Lazio Vacations, Italy

Lazio (Latium in those days) was the heart of the Roman Empire. It still is very much the province of the perennial city of Rome. Although there are other interesting sights, most tourists will head for Rome immediately. And who can blame them? Rome is one of the most beautiful cities on the planet and a must see for everyone. Around Rome there are quite a few interesting places you can visit as daytrip. Tivoli , Subiaco and Frascati have been favourite summer retreats of the Romans since the ancient days. Ostia Antica the old Roman port has some of the best classical remains in Lazio.

In the hills of Lazio there are three lakes where you can go to relax and swim. Lake Bracciano is close to Rome and can be reached easily by train, a bit further is Lake Vico . Carparola is the main town on the shores of the lake. Lake Bolsena is even further but less interesting.

In the early days the Romans fought many battles with their Etrurian neighbours. In Lazio you there are a few old Etrurian sites well worth visitin such as Cerveteri and Tarquinia . Viterbo is also of Etrurian origin, but gained prominence in the 13-th century when it was a Gueplh stonghold.

The Sabine hills are not just famous for their women - they are a very green part of Lazio and the capital Rieti is a nice place to spend a few days. Around Rieti there are many charming villages such as Greccio , Roccantica and Roccasinibalda . They are best visited as daytrips from Rieti by car because bus service is infrequent.

The Pontine islands is a small volcanic archipelago just off the coast.

They are very popular with Italians, especially in summer.

Source: world66.com

Visitors Guide to Rome, Lazio, Italy

Author: Nia Rees

One of the world's most historic and fascinating cities, Rome is famous for its rich heritage and important buildings. Many magnificent monuments and truly ancient ruins reside in Rome, together with numerous vibrant shopping areas, restaurants and sightseeing opportunities. The city has much to offer tourists and also offers a selection of nearby beaches.

Standing alongside the scenic River Tiber, Rome has a population of almost 3 million and experiences hot summer weather and particularly mild, pleasant winters. With year-round attractions, many people choose to visit Rome between November to February, when the city is at its quietest.

Rome Hotels:
Being one of Italy's most popular tourist destinations, it is hardly surprising that Rome is full of hotels, catering for all tastes and budgets. Ranging from impressive hotels in the Centro Storico (historic centre), to more modern accommodation around the Campo dei Fiori, hotels in Rome quickly become fully booked, and so be sure to reserve your room in advance. Bed and breakfasts in Rome are known as 'pensioni' and often provide particularly good value for money, with a number being located close to the 'Stazione Termini' railway station and Trastevere area.

Rome Tourism:
Rome has long been a major tourist destination and its historical attractions and important ruins are known throughout the world. However, the city is also an exciting and vibrant place to visit, with many impressive shops, restaurants, entertainment venues and seasonal festivals. Some of the most popular places to visit in Rome include the Circus Maximus, the Coliseum, the Forum, the Pantheon, Janiculum Hill, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and the vast Vatican City, the official residence of the Pope, head of the Roman Catholic faith. The Sistine Chapel at the Vatican City is particularly awe-inspiring, together with the city's numerous art galleries and museums.

Popular events in the city include many operas, ballets and concerts at Rome's numerous theatres. Other seasonal highlights include regular football matches at the Stadio Olimpico, the Rome Marathon each March, religious events throughout Easter, concerts at the Teatro Olimpico, June's Pesaro Film Festival, and also the Festa della Madonna della Neve, held every August.

Rome Transport:
With good rail connections to a number of major cities, including Florence and Venice, Rome is well-connected by highways, which provide easy access to nearby towns. Rome's Metro subway network, public buses and trams all provide inexpensive ways to travel throughout the city. Car rental is one of the most popular ways to travel out of the city and is perfect for day trips and excursions.

Located around 18 miles / 29 km from the city centre, Leonardo da Vinci Airport, also known as Fiumicino, is an important air transport hub. Dealing with large numbers of domestic and international flights each day, ground transportation at the airport includes buses, trains and car hire.

For further information about the airport, visit Airports Guides to Rome at About Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO). Whilst details concerning Rome Ciampino Airport can be found at About Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA).

Rome Shopping:
Known for its chic fashion boutiques and expensive department stores, shopping in Rome is a major attraction. With many bustling shops clustered around the Piazza Di Spagna, other popular stores can be found around the city's Via Del Governo Vecchio area, close to the Spanish Steps, along the Via Sistina, and on Via Borgognona. Also, the pedestrianized Via Frattina is the perfect place for some serious window shopping.

Rome Restaurants:
Home to one of the greatest cuisines in the world, Italian restaurants are known for their superb local specialities, which include freshly made pizzas, pasta dishes, paninis, salads, a selection of cheeses and many other types of food. Al fresco dining is particularly popular in Rome, with an array of cafes, bars and superb ice cream shops clustered around the piazzas.

About the Author:

Nia Rees is a Travel Writer for World Guides - providers of travel and tourist

information for major cities throughout the world. For further tourist information

about Rome, Italy visit World Guides to Rome at Visitors Guide to Rome, Italy.

Things To Do and See in Lazio

Colosseum (Colosseo), Rome, Lazio
Perhaps the best-preserved of the monuments of ancient Rome, this

huge marble structure was built to hold more than 50,000 spectators to

witness bloody contests of might and the slaughter of wild beasts.
Attraction type: Ancient ruins; Arena/stadium/field; Historic site; All terrain

vehicle trail; Town center/square/plaza; Monument; Architectural building; Tour

Pantheon, Rome, Lazio
Dedicated to the seven planetary divinities and featuring an interior of

gorgeous marble, the Pantheon is one of the most impressive monuments

of Augustan Rome.
Attraction type: Architectural building; Historic site; Monument;

Religious site; Town center/square/plaza; Ancient ruins

Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi), Rome, Lazio
Certainly the most famous and photographed fountain in Rome,

legend has it that whoever throws a coin into the pond will return to Rome.
Attraction type: Fountain; Landmark/point of interest

Roman Forum (Foro Romano), Rome, Lazio
The commercial, political and religious center of ancient Rome,

which features the Arch of Septimus Severus, Temple of Saturn,

Arch of Titus and the House of the Vestals.
Attraction type: Ancient ruins; Historic site

Vatican Museums, Rome, Lazio
The biggest collection of art in the city, including Michelangelo's

ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
Attraction type: Museum; Landmark/point of interest; Religious site;

History museum; Art museum