backpacking

Italy’s capital, Rome, is a place where modern city life has blended effortlessly with ancient ruins to create an infusion rich in culture and atmosphere. It is a city where even the most devout atheists and unenthused historians would find it difficult not to be captivated by the historical legacies, artistic grandeur and human genius that Rome showcases around almost every corner.

Home to structural splendours such as the Colosseum, St. Peters Basilica, Trevi Fountain, The Roman Forum and the Panthéon, to name just a few, Rome is a traveller’s reverie.

But a trip to Rome is as much about indulging in fine wine, food and coffee on sunlit piazzas, as it is about immersing yourself in its remarkable past. After all, ‘When in Rome’…. It would be rude not to.

So how do you cram over two millennia of history, art and culture into just a 3 day city break? Well, luckily Rome offers a lot on a small scale, making exploration both easy and affordable; but with so much to see and do, it helps to go prepared with an itinerary to get the most out of your journey to the eternal city.So here’s a few ideas to get you on your way…

Day One: There’s no better way to start a trip than with a showstopper, so todays all about the Roman Ruins. Now were not usually over keen on tourist hotspots, but standing within the arched walls of the grand Colosseum, the noise of excitable school groups and the constant flashing of cameras was quickly phased out, leaving just you. You, and the uproar of 80,000 barbarians, cheering and chanting, blood thirsty for the next pauper to be ripped limb from limb on centre stage. The practice of gladiator combats and killing for entertainment may be long gone in Rome, but the atmosphere generated by this impressive building, and the tales within, is still very much alive.

After circling the arena and taking in the ever changing perspectives that each level offers, take the short walk across to The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, which are equally as fascinating in their own rights. Together the three sites make for a fantastic day in Rome.

Spend the remainder of your day, moseying around the streets of Rome and climb Parco Gianicolense for sunset, before heading to Travestere, a district famous for its cheap, authentic food. If you’re a Pizza lover check out ‘Carlo Menta’ for excellent slices at dirt cheap prices.

Day Two: Start today with a visit to Trevi Fountain and the Panthéon before taking a stroll above the river banks of the Tiber to Vatican City. If your feeling fit and have a head for heights (and small spaces), it’s well worth paying the €5 fee to scale the 551 steps to the top of St. Peters Dome.

Winding your way up the ever slanting and narrowing wooden staircase, you’ll pass through beautiful mosaic artworks and marvel at the scale and magnificence of the basilica before emerging outside for a 360 bird’s eye view of this beautiful city. Take the time to spot some of the great sights in the distance, as well as the gated, pristine Vatican City which lies below. As you leave these spectacular views behind and begin to descend yet another spiral staircase, why not stop In the Nun-run Holy shop to send a postcard from the smallest state in the world.

The final corridors and stairwells of the dome lead you down into St. Peters Basilica itself, an artistic masterpiece which will leave you astonished.

Take a long walk or catch the metro to spend the last hour of daylight at Pincio Hill (above Piazza del Popolo) watching the sunset over the city and St. Peters Basilica before making your way south through the park to emerge at the Spanish steps. Spend a while soaking up the atmosphere here before disappearing into the lights of the city in search of culinary delights.

Day Three: After 2 long days of sightseeing your feet will be screaming out for a much needed rest today, and what better way to relax than cycling through lush green countryside and crumbling ruins on one of the Romans greatest engineering feats! The ancient Appian Way, or Appia Antica as its known locally, lies just outside the city walls and tracks over 350 miles from Rome to Brindisi in the heel of Italy. It’s well preserved giant cobbles offers travellers the opportunity to escape the crowds of the city and really get a sense of stepping back in time to an era untouched by modernity. But beware if you stick to the road- you’re in for a bumpy ride!! For those who prefer to admire this piece of history from a more comfortable position, you can take advantage of dirt tracks which have been carved out for your convenience. riding appian way

Before peddling your way back in time, why not stop to explore a darker side to Rome and head deep underground into the network of caves, tunnels and tombs of the Christian Catacombs. Note- If you’re not keen on confined spaces, the dark or the dead, a tour around this place probably isn’t for you!

After you surface from below and have lost a couple of hours cruising on your bike, enjoy a late lunch in the garden oasis of the Appia Antica Caffe, before making your way back along the cobbles to catch the bus where todays adventure began at St. Sebastian Catacombs.

The logistics (Day 3): Take the metro to stop CIRCO MASSIOMO (near to the Colosseum). Cost approx. €1.50 each way from Termini. Walk outside the station to the bus stop on your left and take Bus 118 to Stop St. Sebastian. After visiting the Catacombs, take a pleasant 10/15 minute stroll along the cobbles to the Appia Antica Caffe where you can hire bikes for a good price. We paid € 9 each for 3 hours of rental. Bike hire is calculated per hour of rental and payment is made when you return you bikes to the café. One form of ID for one person in your group must be left with the café for the duration of your ride (http://www.appiaanticacaffe.it/new/index.php/en/bike-rental).

