Abu Dhabi to Rome Flights

  About Abu Dhabi

While Abu Dhabi is not exactly a tourist destination when compared to Dubai, it is definitely a place where you can go just to relax and feel rejuvenated. Abu Dhabi is also the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Even though Dubai is considered as a more happening place, Abu Dhabi also has a certain charm to it. The Ferrari World is one of the major highlights and tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi. Not only will you get to see a lot of Ferraris, but you can even drive them to get a glimpse in the life of a race car driver. The city also has waterparks for everyone who is planning a vacation to the capital of the UAE with their family or group of friends. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is not only beautiful, but it is also a marvellous piece of art architecturally. It is also a safe place for solo female travellers. You will find a lot of malls, too, to satisfy the shopaholic in you.

Best Time to Visit Abu Dhabi

November to March is an ideal time to visit Abu Dhabi since it is winter and the weather remains quite pleasant. It is the best time for you to go sightseeing. Since it is also a peak season in Abu Dhabi, you might even get a good deal on flights to Abu Dhabi during this time if you book well in advance. Make sure you also book your hotel in Abu Dhabi in advance since the prices tend to increase in winter. Since this is high season, you will find a lot of tourists in the city. You will also get to go sightseeing without feeling all dehydrated. This is also the best time for you to hit the beach and spend some time there. If you are travelling in March, you can attend the Abu Dhabi Festival or the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon.

The temperature ranges from 19 to 42 degree Celsius from April to October. While April and May are pleasant because of Spring, the months following May get hot, hotter and hottest. Hotel prices do stop dropping April onwards. For all the book lovers, you can attend the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair in April and May. The temperature increases considerably in June till August, but if you just want to be by the pool or indulge in expensive spa treatments and pamper yourself, you can plan a trip during these months. The hotel prices also drop a lot during these months since the city does not have a lot of tourists. It also rains inconsistently during these months, which might put a damper on your sightseeing plans. The temperature starts dropping during September and October since it is the end of summer. This is also one of the best times to head to Abu Dhabi if you want to attend the Abu Dhabi Film Festival, the Emirates International Date Palm Festival or the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Places to Visit in Abu Dhabi

Yas Mall at Yas Island and Marina Mall is the most popular malls in Abu Dhabi for tourists. The Ferrari World is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city and quite the luxurious ones, too. You also get to drive one of the cars to experience what it is like to be an F1 driver. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the two mosques in UAE that is open to non-Muslims, too. It is also one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in the country. Abu Dhabi does not deprive you of the beach fun that you might want. You can head to the Saadiyat Public Beach or the Corniche. You can also visit Al Lulu Island to indulge in beach and water activities. It is another tourist destination in Abu Dhabi that is quite popular. You can attend free concerts at Corniche or just enjoy the sunset by the beach with a cup of ice cream. You can also book a hotel in Abu Dhabi in Corniche and stay here for a couple of days.

While you are in Abu Dhabi, you might also want to stay at the Empire Palace for a night or two. Even if you are not, the resort is open for non-guests to book spa treatments here and indulge in a traditional hammam experience. Not to mention, you might also want to put on your fanciest outfit here. You can also head for a desert safari on a jeep or try any of the other desert tours arranged by tour companies here. It is one of the major highlights of Abu Dhabi. Head over to the Emirates Park Zoo with your family, and you'll get to see over 1700 animals here. The zoo is home to lions, cheetahs, Siberian bears, white tigers and so on. You can also have breakfast with giraffes and parrots here. Another lovely tourist attraction is the Warner Bros World. It is a fun theme park that has rides like The Joker Funhouse, Tom and Jerry: Swiss Cheese Spin, The Scooby-Doo: Museum of Mysteries and so on. You can also visit the Al Jahili Fort and Heritage Village in Abu Dhabi.

Things to do in Abu Dhabi

Sightseeing is one of the major tourist activities in the city. You can go to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to know more about the culture and to admire the sheer architecture of the mosque. You can also spend a day shopping at some of the best malls in Abu Dhabi. If you are travelling during the sale, you might even get to buy a lot of high-end fashion products at an affordable price. Visit the Emirates Palace. If you are not staying at the majestic resort, you can still indulge in self-pampering spa treatments and a relaxing hammam (a Turkish bath). You can also indulge in water and beach activities at Corniche. Going on a desert safari is another popular activity that tourists in Abu Dhabi take up. Spend a day at Ferrari World and take lots of pictures, too.

