Spring into Summer in Rome
Primavera! A fine time to walk around the city of Rome, enjoy the lovely air and wonderful sites. Whether using the latest smartphone "app" or a tried and true guide book, walking is the best way to discover the many treasures Rome has to offer. Spring and early summer is prime time in Rome for outside concerts, open air dining, sporting events, film festivals, and traditional celebrations. This year is no exception, in fact it will be busier than ever in May, so don't wait too long to make your reservations.
Here are a few events to mark your calendar:
Santo Subito! - "Sainthood Immediately"! This chant, started 5 years ago at the funeral of Pope John Paul II, becomes a reality on May 1 as his beatification takes place. The cermony is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of pilgrims to Rome, and Pope Benedict XVI will preside.
Rome Tennis Masters - Parco del Foro Italico-April 24-May 8
New Vatican Guard - May 6th, swearing in for the new guard at the Vatican on the anniversary of the Sacking of Rome.
Corpus Domini - Mid-May, festival when streets are laid with floral carpets in elaborate motifs.
Festa della Republica - First Sunday in June, military parade centers on Via dei Fori Imperiali.
Soccer - throughout June, matches are held at the Stadio Olimpica at Via del Gladiatori in the afternoon
Saints Peter and Paul Day - late June, solemn masses are held at St. Peter's Basilica and elsewhere during this public holiday
Pesaro Film Festival - late June, also known as the International Exhibition of New Cinema, showcasing works of new directors and also old films from many countries.
For more information on all of the above can be found at these two websites
romaturismo or
romeguide
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Rome by Foot
If you are one to walk on your own and still like the feel of a sleek, thin guide book,pick up a copy of Roma a Piedi - "Rome by Foot" at one of the four Bettoja Hotels. These walks were created by the Bettoja family, fifth generation Romans, with their personal comments. Angelo Bettoja, President, says on the opening page "...Here is a series of itineraries to be followed on foot, which will lead you to usual and unusual places. This pamphlet does not pretend to be a complete guide of the city: we only want to present pleasant walks that will help you discover, together with the major sights, some of its lesser known places and monuments". The Roma a Piedi is available in 4 different languages.
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Casa del Jazz beats in the heart of Rome
More than five acres of lovely park surround the Casa del Jazz (Viale di Porta Ardeatino, 58) Formerly Villa Osio owned by Enric Nicoletti, a renowned figure from Rome's underworld. Confiscated by the city, it was earmarked as the future home of Casa del Jazz. It hosts international jazz artists as well as lesser-known musicians. There's an extensive library, archives with recorded concerts, a multi-media room, store and restaurant. Their website
casajazz has the complete story, plus scheduled performers.
Love jazz and romance? Check-out
Tramjazz.
"What could be more romantic than a candlelit dinner on a 1940's tram with Rome's Colosseum and live jazz music as your backdrop?" asked Travel&Leisure Valerie Waterhouse. Drive by historic sites lit up at night while enjoying plates of eggplant lasagna and ricotta. Your traveling companions include a troupe of local musicians. The 2011 schedule has begun - Friday and Saturday nights 9:00 departure from Porta Maggiore, 60E plus 5E agency fee per person. Trip is three hours.
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Kudos for the Mediterraneo
Gary Murphy, Director of Communications of the Los Angeles Opera said on a recent visit, " the suite was absolutely charming with real furniture, rugs, bed and super fab bathroom. We could see and appreciate the care and commitment that goes into maintaining such a gem of a hotel. Needless to say, we will return." The cherry on top...Mediterraneo is only blocks away from the Opera House.
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For more information on Bettoja Hotels,
Please call 800-783-6904
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Get around ancient Rome with modern phone apps!
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If you want a more modern approach to a walking tour, read Mark Schatzer's very interesting article "Get Real" on augmented reality (Conde Nast Traveler, Jan. 11). He tells how he went about trying different travel "apps" in Rome with an iPhone and a Samsung Captivate (He walked more than 25 miles). He relays a mixed report, positive and negative. Some charge a fee and you can run up a substantial bill if you don't investigate before purchasing. He gave the Conde Nast Traveller Rome and Lonely Planet Compass Guide four stars.. One of the best things about an "app" is that you can find restaurants or shops in the area where you are....if you prefer a more scholarly tour, check-out
Contexttravel. These tours are really walking seminars, about three hours each conducted by architects archaeologists and historians. There are tours for The Vatican, The Catacombs and other historic Roman sites.
Hotel News
Bettoja Hotels Expands US Sales Force
"We are excited about broadening our reach in the US community with our new sales team" says Mary Liz Wheelis, US Sales Director. The new team includes Lynn Ferrara in the Atlanta area, Fran Gellar in the Mid-West, Noni Hall in California and Mary Schrage in the northwest.
Need A Lift?
Bettoja Hotels can arrange airport transfers and transfers to the Civitavecchia Cruise harbour.
To and from the airport: (from 7:00 to 10:00 pm)
Sedan Car for 1-3 people, 44E,
Minivan 4-5 people 66E, Minibus 6-8 people, 83E.
Cruise ship transfer for a car, max. 4 people, is 160E.
Please note there is a night supplement of 15%. Just contact any of the hotels or call our 800#.
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