Take advantage of: Discounts: Under 25s can claim discount when purchasing the ticket which gets you into the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palestine Hill. ID must be shown proving age.

Watch out for: Pickpockets. Like most tourist hotspots around the world, Rome has many pickpockets operating within the Metro system and on the streets, particularly around the major sights. Be vigilant with your belongings and don’t be distracted by decoys such as that cute puppy “all on its own”.

Remember to:

Check the opening days/ times of the attractions you are visiting (many shut on alternate days) and arrive early to avoid long queues.
Purchase bus tickets from Tobacco shops before boarding a bus and be sure to buy return tickets if you’re heading out to Appia Antica!!
Always carry a bottle of water with you. The Mediterranean heat and lots of walking can be a killer!

Our Hostel Pick: Freedom Traveller – A cheap and cheerful hostel well situated in the centre of Rome, close to Termini Station. If its luxury you’re after then this place isn’t for you, but if you’re looking for a friendly, sociable atmosphere close to all the Must-See’s then this hostel will be perfect for any budget-conscious traveller! Take advantage of the free nibbles and wine in the evening, and continental breakfast in the morning!

Our month to travel: March/ April. The weather was cool enough to comfortably enjoy roaming the streets and seeing the sights for hours on end; but warm enough to warrant a refreshing pit stop at one of Rome’s many Gelaterias. The evening is generally a lot cooler at this time of year so be sure to pack a warm jacket. Note– Rome and particularly the Vatican City will become a major Tourist destination around the Easter period with millions flocking from around the world in hopes of watching the Easter Services. Avoid this holiday period if crowds aren’t for you.

England is a country steeped in culture and history which has scenery to rival some of the most beautiful spots on this planet. But as a young 20 something eager to escape this place I knew as home, I would often find myself sat in the coffee shops of Liverpool watching groups of wide eyed tourists shuffling one by one out of big red buses (maps and cameras in hand), and I couldn’t help but wonder…. Why? Why would all of these people consciously choose to travel thousands of miles across the world to come here? Out of all the destinations…all of the amazing things to see…why England!?

But the truth is, all of those tourists knew something I didn’t. I’d become blinded by ignorance and intolerance of my own country and had never stopped for a second to consider what lay waiting for me to discover right outside my own front door.

It wasn’t until sometime after I returned home from our first big Backpacking adventure, that I began to see England for all it really is and all it has to offer. Determined not to become entrapped by the constraints and routine of life back home, we were forced for the first time to make the most of what we had around us and it was truly beautiful.

In just a 10 minute cycle we could be sat on the promenade of Crosby beach watching the sun set over the statues of Anthony Gormley ‘Another Place’. To say it was as atmospheric as watching the sun disappear into the horizon over the red sand of Uluru would be a lie, but it still offered the opportunity to ‘lose yourself’ for a while in that moment.

In just a 2 hour train ride we could be amongst the hustle, bustle and grandeur of London Town for a long weekend packed full of delicious tastes; incredible architecture; amazing night life; and more culture than you could ever hope to find.

In just a 2 and a half hour car journey we could be breathlessly bagging peaks, kayaking on pristine waters, standing beneath tumbling waterfalls or steaming down muddy mountain bike trails, in what has become our favourite adventure playground- The picturesque Lake District.

In just a six hour car journey we could be ripping it up on the surf in Newquay, walking along sections of the beautiful South West Costal Path or aimlessly wondering around cobbled Cornish alleyways, admiring the weathered houses, their exteriors curiously decorated with sea shells.

And for those occasions when we had a little more time on our hands, there was plenty to challenge both the mind and body. The C2C cycle; National 3 Peaks Challenge; Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge; and the Cumbrian Way are just some of the longer distance physical adventures that travellers can embark on, which offer stunning scenery and a real sense of accomplishment at the end of it.

But there’s more to England than what you can see and do. England offers a feeling quite like nowhere else I’ve been. It’s in the cream teas; the fish and chips; the politeness of its people; the humour of the north; the charm of its villages; the crackling fires of its cosy country pubs; and the proudness of its castles. It’s that warm feeling I get, that I can’t quite find the words to describe, but it’s quintessentially English.

So what have I learnt from my new found England? I’ve learnt that travel isn’t just about heading overseas. It’s about taking the time to explore and appreciate what we have right in front of us. As Marcel Proust eloquently puts it: ‘The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.’

For me, the beauty of England lies in its small stature. A country perfectly sized to travel around quickly and easily which offers something for everyone. A place that even the most well-travelled would struggle not to be impressed by. A place where the notorious wet and windy weather shouldn’t dampen your day or put you off visiting…. After all, as a wise person once said: “There’s no such thing as bad weather…just bad clothing”.

Backpacks, Boots & Wanderlust

Rome: A city frozen in time

England: Seeing a country through new eyes