Food and Restaurants in Abu Dhabi

Like Dubai, you will find a variety of cuisine in Abu Dhabi, too. Be it Indian cuisine or Mexican, Korean, Chinese, or even Russian food, and you will find whatever you feel like eating here. However, trying out the local food is a must to complete your holiday experience at Abu Dhabi. Some of the important ingredients include the famous Middle Eastern spices like cinnamon, saffron, turmeric and cardamom. Cuisines made of chickpeas are also quite popular in Abu Dhabi. If you want to grab a bite as soon as you land, before you head to your hotel, you can go to Madang Korean Restaurant which is near Terminal 2. Cabana Beach Bar and Grill at Corniche is a popular place to have healthy food or European cuisine. You can also head to The Terrace On The Corniche or Kuzbara for authentic Middle Eastern food. Khayal Restaurant is popular for its variety of cuisines. It offers Japanese, Arabic, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Asian food in its menu. Treat yourself to delicious burgers and shakes at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes at Yas Mall. Hoi An is an interesting place to head to if you want to try out Vietnamese or other Asian food. The service is great, so is the ambience. Dino's Bistro Italiano and Villa Toscana are known for their expertise in Italian cuisine. In fact, at Villa Tuscana, you can also choose between the Mediterranean, Tuscan and European food. Desert Lotus Thai Bisto & Sushi has the best Thai food in the city, and you will simply love the sushi here. If you want to try authentic Indian food, you can head to Punjab Grill at The Ritz-Carlton Grand Canal.

How to reach Abu Dhabi (Transportation)

The Abu Dhabi International Airport is the second busiest airport in the United Arab Emirates. The flight connectivity from Abu Dhabi to other cities and countries is excellent. There are a few direct flights to Abu Dhabi from India on a daily basis, and it takes about 3 to 4 hours only to reach. While you might choose Etihad Airways or Emirates to fly to the Middle East, other airlines like GoAir, British Airways, Gulf Air, Qatar Airways, Srilankan Airlines frequently fly to and from Abu Dhabi. The airport is only 30 km from the main city, and it is quite easy to get a taxi service from the airport to your hotel. Abu Dhabi International Airport is quite a luxe with a lot of facilities. It has airport lounges, premium spa facilities, sleeping pods, children's play area, shopping areas and a lot of international dining options. You will certainly not get bored if at all if you have to wait for a few more hours to board your flight. If you are travelling by Etihad, they also have premium lounges and spa facilities for their passengers at the airport.

  About Rome

Rome is one of the most mythical cities in Italy and like paradise for everyone who loves history, art and architecture. From breathtaking monuments and buildings to beautiful pieces of art, Rome is a city you must visit at least once in your life. Some of the major highlights of the city are the Colosseum, Roman churches and Vatican City. While Rome has embraced the modern way of living, it has also maintained its rich history and culture. You will find a lot of modern hotels and infrastructure in a city that also has structures that date back to the Renaissance period. Not to mention, Roman cuisine is yet another reason for you to plan a trip to Rome. Even though you will find yourself occasionally hogging on Italian cuisine, you will not have to worry about it being unhealthy at all. Almost all Italian cuisines are healthy and balanced. You can club your meal with a glass of wine, too. Go for a walk after your meal and not only will you explore the city with a different perspective, but you will also lose all the extra weight you might have put on.

Best Time to Visit Rome

Summer is peak season in Rome, and a lot of tourists choose to travel to Rome during this season. June to August is when the city experiences summer. The flight tickets to Rome can get pretty expensive in summer since it is high season. You might also want to book your hotel in Rome way in advance to get a good deal. It is advisable to make your reservations at least six months in advance because getting a decent hotel at the last moment will be quite tough. The temperature ranges from 15 to 30 degree Celsius, and if you prefer holidaying without bumping into a lot of tourists, it is recommended that you travel during another season. However, a lot of tourist attractions will be open in summer, and you might even make a lot of friends while you are here. You can attend events like Rock in Roma, Festa dei Noantri and Cosmophonies. However, be ready to wait in long queues at most tourist attractions.

The weather gets considerably pleasant in September, and since the tourist buzz also reduces during this time, it becomes a decent time to consider flying to Rome. Not to mention, you can also catch the White Night of Rome that happens this month. It started as an initiative to promote tourism and ended up becoming a regular every year. The city is alive and buzzing all night with performances, street shopping and a lot of fun activities for tourists. It might not be the most popular time of the year to visit Rome, but it isn't a bad one to consider, too.

You can also explore the city on your own without the hustle and bustle of tourists, October to April is the ideal time to do that. Rome experiences the coldest winter during these months, and it is not a very popular time to visit the city. Not only will you get cheap flight tickets to Rome, but you can also book a hotel in Rome without burning a hole in your pocket. The temperature ranges between 7 to 18 degree Celsius, though it drops to 3 degree Celsius in January and February. There are not a lot of events for you to attend during this month, but you can always be a part of the Christmas celebrations in the city. You are pretty close to the Vatican so brace yourself for a grand and divine celebration in December.

