Rome is one of the world’s greatest cities to visit, but knowing what’s actually worth your time can make or break your trip.
Bookmark the BEST guide to Rome here
Tours mentioned:
• Rome in a Day Tour
• The BEST Vatican Tours
• Colosseum Underground and Arena Floor Tours
Sean and Brandon break…Rome is one of the world’s greatest cities to visit, but knowing what’s actually worth your time can make or break your trip.
Bookmark the BEST guide to Rome here
Tours mentioned:
• Rome in a Day Tour
• The BEST Vatican Tours
• Colosseum Underground and Arena Floor Tours
Sean and Brandon break down the absolute must-see sights in Rome, from the Vatican and Colosseum to the Borghese Gallery, the Pantheon, and the Catacombs. If you’ve ever wondered what’s actually worth your time, how long to spend at each spot, or when to visit to skip the crowds, this episode lays it out clearly. Between travel tips and a few running jokes about Rome’s stereotypes, like tourist-trap restaurants and overcrowded monuments, you’ll come away ready to plan a smooth, smart trip through the Eternal City.
Topics Covered:
• The top sites in Rome and how to plan them over four or five days
• Which attractions truly need a tour and which are great on your own
• The best times of year and times of day to visit each site
• How to avoid the classic tourist mistakes that waste your day
French People ARR. Rude is produced by The Tour Guy, Europe's leading marketplace for tours & experiences.more
Traveli is all about experiences right? Imagine being alone in the Vatican Museums at sunrise, turning on the lights in the Sistine Chapel, or stepping into Florence’s Duomo to view Brunelleschi's dome with a handful of other travelers after hours.
We're discussing recently added VIP experiences a…Traveli is all about experiences right? Imagine being alone in the Vatican Museums at sunrise, turning on the lights in the Sistine Chapel, or stepping into Florence’s Duomo to view Brunelleschi's dome with a handful of other travelers after hours.
We're discussing recently added VIP experiences at some of Italy's most iconic sites with Walks of Italy's Denyse Pantaleo
• Rome - Vatican Key Master's Tour - tour details
• Rome - Alone in the Sistine Chapel - tour details
• Rome - Colosseum Tour with VIP Caesar's Palace - tour details
• Florence - Alone in the Duomo with private terrace access - tour details
• Venice - Alone in St Mark's with Doge's Palace - tour detailsRead the full episode show notes here > untolditaly.com/285
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Join our mailing list and get our FREE Italy trip planning checklist - subscribe here | Join us on tour: Trip schedule | Discover our Trip Planning Services | Visit our online store | Follow: Instagram • Facebook • YouTube • Italy Travel Planning Community • Online travel assistant
The Untold Italy travel podcast is an independent production. Podcast Editing, Audio Production and Website Development by Mark Hatter. Production Assistance and Content Writing by the othermore
What do you get when you mix Vatican politics, mafia secrets, fine art forgery, and a dash of gelato? Award-winning mystery author Michael Balter joins us to share the real-life adventures that inspired his novel The Vatican Deal—a fast-paced thriller set against the backdrop of Rome, Florence, Napl…What do you get when you mix Vatican politics, mafia secrets, fine art forgery, and a dash of gelato? Award-winning mystery author Michael Balter joins us to share the real-life adventures that inspired his novel The Vatican Deal—a fast-paced thriller set against the backdrop of Rome, Florence, Naples, and Capri.
But this episode isn't just about fiction. Michael brings stories from his own globetrotting life: negotiating with the Vatican, almost buying a centuries-old foundry, and getting swept up in the magic (and madness) of Italy's cities. From sipping espresso in ancient coffee shops to exploring iconic landmarks like the Coliseum and Vatican, he gives us both the postcard highlights and the behind-the-scenes grit that most tourists miss.
Also in this episode:
• Why renting a boat in Capri should absolutely be on your bucket list
• The secret to tackling Italy's world-famous museums without hitting a wall of overwhelm
• What to expect on Italy's blazing-fast bullet trains
• Tech tips for navigating Italian culture (and why your smartphone might betray you)
• Gear of the Day: a must-have for your next trip through Italy's cobblestone streets
Whether you're planning a trip, dreaming of one, or just love a good mystery set in a killer location, this episode delivers wanderlust with a side of whodunit.
