Glad I was able to come here and see this and experience it for myself…read more When I got here there was only a few people ahead of me. I beat the long lines. Unfortunately my iPhone camera did not do this justice!!! The Aventine Keyhole is a famous, small peephole in a large green door on Rome's Aventine Hill, offering a perfectly framed, magical view of St. Peter's Basilica's dome through a tunnel of trees, technically looking across three countries: the Knights of Malta's grounds, Italy, and Vatican City.

Arrive at dawn or be prepared for a long wait for your moment to gaze through the keyhole and see…read morethe perfectly framed dome through a tunnel of greenery. We waited for an hour, chatted, and the time flew by. Another word of advice, there is no need take a picture or video through the keyhole. We watched numerous people kindly offer their electronics a longer turn than their actual eyes! If you scroll through Yelp, or any corner of the internet talking about the Aventine Keyhole, you will see thousands of photos and videos. So, when it's your turn, gaze through, smile at the majesty of what people before you have created, enjoy a lived experience, and take a photo with your loved ones, not keyholes.

It was even better than I thought it would be. Listening to Rick Steves' audio guide ahead of time…read moretotally helped with navigating around the site. I also purchased a very thorough map (Ostia Antica Modern Passion) for a few euros that was recommended at the ticket office. It came in very handy because it's actually quite a long walk, and almost impossible to see everything in 3 hours. This map actually helped in prioritizing the must see sights. Our online ticket timed entry was 9:30am, but you can just purchase it there. There really wasn't a whole lot of people around on a weekday. There's a free public restroom and vending machines with water next to the ticket office. The only other restroom is near the café. Just start on the main road and work your way up. Everything is well marked with interesting facts and descriptions. It was amazing to see the well-preserved buildings and mosaics intact. It didn't seem like that in Pompeii. Then again, this ancient port city had been covered by sand dunes for centuries compared to a pyroclastic flow & ash. It's great that some of the dedication plaques and mosaics have not been unearthed and placed in a museum. Most of them are the originals. The statues and other artifacts are in the museum on site. Do not leave without visiting that museum. It's next door to the café. What I love is that they have steps leading up to viewing points. There was one at the Baths of Neptune and another near the Thermopolium of Via di Diana. Take advantage of these viewing areas. You'll be amazed at what you can see up there. There is one at the Theater overlooking the Plaza of the Guilds, but the theater is currently under renovation or construction. I didn't get that chance, but there is a lovely view of it from the corporate guild as you're walking around that square. It was interesting to look at all the mosaic merchant signs. You can get an idea of what they were selling by the picture & design. I'm not going to ruin it for you. There is so much more to see and write about. It's a must visit in my opinion. Especially if you're into seeing what Roman city life was like back in that time period. There are birds and flowers all over. Mainly just poppies that randomly pop up here and there. It's peaceful & quiet compared to Ancient Rome. I don't think many people know about it. There is a cute café, bookstore, and museum past the warehouses (Horrea) to the right towards the Tiber River. It was a very relaxing time. Check it out if you're staying anywhere near the airport.

Ostia Antica is often suggested as a convenient alternative to Pompeii and without the mass…read morecasualties. And it is both convenient and not tragic. This ancient Roman port city of approximately 50,000 residents has some must see elements, many of which are only found by extensive exploring: Necropolis as you enter Baths of Neptune and amazing mosaic Condo complex Communal toilets Granaries for storage of grain from Alexandria Millstones Tip: it is a huge site; use the bathroom at the entrance before you enter; the only other bathrooms were at the cafe and bookstore Tip: you navigate most of the site on an ancient road; it is very uneven; wear sneakers! Tip: rent the headsets, which provide helpful commentary

It's the Roman theater of Ancient Ostia. What's not to love?…read more It was built by Agrippa under the reign of Augustus back in the 1st century BC. It was rededicated after it was expanded to 4000 seats in 196 AD. It was the work of Septimius Severus and Caracalla that prompted the rededication per the inscription on the plaque on the theater that still exists today. We weren't able to step inside or step up to the viewing area due to construction and/or restoration. I'm assuming they are fixing the crumbling steps since it's currently used as an amphitheater-type concert venue. I think it would be cool to visit it in the evening as a spectator in a venue. The theater was built to be a part of a corporate complex called Piazzale delle Corporazione. The theater is prominently displayed as you're walking through the square. This is where you can get great photo opportunities during its restoration. We enjoyed our visit here. It's a great way to actually see ancient Roman city life and imagine what is was like in that century.

Rome's OG Netflix. This semi-circular masterpiece could once seat up to 4,000 people, all crammed…read morein to laugh, cry, and judge each other in togas. Now it mostly hosts echoes and pigeons, but if you're lucky, you might catch a confused tourist trying to re-enact Julius Caesar. It was built by Agrippa (yes, that Agrippa--Augustus' bestie) in the 1st century BCE. Still more structurally sound than some 21st-century buildings. She's undergoing a little restoration. Amazing!

Kelly is incredible! And her sketching tour is not to miss when in Rome. My husband and I took a…read moreprivate 3 hour sketching class/tour with Kelly in a beautiful Roman park. Kelly quickly put us at ease about our skill level and in no time got the best out of both of us. We loved trying our art in pencil, pen and watercolor - and the travel sketch kit Kelly provided is terrific!! A definite highlight of an amazing 5 days in Rome. Take the time and go sketch with Kelly!!

From the owner: We guide you in learning techniques to keeping your own sketchbook journal here in Rome…read more Not just for artists and no experience necessary, we give you your own sketch kit and spend 3 hours working together in an off the beaten path location here in Rome. You will have the opportunity to learn sketching in pen, pencil and watercolor and to take your kit with you along in your travels. For familes, couples, artists and solo travelers alike, Sketching Rome Tours is a fun and unique way to capture your own personal Rome.