A whole day must be dedicated to the Roman Forum, and definitely stay for sunset -- it will melt your heart to see a thousand years of history colored light pink. Make reservations for the Jewish Synagogue, and plan on stopping by Il Forno del Ghetto to taste the “Pizza de Piazza,” a Roman-Jewish specialty that will fill you up, at least until you taste the carciofi alla giudea at Giggetto al Portico D`Ottavia, one of the most well known Roman-Jewish restaurants.
Of course, you must visit the Vatican Museum and Saint Peter’s Basilica, if not for religious beliefs, then for the history. Also, climb up on top of the dome to see Rome kneeling before you.
By night, grab a beer in Piazza Campo dei Fiori and walk around the ancient city center -- Piazza Navona, Piazza Venezia, Via del Corso, and the Pantheon -- until the crack of dawn, and then Via Barletta for some freshly backed croissant.
The icing on the cake is seeing the opera at the ancient Thermal Bath of Emperor Caracalla in the summer time, after, of course, un piatto di spaghetti Cacio e Pepe (one of the yummiest Roman dishes) at the Trattoria dell` Angelo.
Where to Stay: Unfortunately, there are no campsites near Grotti, so seek out a cheap room in Rieti by visiting hostelworld.com.
Suggested Guide: For information on Grotti and Soriano contact Ecole Verticale, Rome, at coleverticale@hotmail.com.
Also, for Grotti, consult Arrampicare in Abruzzo, by Sergio Di Renzo.
