‘Feel the spirit’ of Rome’s history, culture and people

“Oh wow,” I said. “That – that is the Pantheon.” I was amazed, again, by Rome.

It was the second day of our trip to Rome and our first trip to Europe. The history of this city, the streets, the architecture, the culture, the people, the food, the sights, the smells, the sounds had me hooked. Wherever we went: a new discovery, a new memory. He hadn’t planned or expected to turn the corner of the street into a square and see the Pantheon. But there it was. Extraordinary.

Delta Italy Station Manager Erica Valt and Rome Customer Service Agent Monica Devito enthusiastically share their passion for Rome with customers. “Coming to Rome is like taking a trip back in time, where you suddenly find yourself back in the cradle of our history,” said Erica Valt, station manager for Delta Italia.

Hours after our Delta flight arrived, we were exploring the Vatican. We didn’t have a plan. We do not book any tours. We just wanted to go and see what we could find. Setting foot in St. Peter’s Basilica was overwhelming. Discovering by chance a celebration of Mass and receiving the Eucharist there inspired my Catholic spirit. Following the rushing crowd to St. Peter’s Square, where the Pope appeared from his window, connected us with the thousands of Romans, Italians, and people of all faiths, cultures, and nationalities gathered in the warm sun.

BOOK | Discover Rome with Delta Vacations

Of course, there were also the delicious espressos in the morning. Sharing a bottle of wine, cacio e pepe and a relaxed conversation while dining outdoors. wandering the streets. By filling our water bottles from the abundant nasoni (water fountains located throughout the city), we were literally drinking Rome!

“Rome is the ‘eternal city’: a concentration of history, architecture, beauties, tasty food, wines, pleasant weather and beautiful panoramas,” said Valt.

After only two days in Rome, I had enough experiences and memories to fill an album. But there was much more to explore. I hope some of my favorite Roman discoveries and local insider tips from Delta people who live, work and love Rome will also inspire your trip.

Autumn and winter in Rome

There is no better time than the present to travel to Rome. “There is no ‘winter’ in Rome,” Valt said. “The weather is still absolutely nice and allows you to enjoy the city even more.”

Rome is a city that can be discovered almost at any time of the year. “Autumn allows you to enjoy the incredible colors of the season,” said Valt. “Winter will take you to the magic of Christmas combined with the magic of Rome.”

Things to do

As with many European cities, I thought it best to start exploring. Pick a few spots you want to see, plot a general direction, and start walking. Some of my favorites:

• The Roman Forum and the Colosseum. We explore these at night. (You will need to book a tour.) Ancient architecture in twilight brought these icons of history to life in your imagination.
• Villa Borghese. Stroll through the gardens, admire the art and sculptures. Take in the Rome skyline with Piazza del Popolo in the foreground from an elevated view.

eat in rome

Let’s face it: if you go to Italy, you’re going to eat! More than that, this is a country where you EXPERIENCE food, and food is the texture of almost every experience.

“You can’t come to Rome without trying some of the most famous and delicious dishes that definitely belong to our culture,” said Monica Devito, customer service agent for Delta Rome. Here is her guide to a day of culinary inspiration:

• “Start your day with a cappuccino and cornetto right in front of the Pantheon.”
• “Get lost in the cobblestone streets of Trastevere for a carbonara or an amatriciana, and in the Ghetto for an artichoke alla giudia.”
• “Walk down the Lungotevere for a real Italian gelato, end the afternoon with an aperitif, sipping a glass of prosecco by the amazing fountains of Piazza Navona.”

“If you want to get out of Rome for a day trip, you can visit Castelli Romani and try the original porchetta with a glass of local white wine,” added Devito.

Connect with the people, the place and the passion.

If it’s not already apparent, Romans are passionate, warm and welcoming people. It’s part of what makes the city so accessible and remarkable. When friends who haven’t traveled abroad ask me where they should take their first trip, my answer is always Rome.

“You can breathe in the magnificence of our roots, while relaxing with the best food, the best wine, the best sunny weather,” said Valt. “The Romans are sunny and cheerful people who know how to enjoy life, savor it, eat it, they make every day the best of all. And they involve you in this energy, enthusiasm and joy. After all, Rome is also the city of love.

One of the last places I visited in Rome was a bit outside the city: the Parco degli Acquedotti (Park of the Aqueducts). Strolling among the ruins of this engineering marvel of its time was the perfect place to reflect on the journey. Looking at these man-made rivers, the soul of a city that inspired some of the greatest art, culture, societies, and people in history, made me feel more connected to a place, its people, and its passion.

I may not be Italian in my genes, but I like to think I left the Eternal City with some Roman spirit. I will definitely be back to drink the city again.