The Can’t-Miss Moments of a Roman Holiday

St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica

At the heart of the Vatican state lies St. Peter’s Basilica, a grand church constructed in the popular Renaissance style of the time. Today, it just happens to be the most renowned work of Renaissance architecture, the largest church by interior space and the (unofficial) greatest church in all of Christendom. You don’t have to be a frequent patron of houses of the holy to appreciate a stroll through the interior: Many masterpieces of Renaissance and Baroque art make their home here, as well as the relics and remains of popes and saints of yesteryear. With the chance to lay eyes on Michelangelo’s Pietà and consider the distance (both physically and temporally) between you and St. Leo I, it’s difficult to not consider your place in the world; to noodle over what it’s all about. Is that not what the best travel offers?

Aventine Hill

Aventine Hill

As one of the original seven hills on which Ancient Rome was built, it’s safe to say that Aventine Hill is an integral part of any visit to the city. Legend has it that Romulus wished to build a city atop Palatine Hill, while his brother Remus believed Aventine Hill was the better starting point. Fast forward several millennia and churches and parks have flourished here like moss on a riverbank. Some of the best views of the city are tucked away among these quiet scenes. Peering at St. Peter’s Basilica through the famous Aventine Keyhole is a rite of passage, but the real draw is likely a quiet moment spent in the Giardino degli Aranci, or “Garden of Oranges.” This romantic oasis is decorated with beautiful orange trees and stunning views of the city sprawling out below, proving to be the perfect place to spend an afternoon enchanted by the ambiance.

Fassi Gelateria

Fassi Gelateria

Italy has legions of culinary staples that have spread all over the world — pizza, pasta and cappuccinos just to name a few — but nothing is as satisfying on a sunny, balmy Mediterranean day as an indulgent scoop of gelato. And of all the gelaterias to consider for your sumptuous treat, none has the pedigree of Fassi Gelateria. Serving royalty and ordinary citizens alike since 1880, this gelateria is used to large crowds stopping by daily. Consider it a blessing: The time you spend in line might be just long enough to decide what flavors you’d like, as well as if you’d prefer your gelato in a cone or “Sicily-style” (scooped into a brioche, for a thrilling take on the concept of an ice cream sandwich). Plop down at a table or bench outside, and you can pair your treat with a chance to people watch — a perfect Roman Holiday activity.

Eager to start planning your next great foray into a different locale like Rome? Our travel agents are here to make your daydreams a reality. The benefits are multifaceted: Their years or travel expertise translate to informed decisions you can’t hope to match solo. Their always-available dedication allows you peace of mind in outsourcing any troubleshooting the second it arises. And their working relationships with the leading names in travel unlock a tier of perks and amenities you’d never encounter with self-booking. Picture it: You’re cruising with Regent Seven Seas Cruises, enjoying a scoop of pistachio gelato after an onshore excursion to St. Peter’s Basilica or Aventine Hill (or both!), musing with your party on how the Roman culture seems so much more … serene than life as you know it at home. Between bites of your waffle cone, you and your crew discuss what you’re looking forward to next: the sun-kissed shores of Santorini, the ancient wonders of Ephesus and the sleepy marble-paved squares of Dubrovnik are all ahead on your itinerary. With the help of your trusted travel agent and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, fully immersing yourself in new cultures is as delightful as a scoop of gelato.

An ideal way to visit Rome is on a Mediterranean cruise with Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Not only will you have plenty of time to experience the sights and flavors listed above, but you’ll also enjoy free, unlimited shore excursions to their other ports of call — and as they sail to over 500 ports worldwide, you’re never wanting for more flavors of delight and bliss. Our agents know Regent Seven Seas Cruises well, so we can help you choose, plan and book your cruise vacation to perfection.

Reach out to a travel agent today to get started planning your best vacation yet with Regent Seven Seas Cruises.