Rome Holiday with Jet2holidays

Experience the magic of Rome, where the past meets the present in perfect harmony.

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Visiting Rome had always been a dream for us and with Jet2holidays, we finally made it a reality. Our couples holiday with Jet2holidays was filled with walks through ancient ruins, delicious Italian cuisine and breathtaking views of historical monuments. Jet2holidays made the entire experience seamless and enjoyable, from the easy flight arrangements to the comfortable and well-located hotel. Exploring the rich history and vibrant culture of Rome together was everything we hoped for and more, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Jet2 Flight from Birmingham to Rome

Jet2 flies to over 70 destinations across Europe, with a strong focus on holiday destinations around the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, and European cities. They operate from multiple bases in the UK, including Leeds Bradford, Manchester, Birmingham, London Stansted, Newcastle, Edinburgh, and Glasgow, among others.

Jet2 operates on a low-cost carrier model, offering affordable fares with the option to purchase additional services such as checked baggage, in-flight meals, and seat selection etc. They are closely associated with their holiday package brand, Jet2holidays, which offers vacation packages that include flights, accommodations, and transfers.

Since relocating to the Midlands, the closest airport to us is the Birmingham Airport and so Jet2's flights from Birmingham Airport were the right pick for us.

You can make a booking with Jet2 in a number of ways. You can do it online via their website or app, or you can call their Call Centre, or book at their airport sales desks, or even through your local travel agent.

Once our booking was done, we managed our holiday to Rome via the Jet2 app.  All our holiday information was available on the app. Our holiday package included return flights, the hotel stay, 22kg checked-in baggage and 10kg hand luggage. The Jet2 app also gives users the option to reserve on-board meals, add extra luggage and book additional services like travel insurance, car hire etc. It's convenient to have the option to book everything through the app and keep everything in one place. And as you would expect, the holiday comes with ATOL protection.

We checked in for our flight to Rome using the app and downloaded the boarding passes to our phones. On the day of our flight, since we had hold-baggage to check in, we went to the Jet2.com check-in area at the airport and dropped our bags off there. If you’re traveling with only hand luggage and have your boarding pass, you can go directly to airport security.

Our flight was delayed by around half an hour due to air traffic congestion over France which was on our flight path to Rome. But, the pilots made up for the lost time and we arrived as scheduled at the Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport in Rome.

Our journey from Birmingham to Rome was comfortable. The check-in process was smooth, and the friendly Jet2 staff made us feel welcome from the start. The seats were comfortable and the in-flight service was excellent, with a good selection of refreshments and attentive crew members ensuring our needs were met. 

Upon landing at the Fiumicino Airport, the immigration process was quicker than we anticipated. It took all of 10 minutes to clear the immigration counters. We collected our luggage and boarded a bus (from the airport) that would take us to the main bus station located at Piazza dei Cinquecento, the square in front of the Roma Termini station. This was perfect for us as the hotel for our stay was Rome Life Hotel which is only a short walk (around 15 minutes) from Roma Termini.

Rome Life Hotel

The Rome Life Hotel is a modern boutique hotel in the heart of Rome, offering luxurious rooms. The staff was welcoming and always ready to help, making our stay pleasant. The check-in was quick and we were ushered to our Classic Double Room.

The room was good-sized and came with a very comfortable bed. It was decorated in a palette of cream, browns, and black and created a cosy ambiance. 

The room was also kitted out with all essentials like tea & coffee-making facilities, a mini fridge, a flat screen television, Wi-fi, safety deposit box and a hairdryer & iron.

The bathroom contained a powerful shower and toiletries were provided.

Since we visited in July, the air conditioning was also available. We later learnt that it is available between 01 May and 30 Oct each year.

Daily room cleaning service, linen changes and towel changes were a part of the stay.

Overall, the room had everything we needed for the stay - it was clean, comfortable, quiet and spacious.

Breakfast was served in a cosy room and offered a delightful fare. There were lots of options for vegetarians which we appreciated. The restaurant staff were friendly, helpful and artistic, coming up with different designs for our morning cup of cappuccino.

