Before any cruise I highly recommend going to your starting point (in this case Rome) a couple days earlier to acclimatize yourself. Get the wrinkles out and power through jet lag. We have been to Rome multiple times so decided to just walk around each day. The first day we toured the Jewish ghetto area and then the second day we toured the Travestre neighborhood.
When you think of Rome, it’s hard not to associate it with Catholicism, especially since Vatican City is right at its center. But here’s an interesting tidbit: back in 1555, Pope Paul IV designated the St. Angelo district near the Tiber River for the Jewish community because it was prone to flooding and not very desirable.During that time, the Jewish population faced some tough restrictions. For instance, they had to wear yellow markings when leaving the ghetto, and their job options were limited to unskilled labor. It was a challenging situation.Thankfully, things took a turn for the better in 1888 when the walls of the ghetto were torn down. Now, that same area has blossomed into a vibrant cultural hub! We even got to try some delicious kosher food at one of the local restaurants.One of the highlights of our visit was when we encouraged Ray and Vinny to wear kippahs as we stepped into the beautiful synagogue. It really added to our experience! It’s amazing to see how this area has transformed from its difficult past into such a lively and culturally rich part of Rome today.
It’s definitely worth a stroll around the Jewish section to see the Great Synagogue of Rome, Porticus Octaviae (below), stroll via del Portico d’Ottavia, cross Ponte Fabricio, the oldest bridge in Rome and drink a cappuccino viewing the Turtle Fountain.– Elle
Next stop after a nap was dinner at Da Edy ristorante a couple blocks down from Piazza de Popolo. Address: Vicolo del Babuino 4, Roma 00187 phone + 39 06 3600 1738. Grab your Italian speaking friend to make reservations because they don’t speak Ingles 🙂
Our next day included exploring another neighborhood called Travestre.
Trastevere is such a charming neighborhood in Rome, and it has so much to offer! Here are some must-see spots you won’t want to miss:
- Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere: This is one of the oldest churches in the city, and it’s renowned for its beautiful mosaics and impressive architecture. It’s a real gem!
- Piazza di Santa Maria: This lively square is the heart of Trastevere, bustling with restaurants and a vibrant atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to soak in the local culture.
- Janiculum Hill: If you’re looking for breathtaking views of Rome, this is the spot. Plus, there’s a cannon that gets fired every day at noon—a fun little tradition!
- Villa Farnesina: This Renaissance villa is a hidden treasure, featuring stunning frescoes by Raphael. Art lovers will definitely appreciate this place.
- Ponte Sisto: This picturesque pedestrian bridge connects Trastevere to Campo de’ Fiori, making it a lovely walk with beautiful views along the way.
Exploring Trastevere feels like stepping back in time, with its narrow streets and vibrant local life. There’s hundreds of little alcoves like this below!