Okay, so only a few people (Maldivians living in the UK looking to go back home in December to be exact) can relate, but how annoying is it that all flight tickets from London to Maldives sky-rocket in December??? This had been the bane of our lives until we discovered Alitalia flights in December from London to the Maldives via Rome. There are tickets for as cheap as £450 during the festive season!! Some of these come with a long transit in Rome (9 hours in our case) and we’re here to give you 9 things you can do on your long transit in Rome (provided that you have a Schengen visa of course).
1. Tick off 2 Amazing Countries from your bucket list
Yes, that’s right. You’d easily be able to visit the Vatican City (which is a country by itself) on your long transit in Rome. How incredible is that?
2. Marvel at the beauty of the Colosseum
This is your chance to see one of the New7Wonders of the World! This was our second time in Rome when we did the layover, so we did not go inside, but rather enjoyed it from the outside. It’s still pretty spectacular (and free). We would advise booking your tickets in advance if you want to beat the long queues for purchasing the ticket (although there’s no beating the queue for the security check) and expect to spend at least an hour inside. Always keep an eye on the time, time flies when you’re having fun.
3. Throw in a coin and make a wish at Trevi Fountain
Legend has it that tossing a coin over your shoulder into the fountain will ensure you return to the Eternal City of Rome. (Keep some coins to save for your ticket!)
4. Imagine how life would have been in the ancient times at the Roman Forum and Palatine Hills
Why not walk nearby and get a glimpse for free as we did on our long layover in Rome? However, if you’re a history buff, you may probably want to go inside. Expect to spend at least 2 hours but you might have to sacrifice some of the other sites. We recommend buying the tickets in advance and getting a guided tour.
5. Take in the magnificence of Pantheon – the best-preserved building from ancient Rome.
These magnificent columns are definitely not to be missed.
6. Eat all the GELATO and TIRAMISU your heart desires
I mean………….I don’t think I need to write anything more on this..
7. Indulge in Italian food
There’s nothing like Italian food cooked in Italy. It is on a level that is not reachable. Honestly! We love Italian food!
8. People watch in St. Peter’s Basilica and appreciate the beauty of the Creation of Adam at Sistine Chapel:
A must-see in Vatican City. We only did the people watching bit this time round as we had visited Sistine Chapel in a previous trip! If you really want to see Sistine Chapel it is entirely possible but you might have to sacrifice some of the other sites. Expect to spend at least 2-3 hours to enjoy both the sites.
9. Enjoy a Lavazza to fuel up for your long transit in Rome:
If you love coffee, this is a must do! Being Maldivian, we see Lavazza coffee everywhere in Maldives.. Why not try it in its hometown?
Some useful information for your long transit in Rome
Luggage storage in Rome Fiumicino airport
You can store your luggage at the Luggage storage which is located in Terminal 3, International Arrivals. The cost is €10 per luggage piece for 24 hours.
Public transport from Rome Fiumicino airport to the city centre
Train: You can either take the Leonardo Express for €14 single (express train with a duration of 30 minutes) or the local train for €8 single (multiple stops, so will take longer)
Bus: We took the bus although keep in mind it takes an hour to reach the city centre (termini station). The cost was around €6 single (€9 return). There are plenty of buses going to city centre.
Transportation within Rome city centre
Travel within the city is very inexpensive at €1.50 a ticket (valid for 100 minutes) which can be used on the bus, metro, tram and trains inside the municipality of Rome. Tickets can be bought from local ‘Tabacchi’s’ (kanmathee fihaara).
Transport from Rome city centre to Vatican city
Metro: We opted to take the metro – take Metro A from Roma Termini towards Battisini and get off at Ottaviano S Pietro. The Vatican City is a few minutes walk. Total duration: 15-20 minutes.
Bus: There are several buses that will take you from termini station in Rome to Vatican City (bus 64, 62, 40 and 81). Total duration: 25-30 minutes.
Happy Travels!
Amana
PS. If you haven’t seen our Amalfi Coast trip have a look at our posts here and here!