One of the reasons we opted for the Rome Life Hotel was its location. It's just around 700m from the Trevi Fountain and around a kilometer from the Colosseum and the Spanish Steps. This close proximity to popular attractions meant we spent less time commuting and more time exploring the attractions.

We have put together a list of things to see and do in Rome based on our experience. Hopefully, it will help you in planning your Rome itinerary.

Sightseeing in Rome

"Rome is not like any other city. It’s a big museum, a living room that has to be crossed on one’s toes". These are the words of Italian actor, Alberto Sordi. And he was so right. The city is indeed like a big, open-air museum due to its superlative collection of ancient ruins, historical landmarks and architectural marvels scattered throughout the city.

For us walking through Rome's streets felt like a journey through time, with iconic sites like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon seamlessly integrated into the urban landscape. Every corner in the city, revealed remnants of Rome's past, from majestic fountains and ornate churches to grand piazzas and well-preserved buildings, offering an immersive experience of art, history and culture. Based on our experience, here are some of the major attractions/activities in the city that you could include in your Rome sightseeing itinerary.

The Colosseum

The Colosseum (also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre) is one of the most iconic landmarks of Rome and a symbol of ancient Roman engineering and architecture. 

Constructed under the reign of emperors Vespasian and Titus between AD 70 and 80, it is the largest amphitheater ever built and could hold up to 80,000 spectators. The structure was officially inaugurated in AD 80 by Titus with an opening ceremony that included 100 days of games. In AD 82 Domitian (son of Vespasian and the younger brother of Titus) completed the work by adding the uppermost story. It is one of the most iconic structures in Rome; there is no doubt about it.

We were on a guided tour, so learnt about interesting tidbits from our tour guide. One of the interesting pieces of information being how the spectators were protected from the sun by a large retractable awning called the velarium. Poles sticking out from the top of the Colosseum held up the awning and hundreds of Roman sailors were needed to operate the ropes that moved it.

Our guide also mentioned that the Colosseum’s outer walls are covered in three levels of columns - Doric, Ionic and Corinthian style and each level had 80 arches. Today, only around 31 of these arches remain intact.

The Colosseum's hypogeum, which means "underground", was a complex network of tunnels and rooms where gladiators, animals and prisoners were kept before entering the arena. It had 80 vertical shafts to reach the arena and many trap doors for bringing in scenery and special effects during the shows. It was amazing to hear about all these aspects of the Colosseum.

At one time the Colosseum hosted bloody gladiator contests, public spectacles and simulated sea battles. In medieval times, it was also used as a church and later as a fortress. Over the centuries, the structure was damaged by lightning, earthquakes and vandalism with people taking the marble seats and decorations, treating the Colosseum like a stone quarry.

Serious preservation efforts began only in the 19th century and since then it has been an ongoing effort. Today the Colosseum is visited by over 4 million visitors every year and is the most popular attraction in Italy.

If you are on a short visit to Rome, this is one structure that you should visit. It provides a perceptible connection to the past, allowing you to imagine the grandeur and excitement of ancient Roman events. A guided tour of the Colosseum is recommended. We found that it saved time (due to the 'skip the line' entrance) and was quite informative as the guide kept our group focused on the important details we might otherwise have missed.

The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are two of the most historically significant and notable archaeological sites in Rome, Italy. They offer a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Roman civilization.

The Roman Forum (also called Forum Romanum or just the Forum) was the center of public life in ancient Rome. The word 'Forum' in Roman means a public square that usually serves as a marketplace, political hub and social gathering place.

The Forum was the hub of day-to-day life in ancient Rome. All the important buildings and temples were located on or near the Forum. Some of the key buildings that were located here and remains of which you can see even today include the Temple of Vesta, the Temple of Saturn, triumphal arches like the Arch of Titus, Curia Julia (the Senate House where the Roman Senate met), Basilica Julia and more.

Palatine Hill, one of the seven hills of Rome, is the most central hill and one of the most ancient parts of the city. It is considered as the birthplace of Rome. According to Roman mythology, it was here that Romulus and Remus were found by the she-wolf Lupa.

The hill is situated above the Roman Forum and offers a panoramic view of the city. It was the residence of the Roman elite and emperors, reflecting the wealth and power of Rome's ruling class.