Places to Visit in Rome

The Colosseum is one of the seven wonders of the world and an important part of Rome's tourism. It is a part of the seven wonders of the world for a lot of reasons. It took a span of 10 years to complete the construction of the Colosseum. Roman Emperor Vespasian initiated the project in 69 AD which was taken over by his son, Titus, after his death. The structure was completed and opened to the public by the 80 AD. It was majorly built to host games and other forms of entertainment meant for the royal family as well as the public. If you opt for a guided tour, you will know more about the structure than you might sans the guide. The Pantheon temple is yet another major tourist attraction in Rome. It is about 2000 years old and is one of the Roman monuments that has been preserved really well. The temple was built in 27 BC by Agrippa, who was the right hand to Emperor Augustus but was burnt down in 80 AD. It was rebuilt in 120 AD and was used as a temple by Romans till 609 AD before it was declared as a church by Pope Boniface IV. The church is also the burial place of a lot of important personalities in Roman history like Victor Emmanuel II, Umberto I and his wife, etc.

St Peter's Basilica is the largest church in Vatican City, and it is believed that this is where Saint Peter was buried. It is one of the most stunning architectural features of the Renaissance period in Rome. It is also one of the most beautiful churches in the world. The Trevi Fountain is another tourist spot that comes with its own share of history and beliefs. It is believed that if you throw a coin in the fountain with your right hand over the left shoulder, you will visit the city again. It is also believed that if you throw two coins, you will find love and three coins will help you marry the love of your life. The coins that are collected from the fountain are given to charity. You can also visit the art museums in the city to get a glimpse of some exquisite paintings by renowned artists. The Porta Portese flea market is where you head to if you feel like going on a shopping spree on a Monday morning.

Things to do in Rome

Sightseeing is one of the popularly taken up activities in Rome. If you are well-versed with the history of the city, you will not need a guide, but if you aren't, it is highly recommended that you get one. You can also visit the museums and art galleries in Rome if you are an art lover. Rome is also home to a lot of churches that offer you the most breathtaking views inside out. The city is an architectural marvel, and you will only get to experience it when you visit it. While it is quite easy to get around the city using taxis or public transport, you can also take a walk to explore the city and admire the wonderful buildings. The cobblestone streets and narrow roads will only make your experience splendid and worth every penny spent.

Food and Restaurants in Rome

There are a lot of restaurants in Rome that have recipes passed on from generations, making them a special place to visit. Be its kinds of pasta and pizzas to delicious desserts, Rome has everything that will suit your taste buds. Enoteca il Goccetto, Trimani Enoteca and Cul De Sac are some of the popular places to head to for some excellent wine. You will also find Michelin-rated restaurants in the city in addition to the quaint cafes and other restaurants. Casa Manco, Pane e Salame are few restaurants that serve the best pizza and sandwiches respectively. You can even opt for a food tour where you can go to food tasting. Make sure you also sign up for a cooking class and try to recreate some of the best Italian cuisines. Mizio's Street Food is famous for its Italian and Mediterranean cuisines. Two Sizes- Tiramisu in Rome is another popular eatery and cafe in Rome that you must try. Cipasso Vineria Bistrot is a popular restaurant that also has a wine bar.

How to reach Rome (Transportation)

Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport is one of the major airports in Italy. The flight connectivity to Rome from India is excellent. There are a lot of direct flights to Rome from India. Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines, Vistara are some of the major airlines that fly to Rome daily. It takes about a 13 to 15 hours flight journey to reach Rome if you take a direct flight. If you book during the offseason, you might get interesting flight deals to Rome online. The airport also has well-equipped services for passengers like a duty-free shopping area, restaurants, lounges, prayer room, nursery, smoking area, WiFi, restaurants, currency exchange and so on. You will also get taxis or buses from the airport to your hotel easily. Make sure you save your shopping spree at the duty-free stores for when you are leaving from Rome since you will also shop a great deal during your trip to the city.

