On your very first visit to the ancient city, and happen to have just a couple of days to spend there, here are some suggestions. First, make sure you’re in good physical shape and wear sensible walking shoes.

Have a virtual smartphone map, and work out your itinerary in English or other language you prefer. Refer to your schedule as you roam Rome. Consider starting at one of the city’s most famous landmarks, the Trevi Fountain.

Are you seasoned enough to remember that tearjerker 1954 movie, “Three Coins in the Fountain”? Do the traditional gesture with a tossed coin and a silent wish into the sparkling water. If you’re too old to wish for romance, at least wish for a rising stock market and/or lowering medical bills. Also do what the stars did in the 1953 movie, “Roman Holiday”. Take the Audrey Hepburn-Gregory Peck scooter tour of the city, including running up and down the Spanish Steps. Get some great shots of this great landmark in the beautiful city.

Visit the ancient Pantheon, once a temple to Roman gods,  and later a Catholic Church. It exhibits many works of Renaissance art and sculpture. People come from around the world to pray there, including those who show religious passion by crawling across the plaza to the Pantheon on their knees.

On the second day, consider taking a bus excursion to the Vatican. Stand in St. Peter's Square, surrounded by the Basilica and Castel Sant'Angelo. Inside, museum exhibits were breathtaking, with sculpture masterpieces of Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini and others. It is an experience of a lifetime.

A must see is the Sistine Chapel to marvel at Michelangelo’s fantastic ceiling. Remember another classic movie where Michelangelo (Charlton Heston) argued with the Pope (Rex Harrison) in 1965’s “The Agony and the Ecstasy”? Portrayed in beautiful detail and color was how the artist struggled for months to complete the enormous work. And all while flat on his back! 

Of course, there are many, many more sites in Rome to visit, including the Forum and the Colosseum. A colony of well-fed pet cats roam the arena that once featured battles between gladiators and bigger cats. When your visit ends, taking with you great memories, it’ll be a fond arrivederci, Roma!