Some of the key landmarks here are the Palace of Domitian, House of Augustus (you can see some well-preserved frescoes and architectural features here), Stadium of Domitian and the Flavian Palace. The archaeological remains of all these structures offer an insight into the daily lives and architectural preferences of ancient Rome.

We went on a guided tour of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill as we wanted to learn more about these historical ruins. And it was a wise decision as our guide shared stories, facts and significance of each ruin and landmark in the Forum and the Palatine Hill. We wouldn't have got as much information from reading the information signs or the guidebooks. Another advantage was that the tour ensured we made the best use of our time as the guide knew the must-see, important parts of the landmark and took us directly to the main highlights.

The Pantheon

Another one of Rome's stunning monuments. Or as some would say the most impressive of all of Rome’s ancient monuments - The Pantheon.

Located in Piazza della Rotonda, The Pantheon ('temple of all the gods' in Greek) is a former Roman temple and now a Catholic church (Basilica Santa Maria ad Martyres). It was commissioned by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa during the reign of Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus. When the original structure got burnt down, the present building was ordered to be built by the emperor Hadrian. The building has been in continuous use since then and that is one of the reasons why it is one of the best-preserved of all ancient Roman buildings.

One of the most unique features of the Pantheon is its massive, unreinforced concrete dome. It is said to be the largest of its kind in the world. The dome is known for its architectural and engineering mastery. And what better proof than it remaining intact for nearly 2,000 years, withstanding the test of time. 

We were awestruck by the beauty of this monument both from the outside and the inside.

Until the beginning of July 2023, entrance to The Pantheon was free. Currently there is an entrance fee of €5 per adult. Even though it takes a short time to explore the building, the lines for the ticket can be pretty long, so it is advisable to book the tickets in advance.

Note: On the first Sunday of each month, access to The Pantheon is free.

The Vatican Museums

Almost everyone who visits Rome intends to visit the Vatican Museums. No wonder it is one of Rome's most popular attractions and also one of the busiest.

The Vatican Museums are 4.5 miles (7.5 kms) long. If you are visiting for the first time, you might not cover all of it. Even then it is a lot of walking. Guided tours offered by most providers are usually 3-4 hours long and include fast-track access to the Sistine Chapel as well.

The main things to see in the Vatican Museums are:

- Raphael Rooms (Stanze di Raffaello): where you can admire stunning frescoes, including the famous "School of Athens" showcasing Raphael’s artistic genius.
- Gallery of Maps (Galleria delle Carte Geografiche): a long gallery adorned with beautifully detailed maps of Italy, painted in the late 16th century.
- Pinacoteca Vaticana (Vatican Art Gallery): featuring an extensive collection of paintings, including works by Raphael, Caravaggio and Leonardo da Vinci.
- Gallery of Tapestries (Galleria degli Arazzi): displaying Flemish tapestries based on cartoons by Raphael's students, depicting various biblical scenes.
- Egyptian Museum (Museo Gregoriano Egiziano): containing ancient Egyptian artifacts, including mummies, statues and hieroglyphic inscriptions.
- Borgia Apartments: containing elaborate frescoes commissioned by Pope Alexander VI.

Since the museums are very popular, it is best to book tickets in advance. Also, consider a guided tour of the Vatican Museums to gain deeper insights into the artworks and history.

Tip: Weekends are usually busy as are Wednesdays when there is the Papal Audience. The museum is closed on Sundays except on the last Sunday of each month when it is free to enter. However, you can guess how crowded it would be as there are no tickets on the day. Also, most people think that like the other attractions in Rome, you can beat the crowds by visiting early in the morning. But everyone seems to have the same idea and as a result it gets too crowded early in the morning. Mid-afternoon is a better time, we feel.

The Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel is inside the Vatican Museums and is the location of the Papal Conclave (the process by which a new pope is selected).

Aside from its religious significance, the chapel is known for its historical importance and artistic masterpieces. Designed by Baccio Pontelli and built between 1473 and 1481 under the direction of Pope Sixtus IV, the chapel is an architectural marvel. It showcases the talent and vision of the era's greatest artists. The most popular artwork which draws visitors is Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes. These works by Michelangelo are considered some of the greatest achievements in Western art. Besides Michelangelo, the chapel also has works by other famous artists such as Botticelli, Perugino, and Ghirlandaio.