In the second part of our Rome series, Travel in 10 host David Brodie reconnects with award-winning travel writer Tim Johnson, who shares fresh insights from his recent visit to the Italian capital. From smart tips on navigating the city to unforgettable pasta spots and hotel recommendations, this e…In the second part of our Rome series, Travel in 10 host David Brodie reconnects with award-winning travel writer Tim Johnson, who shares fresh insights from his recent visit to the Italian capital. From smart tips on navigating the city to unforgettable pasta spots and hotel recommendations, this episode focuses on the practicalities of planning a great first trip to Rome—especially if you want to avoid the crowds, find the perfect meal, and stay somewhere memorable.
In This Episode:
Arriving in Rome: What to Know
• Fiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci) Airport is located outside the city—expect a 45+ minute transfer
• Public transit works well but doesn’t reach everywhere due to underground ruins
• Uber operates as a taxi-hailing service; local taxis are plentiful
• Don’t let transit logistics ruin your day—sometimes a cab is worth it
When to Visit
• May and September are ideal: fewer crowds, great weather
• Be mindful of Italian holidays—some local businesses may close in August
• Rome is always busy, but some shoulder-season planning can ease the experience
Where to Eat: Rome’s Food Scene
• Trastevere: A bohemian neighborhood beyond the river, full of narrow laneways and packed with locals and hidden gems
• 50 Kalò di Ciro Salvo: Neapolitan-style pizza, named one of Italy’s best by The New York Times
• Trattoria della Stampa: Small, atmospheric Roman eatery known for its classic pastas: carbonara, cacio e pepe, and amatriciana. Affordable and beloved by locals—reserve ahead!
Where to Stay
• Hotel Hassler: Iconic, family-owned hotel at the top of the Spanish Steps with panoramic views of the Vatican and central Rome
• The Edition Rome: Sleek, modern, design-forward luxury
• St. Regis Rome: Classic elegance with historic character and excellent service
• Waldorf Astoria Rome (Rome Cavalieri): A hillside retreat with resort vibes—perfect for escaping the city buzz
Can’t-Miss Hidden Gems
• Basilica Santa Maria del Popolo: A lesser-known church with two original Caravaggio masterpieces. Open limited hours. Bring a €2 coin to light up the artwork.
• Insider Tip: Ask locals—concierges, tour guides, shopkeepers—for under-the-radar finds. Rome has layers of history and culture waiting to be uncovered.
Explore more at: https://www.voyascape.com
Next up: We head to Lisbon, Portugal, followed by a special guest episode from Paris with Oliver Gee of The Earful Tower. Stay tuned—and don’t forget to send us your travel questions and destination requests.
Note: Some links may be affiliate links. If you book through them, there’s no added cost to you, but it helps support the podcast. Thanks!
Mentioned in this episode:
Check out the Smart Travel Podcast
This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:
Smart Travel Podcast
Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world
This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape.com.
For advertising or sponsorship opportunities across the network, see the link below.
In this first of two special episodes on Rome, Italy, hosts David Brodie & Tim Johnson explore the Eternal City as it stands in 2025—where timeless beauty meets the buzz of modern travel. From the Colosseum to the Vatican, and from hilltop gardens to hidden sovereign territories, this episode offers…In this first of two special episodes on Rome, Italy, hosts David Brodie & Tim Johnson explore the Eternal City as it stands in 2025—where timeless beauty meets the buzz of modern travel. From the Colosseum to the Vatican, and from hilltop gardens to hidden sovereign territories, this episode offers an insightful and entertaining look at how to make the most of your time in Rome, especially if you're visiting during peak season.
In This Episode:
Is Rome Worth Visiting in High Season?
• Why the crowds and heat are worth it—and how to stay cool with tips like filling up at the city’s free nasoni fountains.
Iconic Rome
• Colosseum: Why booking ahead and joining a guided tour transforms your experience
• Trevi Fountain & Spanish Steps: Expect crowds, but don’t skip them—coin tosses and city views await
• Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel: Must-see masterpieces—book timed tickets in advance
• St. Peter’s Basilica: No ticket required, but take time to explore quieter corners for moments of peace
• Keykeeper Tour Tip: Be the first inside the Vatican by joining a private early-morning opening tour
Off-the-Beaten-Path Highlights
• Access Italy’s Golf Cart Tour: A customizable and stylish way to explore the city’s hidden gems
• Giancarlos Beneditti Corcus: A local artist painting in the laneways near Piazza Navona
• Villa Borghese Gardens: Shady paths, scenic views, and quiet cafés—perfect for escaping the crowds
• Knights of St. John (Sovereign Military Order of Malta): A quirky micro-nation in Rome with its own flag, passports, and even UN observer status
How Many Countries Can You Visit in a Day?
