We think Rome is pretty much the coolest city in the world, but don’t just take our word for it!
Our loyal guests Agnethe and her husband, Jan, from Norway have returned to Rome for many years. Evidently, there is just something about this city that keeps them coming back for more: “We love Rome, and every time we discover new things,” Agnethe wrote. “It’s like coming home to our common historical roots.”
We reached out to them to learn more from them about visiting Rome, what keeps bringing them back and their experience staying in a vacation rental.
The recently renovated AP01 Via Giulia vacation rental by ROMAC
Visiting Rome
Agnethe and Jan are a husband and wife duo who love Rome and have been visiting the city for years. They tend to keep to the immediate historical center, hitting the ancient pavement by foot to explore new parts of the city or relax in the parks, like Villa Borghese and Doria Pamphili. Alternatively they enjoy getting away from it all by “bicycling in the Via Appia area.”
Picturesque pastures along the Via Appia (Ph. credit Agnethe)
When’s the best time to visit the city? Agnethe and Jan choose to avoid the summer heat and opt for the more temperate periods of the year, like spring, autumn or even winter, noting “as Norwegians we are not afraid of the cold.” But on a particularly chilly day or a spot of rain, they’ll take shelter an any number of world-class museums the city has to offer.
We wanted to know where they would recommend someone to go if (s)he only has 1 day in the Eternal City. Their answer? Without a doubt: the “Pantheon, preferably in the morning,” Agnethe writes. “In the evening a drink at Piazza della rotunda facing Pantheon” shouldn’t be missed. The stunning facade of the building is illuminated by the waning afternoon sunlight, meanwhile the buzz of the city’s unique hustle and bustle make for a relaxing, reflective evening. After that they like to sneak off to their favorite little place on Via del Governo Vecchio, called da Tonino.
Enjoying the Pantheon at night, cafe side. (Ph. credit Agnethe)
Staying in a Vacation Apartment
The first vacation rental the couple rented was our Via Giulia vacation apartment near Campo de’ Fiori, the first apartment added to our portfolio. In fact, they rented it before ROMAC even existed!
We wanted to know what convinced them to rent in the first place. Attracted to the unique level of independence a vacation rental offers, Agnethe says, “we like to make some meals, not to mention the strong, morning Italian coffee. And we like to be more on our own – ‘to do like the Romans.'” The charming 1 bedroom, 1 bath apartment is located just off the elegant Via Giulia in Rome and has hosted the couple for years. The kitchen provides flexibility and autonomy for the couple who enjoy shopping for groceries and cooking at home. What’s it like shopping in Rome? “It’s great fun, practicing small bits of Italian. Especially in Campo de’ Fiori,” which is about a 10 minute walk from the apartment.
When they travel to Rome, they often travel together but “often make appointments to meet friends in Rome.” Agnethe adds, “Last October we spent a week with our good friends in another ROMAC apartment in the same building. [It was] very practical.”
Getting around Rome is easy too. Agnethe and Jan prefer to travel by foot in the city center or take a bicycle if they venture further distances. But even getting from the airport is a cinch: “From the airport we always take the train to Trastevere station and from there tram number 8 to Largo Argentina, walking from there.” As long as there isn’t a lot of luggage to lug around, it’s a very convenient and practical solution!
We look forward to welcoming Agnethe and Jan back year after year to one of their favorite cities in the world!