Photography is not allowed inside the Sistine Chapel. So, you will have to visit it to experience it.

St Peter's Basilica

St Peter's Basilica is the burial place of Saint Peter, one of Jesus’ apostles and the first Pope. It is a major pilgrimage site for Catholics from around the world. Those who are not religious, visit the Basilica because it showcases stunning Renaissance and Baroque architecture by renowned architects like Michelangelo, Bernini and Bramante.

Some of the things to look out for when visiting the Basilica include the massive Dome which was designed by Michelangelo and the 'Pieta', a famous sculpture by Michelangelo located near the entrance, depicting Mary holding the body of Jesus. Also take time to admire the central altar that is adorned with Bernini’s elaborate bronze canopy (baldachin). You can also head down one level below and see the Grottoes - the place where some of the popes are buried.

Like I mentioned earlier, a visit to St Peter's Basilica will appeal to those on a religious journey, art and architecture enthusiasts, those fascinated by history as well as to general tourists.

Note: You must be properly dressed to visit St Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel - no bare knees, midriffs and shoulders.

Trevi Fountain

Famously featured in several movies like La Dolce Vita (1960), Roman Holiday (1953) and Three Coins in the Fountain (1954), Trevi Fountain is one of the most famous fountains in the world and also one of the most popular attractions for anyone traveling to Rome.

Designed by Nicola Salvi and completed by Pietro Bracci in 1762-63, the fountain is a masterpiece of Baroque art. Its grandiose and intricate design features a central figure of Neptune, the god of the sea, flanked by statues representing Abundance and Health.

From our experience, early mornings and late evenings are the best times to visit the Trevi Fountain to avoid the largest crowds, enjoy a more peaceful experience and for better photo opportunities.

A popular tradition among visitors is to throw a coin into the fountain over their left shoulder with their right hand. Legend has it that this act ensures a return trip to Rome. The coins collected (about €3,000 daily according to an estimate) are donated to charity.

The Spanish Steps

As I mentioned earlier, in Rome, every street and piazza seems to unveil a new masterpiece of architecture. As we turned around corners or made our way to a piazza, we couldn't help but wonder what the next surprise would be.

When we arrived at the Piazza di Spagna from Trevi Fountains, I couldn't resist mouthing another 'Wow!".

Dating back to the early 1720's, The Spanish Steps (135 in total) link the Piazza di Spagna to the Piazza Trinità dei Monti (with the Trinità dei Monti church) at the top. Designed by the architects Francesco de Sanctis and Alessandro Specchi, the steps feature a mix of straight flights of stairs, curves, terraces and vistas. 

At one time, you would have seen locals and tourists sitting on the steps for photo ops. But as of 2019 it is no longer allowed to sit on the Spanish Steps. This rule was brought into effect to protect the UNESCO site as knowingly or unknowingly people were damaging the marble.

If you can, walk up the 135 steps to the Trinità dei Monti church. If not, you can still appreciate and enjoy the beauty of The Spanish Steps (la Scalinata). Stroll around, admire the Fontana della Barcaccia, a Baroque-style fountain (in the shape of a half-sunken boat), at the foot of the steps or head to the Babington's Tea Room (set up in 1893 by two English women) for a cup of tea.

Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona is a public open space in the city that has been built on the site of the ancient Stadium of Domitian. The square is known for its stunning Baroque architecture and fountains. It is a lively area filled with street artists, musicians and outdoor cafes, making it a vibrant spot for both locals and tourists.

There are three fountains at the square: Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers), Fontana del Moro (Moor Fountain) and Fontana del Nettuno (Neptune Fountain). The fountains were under maintenance when we visited but otherwise you can relax by the fountains and appreciate the intricate details in their design.

There's lots to do at Piazza Navona. You can step inside Sant'Agnese in Agone Church to see its impressive interior and artwork, relax at one of the many cafes or restaurants around the square, enjoy the lively performances by street artists and painters or browse the small stalls and shops around the piazza for unique Roman souvenirs and artworks.
   