• Rome lets you check off three countries in a single day—Italy, Vatican City, and (unofficially) the Sovereign Military Order of Malta
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voyascapemedia
Watch more travel content on our Voyascape YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@voyascape
Discover more travel tips at https://www.voyascape.com
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll cover where to stay, what to eat, and how to get around the Eternal City.
Note: Some upcoming links may be affiliate links. If you book using them, there's no additional cost, but a small portion helps support this podcast. Grazie!
Mentioned in this episode:
Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world
This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape.com.
For advertising or sponsorship opportunities across the network, see the link below.
Voyascape Podcast Network
Check out the Smart Travel Podcast
This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:
Vatican City: Papal Power, Secret Walls, and Why It’s a Country
👉 For all show notes & recommendations👉 To book the best Vatican tours👉 For tips on how to visit the Vatican without waiting in line
What does it mean for a religion to run a country? In this episode of French People Arr. …Vatican City: Papal Power, Secret Walls, and Why It’s a Country
👉 For all show notes & recommendations👉 To book the best Vatican tours👉 For tips on how to visit the Vatican without waiting in line
What does it mean for a religion to run a country? In this episode of French People Arr. Rude, Sean and Brandon dig into how and why the Vatican exists as the world’s smallest country. From Saint Peter’s upside-down crucifixion to Mussolini’s backroom deals, they cover the weird, wild journey from underground religion to global spiritual powerhouse.
You’ll learn why Saint Peter’s Basilica was built over a grave, how a forged document gave the pope an army, and why the Swiss Guards party like it’s 1527. Along the way, we tackle secret archives, monarchic loopholes, papal elections, and what it means when one man holds absolute power—over both a microstate and your afterlife.
It’s part roast, part religion lesson, and full of deep Vatican lore, including who really owns the churches in Rome, what the Holy See actually is, and how the pope doubles as a king. If you’ve ever wondered how a city became a sovereign state, or what the Swiss Guard is doing in a bar at 9:45 PM, this one’s for you.
Stuff We Talk About:
• The death of Saint Peter and Constantine’s prophecy flex
• Papal nepotism and the birth of “the Pope King”
• Mussolini’s Vatican deal and its modern-day impact
• Vatican passports, .va domains, and the world’s smallest jail
• What’s actually inside the Vatican’s Secret Archives
👉 For all show notes & recommendations👉 To book the best Vatican & Rome tours
In this episode, we break down all the chaos and changes happening in Rome and what they mean for travelers heading to Europe in 2025. With a new American pope, a record-breaking…New Pope, New Roads, New Problems
👉 For all show notes & recommendations👉 To book the best Vatican & Rome tours
In this episode, we break down all the chaos and changes happening in Rome and what they mean for travelers heading to Europe in 2025. With a new American pope, a record-breaking Jubilee year, and a brand-new EU visa requirement, it’s safe to say Rome (and the rest of Europe) is not business as usual. We’re joined by travel expert Angel Castellanos, who just completed the Jubilee pilgrimage and shares insider tips on avoiding the insane 10-football-field-long lines, visiting the pope’s new tomb, and navigating the Vatican like a pro. Whether you’re a first-timer or returning visitor, this is the episode you need before booking your 2025 trip.
Rome 2025 Travel Updates:
• What the heck is the Jubilee year, and why does it matter?
• Why Rome looks cleaner, shinier, and weirder than ever
• Hot priests, holy doors, and hearts of dead popes (yes, really)
• How to avoid tourist traps and traffic chaos in 2025 Rome
📺 Watch Our YouTube Guides:How to Visit the Vatican in 2025more
We went to Rome, Italy and we’re sharing the must-see highlights and attractions! We share all the attractions, what is worth the entrance fee, and how to see and do it all with just a few days.
Highlights of the City Include:
• Trevi Fountain
• Spanish Steps
• Colosseum
• Roman Forum
• Palatine H…We went to Rome, Italy and we’re sharing the must-see highlights and attractions! We share all the attractions, what is worth the entrance fee, and how to see and do it all with just a few days.
