ROME, ITALY
Rome, the city of seven hills, enjoyed a mythic beginning. Romulus and Remus — twin brothers who were nursed by a she-wolf and fathered by a war god — reportedly founded the Eternal City. And although historians are a little skeptical about this epic entry into the world, most travelers are absolutely certain that there is something magical about Rome. To properly enjoy your time, start your morning with a cappuccino and cornetto in a small cafe. Spend the day exploring or people-watching, then enjoy some of Rome’s famous street food for lunch. In the evening, join the locals and try a traditional drink, followed by a leisurely dinner in a trattoria. Then, end the night with a nice stroll through the cobblestone streets and take in the city’s monuments under the light of the moon and stars.
CLIMATE
Rome enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot, dry summers. January is the coldest month in Rome, and July and August the warmest. The weather in Rome during summer (June to August) can be uncomfortably hot, with temperatures often exceeding 95°F (35°C) at midday, and locals tend to close up their businesses during August. Winter (December to February) is mild, with the average temperature in December hovering around 55°F (13°C). Heavy snowfall is rare but almost every winter there are light snow flurries in the city. Rain showers are possible any time of year but the drizzle is seldom very disruptive to visitors. The best time to travel to Rome is in the springtime, between March and May, when skies are blue and the weather warm. Autumn is also considered peak tourist season, as the months of September and October are very pleasant.
EXPERIENCES AND ADVENTURES
CULTURE
Italian culture is steeped in the arts, family, architecture, music and food. Home of the Roman Empire and a major center of the Renaissance, culture on the Italian peninsula has flourished for centuries.
LANGUAGE
The official language of the country is Italian. About 93 percent of the Italian population speaks Italian as native language.
CURRENCY
The euro is the main unit of currency in Italy