A ROMAN HOLIDAY

I was lucky enough to enjoy a short break in Rome last week and I can't recommend this time of year enough for visiting this beautiful city - which is one of my favourites in the world. I have been a number of times before, the last being in July 2015 when it was so so hot that we had to really time our excursions to miss the heat of the afternoon.  No such problem in late March, it was just perfect weather for a city break... fine to sit out and watch the world go by, and ideal for walking, walking, walking.

We stayed at a lovely apartment on the Via dei Cappellari, booked through Booking.com called the Rome as you feel - Cappellari apartment  It is near the Campo di Fiori and made a great base for visiting all the major attractions.  This is a really vibrant and lively area with a strong artisan vibe and a medieval feel to the streets.  

I prefer to book an apartment as I like the freedom that goes with a true home away from home where you don't have the worry of bumping into housekeeping, you can do your own washing, cooking and just blob out when you want.  This apartment was lovely - two bedrooms and bathrooms and with its own small terrace so we could sit out for breakfast before setting off on the tourist trail. 

It was beautifully decorated with lots of unusual artwork and every comfort of home.  There was air-conditioning in each room, which wasn't relevant for us but would be if you visited in the summer months.

Being so near the Campo Di Fiori there are lots of places to eat and there is also a daily market, selling everything from flowers to spices and some amazing shops - so you can easily cater for yourself should you wish to.  Not that we did. 

There are plenty of restaurants on the piazza itself but these tend to be more expensive than others nearby and are not my favourites.  But stopping for a drink and watching the world go by is a must.

On our first day out and about we were heading towards the Trevi Fountain and decided a lunch break was in order.  We just happened to turn a corner into the Piazza Accademia di S. Luca and came across Il Ristoro Dal Patriota with its pretty lace umbrellas over the seats where we enjoyed a pizza - nothing special but not over priced and very tasty.    

Our favourite and most highly recommended eatery was just yards from our apartment and we visited here on two evenings.  The Carbonara was amongst the best I have ever tasted and the service was excellent - friendly and not intrusive. 

Osteria dei Cappellari was evidently the haunt of a lot of locals and I can't think of a better recommendation for any establishment.  The wine was excellent and it was all really reasonably priced.

We were also lucky enough to have this lovely little coffee bar down the same street (via dei Cappellari) where we stopped for breakfast.  A really popular spot and one of the best coffees I have ever had.

Not the normal croissant (cornetto in Italy) but at the recommendation of the owner we had focaccia with ricotta and hazelnut spread.  Delicious. As it was on our street we walked past it a number of times and it was always buzzing, particularly at lunchtime.

Another place we visited a couple of times was the Tucci Ristorante on Piazza Navona.  As one of the top tourist destinations this was never going to be a budget option but I must say it was really good - good food, good value and good service.  And if you like Tartufo - well this is the place to go.  Great for people watching as well.

There will be another blog on Rome soon - such a fantastic place there's just too much to saY!