Highlights of the City Include:
• Trevi Fountain
• Spanish Steps
• Colosseum
• Roman Forum
• Palatine Hill
• Vatican City
• Vatican Museums
• Sistine Chapel
• St. Peter's Basilica & Dome
• Scavi Tour
• Pantheon If you want to take this exact trip, you can download our Rome Itinerary. The Rome itinerary gives travel tips, restaurant and hotel recommendations, links to every activity we booked, packing list, and a day by day itinerary for you to follow. You can also book the same tours we did and hotels we stayed in:
• Augusta Lucilla Palace (Hotel near Termini Station)
• Pantheon Skip the Line Tickets
• Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel Skip the Line Tickets
• Colosseum Underground, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill (Brittanie's favorite tour)
• St Peter's Basilica & Dome: Guided Tour
Check out our Rome Viator Experiences for all activities we recommend and even some that we wanted to do but couldn't get to.
If you're looking for a flight deal to Rome, we recommend signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium to get daily flight deals (points & cash) emailed directly to you!
Connect: YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram and contact us at [email protected] to submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising. Submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising.more
On this episode of Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast, the boys treat the ancient aqueducts like a flume ride and splash right into Rome! Kiernan and Ryan talk Emperors, SPQR, why columns make the best decor, plus just a touch of new Pope speculation.
Our episode on Vatican City:
https://outofofficepo…On this episode of Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast, the boys treat the ancient aqueducts like a flume ride and splash right into Rome! Kiernan and Ryan talk Emperors, SPQR, why columns make the best decor, plus just a touch of new Pope speculation.
Our episode on Vatican City:
https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-197-vatican-city/
On this episode of Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast, the boys Catholic out hard. In celebration of Lent, "Conclave," and a Catholic Jubilee Year, Kiernan talks us through the top sites to see in Vatican City. Rome is expecting 32M visitors this year, and now each and every one can listen to Out of Of…On this episode of Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast, the boys Catholic out hard. In celebration of Lent, "Conclave," and a Catholic Jubilee Year, Kiernan talks us through the top sites to see in Vatican City. Rome is expecting 32M visitors this year, and now each and every one can listen to Out of Office!
The "world's leading snowman expert" joins Rick to explore the somewhat dark — and certainly cold — origins of the tradition of building snowmen, and what Frosty and his ilk have come to mean across different societies. Then two Rome-based tour guides unpack some of the cultural treasures crammed in…The "world's leading snowman expert" joins Rick to explore the somewhat dark — and certainly cold — origins of the tradition of building snowmen, and what Frosty and his ilk have come to mean across different societies. Then two Rome-based tour guides unpack some of the cultural treasures crammed into the world's tiniest country, while sharing tips and secrets for a successful visit to Vatican City amid the Jubilee-year pilgrimage that's sure to keep the city packed throughout 2025. And to welcome the new year, two France experts raise a glass to Champagne — both the bubbly and its region of origin — before Scottish tour guides revel in describing the lively New Year's Eve traditions they observe in Edinburgh as "Hogmanay."more
Thinking of traveling to Italy in 2025. Make sure to tune in and hear all about what to expect when you visit Rome and beyond during the Vatican Jubilee year. Many pilgrims are expected to visit Rome throughout the year so we give you tips and advice for navigating this busy time for travelers to th…Thinking of traveling to Italy in 2025. Make sure to tune in and hear all about what to expect when you visit Rome and beyond during the Vatican Jubilee year. Many pilgrims are expected to visit Rome throughout the year so we give you tips and advice for navigating this busy time for travelers to the Eternal City.
Read the full episode show notes here > untolditaly.com/230
Support the show
Join our mailing list and get our FREE Italy trip planning checklist - subscribe here | Join us on tour: Trip schedule | Discover our Trip Planning Services | Visit our online store | Follow: Instagram • Facebook • YouTube • Italy Travel Planning Community
The Untold Italy travel podcast is an independent production. Podcast Editing, Audio Production and Website Development by Mark Hatter. Production Assistance and Content Writing by the other Katie Clarke - yes there are two of us!
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The Untold Italy travel podcast is an independent production. Podcast editing and audio production by Mark Hatter. Production assistance by the othermore