Borghese Gallery

The Borghese Gallery is housed in a stunning villa that is located within the beautiful Borghese Gardens. The gallery is famous for its incredible collection of art, including masterpieces by artists like Caravaggio, Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Raphael.
    
The most famous pieces in the gallery are Bernini's life-sized marble sculptures, including 'Apollo and Daphne' and 'Ratto di Proserpina' (The Abduction of Proserpina), and Caravaggio's paintings like 'David with the Head of Goliath' and 'Madonna, Child and Serpent'.

If you love classical art, have an interest in sculptures and painting, then you will find this gallery fascinating. Those interested in Renaissance and Baroque periods will also appreciate the historical significance of the artworks. Also, anyone wanting to experience the rich art heritage of Rome should include the Borghese Gallery in their itinerary.

Early mornings or late afternoons are the best times to visit the gallery as it is less crowded then, making it easier for you to enjoy the art. It's also best to book tickets in advance as entry is limited to small groups.

Catacombs and Crypts

One other guided tour that we did in Rome was the 'Catacombs and Crypts' tour which included a visit to the Capuchin Crypts, the Roman Catacombs, and the Basilica of San Nicola in Carcere. All of these three places are fascinating archaeological finds with hidden layers of history underground.

The Roman Catacombs are a network of secret tunnels that were used both as a place of worship and burial ground. Our guide took us around the catacombs describing the intriguing history of this sacred spot.

The visit to the Capuchin Crypt was very interesting. Capuchin monks used the bones of their own members/brothers to intricately decorate the rooms with floor-to-ceiling designs made of bones, lending it the macabre nickname of 'the Bone Chapel'.

It was an interesting tour and different from the other experiences in Rome.

We recommended that you pre-book a guided tour to the Catacombs and Crypts to fully experience and delve into the mysteries of Rome's underground burial sites.

Castel St Angelo

Castel Sant'Angelo is located by the River Tiber and was originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian. It has also, over the centuries, served as a fortress, a papal residence, and even a prison. Today, it is a museum that is ideal for those interested in Roman history, architecture, and the evolution of the city's landmarks.

Castel St Angelo with its round shape and massive structure is a distinctive landmark in Rome. If you visit it in the early morning or late afternoon, you can avoid the peak crowds and the heat, making the experience more pleasant. 

The castle houses beautiful frescoes, sculptures, and other artworks. And if you head to the terrace, you will see stunning views of Rome, including the Vatican and the River Tiber.

Exploring Rome's iconic landmarks offers a journey through history, art and culture. From the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill to the vibrant atmosphere of Piazza Navona, each site tells a unique story of the city's past. But what we have listed above are just some of the main and popular landmarks in Rome. The city is brimming with so much more history, art and culture that one trip simply isn’t enough to see it all.

Jet2 Flight from Rome to Birmingham

On our last day in Rome, we took a bus back from Roma Termini to the Fiumicino Airport. We had already checked-in via the Jet2 app and had our boarding passes. So, we just had to drop our baggage off and make our way through the security check. Our flight from Rome to Birmingham experienced a slight delay, but the overall journey remained comfortable. The Jet2 staff kept us well-informed and were attentive throughout. Once on board, the seats were comfortable making it easy to relax. We arrived in Birmingham in good spirits, grateful for the smooth and pleasant flight and the wonderful holiday in Rome. We would definitely visit Rome again to explore even more hidden gems and soak in the unique blend of ancient and modern wonders that this incredible city offers.

Would we travel with Jet2/Jet2holidays again?

Yes, we would definitely travel with Jet2/Jet2holidays again. We had a fantastic holiday in Rome. The package, which included return flights and accommodation, made everything incredibly convenient and stress-free. The flights were comfortable, and the hotel was perfectly located for exploring the city. Jet2's excellent customer service and attention to detail ensured a seamless experience from start to finish. With their reliable and well-organized packages, we could fully enjoy our trip without worrying about the logistics, making it a truly memorable vacation.
 

 

We would love to hear your thoughts on Rome, travelling with Jet2 or any tips you have on visiting Rome. Use the comments section below to let us know.