Are you planning on being in Rome in April?

Plan your trip ahead of time.
Every year numerous people travel to the Vatican to partake in the Easter celebrations presided over by the Pope. The celebrations commence with the Blessing of the Palms, Procession and Mass on Palm Sunday in Saint Peter's Square and continue throughout the week and into the weekend. Good Friday begins with A Celebration of the Lord's Passion in the Vatican Basilica, followed by Way of the Cross in the Colosseum. Holy Saturday marks the inception of the Easter Vigil in the Holy Night at the Vatican Basilica, and finally, on Easter Sunday, thousands of faithfuls go to Saint Peter's Square for Mass, which Holy Father Benedict XVI now presides.

Although this is very religious time and some of Rome may be hibernating, there is still much you can experience off the beaten trail. If the Vatican and Colosseum are too crowded for your liking during this time, you can venture over to the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain, and take in more of the backstreet markets Rome has to offer. If you want to get out of the city, take a trip just outside of Rome and visit Assisi. You can take a tour, in either English or Italian, of both the Upper and Lower Basilicas, and hear the entire Giotto fresco cycle depicting the Life and Miracles of St. Francis.

So when you aren't taking in the beautiful Easter celebrations, explore a bit, even if you venture beyond Rome's borders. For other travel and tour ideas within Rome or Italy, visit Tourcaster.