Rome by Motorhome – Three Days Between Colosseum, Termini and City Highlights

Cristina, Zuky, Cristina’s dog Mandy and I began our Italian journey from Alicante, driving to Barcelona with the motorhome before boarding the ferry to Italy. After our stop in Peñíscola, we continued to Barcelona and took the ferry to Civitavecchia. Around 23 hours later we arrived in Italy and settled into a motorhome site close to both a tram line and a metro station — the perfect setup to explore Rome without moving the vehicle.

Our first impressions centered around the area near Roma Termini. The neighborhood feels somewhat rough in certain corners; at night we would personally avoid long walks there. That said, this is typical for many major European cities. During the day, however, the district reveals wide shopping streets, impressive historic façades and a vibrant urban atmosphere. What truly surprised us was the excellent food court inside the station — high-quality Italian street food, fresh, varied and surprisingly authentic.

The second day was dedicated to Rome’s most iconic landmark: the Kolosseum. Standing in front of this monument of world history is overwhelming. Its sheer scale, the architectural brilliance and the weight of nearly two thousand years of history leave you almost speechless. Walking through the surrounding archaeological area, including the Roman Forum and the Arch of Constantine, feels like stepping directly into antiquity. At some point, you become almost saturated by the density of historical impressions.

On the third day, we chose a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus to gain a broader overview of the city. For first-time visitors, this is an efficient way to connect Rome’s major highlights without constantly navigating public transport. We passed landmarks such as the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and Piazza Venezia. We deliberately skipped Vatican City for now — we are saving that for our return journey. Rome demands time. Even spending an entire month here would hardly be enough to absorb all its historical layers, museums, churches and architectural treasures.

From a motorhome perspective, Rome is manageable if you choose a campsite or parking area outside the historic center with strong public transport connections. This significantly reduces stress and avoids inner-city driving restrictions.

With worsening weather forecast for Rome, we are now heading toward the Adriatic coast, where conditions are expected to be better. Six weeks in Italy lie ahead of us — and Rome was only the beginning.

FAQ – Visiting Rome by Motorhome

Is Rome suitable for motorhome travelers?
Yes, provided you stay outside the city center and use public transport to reach the main attractions.

How many days should you plan for Rome?
At least three to four days for an overview. Much longer if you want in-depth exploration.

Is the area around Roma Termini safe?
Generally fine during the day. At night, caution is advisable, as in most major cities.

Rainer Schmitz