant serves a selection of favourite Italian specialties.
Hotel Mondial – Hotel Mondial is in a perfect location for couples interested in sight-seeing. It’s just a few steps to two separate metro stations and five minutes away from the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica.
How to Get There
There are multiple non-stop flights per day from London to Rome-Fiumicino International Airport (FCO), each clocking in at about 2.5 hours. The airport is about 30 km from downtown Rome and can take an hour and a half via public transit, so pre-book a private shuttle transfer with Shuttle Direct instead. That way you’ll be coasting along to your own romantic Roman holiday.
Overview
- UK to Rome Flight Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Distance from Rome-Fiumicino Airport to Rome: 30 kilometres
- Shuttle Direct Transfer Time: 40 minutes
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct is one of the premier airport transfer providers for destinations across Europe and North Africa. We strive to make our customers’ travel as convenient as possible. Guests can book a shared, group or private shuttle through our website, then just meet our professional drivers at the airport when you arrive.