  About Abu Dhabi Airport

Abu Dhabi International Airport is the only airport in Emirates of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, to cater to international flights and airlines. After Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi International Airport is the second largest in UAE, which can accommodate 20 million passengers. The airport has three operational terminals for passengers. It is sprawled across 8,500 acres of land and provides services to over 30 airlines which fly to over 120 destinations. The airport is primarily the hub for Etihad Airways, which is also UAE's second flag carrier airline, after Emirates. The airport sees tremendous air traffic and passenger traffic for being a hub city and the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

About Airport Terminals

The airport has three terminals in total. Terminal 1 is the oldest building at the Abu Dhabi International Airport. The terminal features arrivals and departure areas with nine gates and jetbridges. The airport also has check-in and arrivals equipped in a separate location that is connected to the building. Terminal 2 is comparatively new and located on the east side of Terminal 1. There are 19 check-in counters along with two baggage claim conveyor belts. It mainly caters to low-cost carriers only. Terminal 3 is fairly new from the other two terminals and has the capacity to hold bigger flights, including Airbus A380s that are flown by Etihad Airways.

About Airport Authority

Abu Dhabi International Airport is currently operated by Abu Dhabi Airports Company, which came into existence in 2006. ADAC has since offered a plethora of services to the aviation industry and Abu Dhabi airports. Along with Abu Dhabi International Airport, the organization also caters to managing Al Bateen Executive Airport, Al Ain International Airport, Sir Bani Airport and Dalma Airport.

Top airlines flying from Abu Dhabi International Airport

Abu Dhabi sees tremendous passenger traffic from Indian cities and hence, accommodates flights from an Indian airline. Some of the airlines that operate from Abu Dhabi International Airport are Air India, Air India Express, GoAir and IndiGo.

In terms of international airlines, the ones that operate from Abu Dhabi International Airport include, AnadoluJet, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, British Airways, EgyptAir, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, KLM, Kuwait Airways, Oman Air, Pakistan International Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Saudia, SriLankan, Turkish Airlines and Turkmenistan Airlines.

Facilities at Abu Dhabi International Airport

WiFi - You can connect to the airport's free wireless network. All you would need to do is to follow some steps to get access to Abu Dhabi International Airport's WiFi connection. Plus, there are internet kiosks available for free. At the departure terminals, you can find about 50 internet kiosks. It is free of cost so you can simply just go over to the kiosk and use the facility. Airport lounges also have wireless connections that you can avail.

ATM and foreign exchange - The airport has many ATMs and foreign-exchange booths available at regular intervals. There are about 16 currency exchange facilities that are present at Abu Dhabi International Airport. There are local banks also present at the airport where you can make transfers and deposits along with cash withdrawals. The prices are also quite reasonable for foreign exchange. A dedicated agency, Travelex, is available at the airport.

Medical services - Abu Dhabi International Airport is also equipped to take care of medical emergencies that take place at the premise. There is a 24-hour clinic to ensure that medical services are available at all times. There is also a paramedic with an ambulance which will take the emergency case to the nearest local hospital. The information desk and 'May I Help You' counters will assist you with this service. Plus, the airport also has pharmacies installed at regular intervals.

Smoking zones - All terminals at Abu Dhabi International Airport are non-smoking buildings. Hence, there are specific smoking zones that have been installed. Smoothing lounges and booths are located in each terminal and are enclosed. The booths also have good air quality that you can enjoy while you smoke a cigarette.

Multi-faith room - Separate prayer rooms have been installed for men and women at Abu Dhabi International Airport. They are present at all terminals of the airport. Intending to value diverse faith, the airport has ensured to have multi-faith rooms at all levels of the terminals. Wheelchairs are also accessible at the prayer rooms.

Airport lounges - Overall, Abu Dhabi International Airport has six airport lounges. In fact, four of the airport lounges are actually owned by Etihad Airways. While terminal 1 has Al Reem Lounge, Al Dhabi Lounge, Etihad Premium Lounge, Terminal 3 houses Etihad First Class Lounge and Spa, Etihad Premium Lounge and Etihad US Premium Lounge. These lounge experiences are one of a kind. Not to mention how the airport also has a dedicated Etihad Arrivals Lounge as well for international travellers. The facilities at the lounge are top-notch with exceptional services and hospitality.

Airport hotels - An in-house hotel is also available at Abu Dhabi International Airport. You can visit Aerotel to benefit from their world-class facilities and to unwind. The hotel is located in Terminal 1 and has been aesthetically designed to please the senses of international travellers. Premier Inn Hotel is also present within the airport premise that you can check out. Premier Inn is also very convenient and recognized for its high standards with respect to providing quality services with modern amenities.

Baggage services - The airport offers a plethora of baggage services ranging from wrapping to storage. In case you need to save your luggage from possibilities of theft and mishandling, you can get them wrapped in plastic. Further, on the same, you can also seal your baggage to prevent them from external damages. You can ship your luggage to a delivery address too instead of going yourself. There are storage facilities also available at the airport where you can keep your luggage, especially if it's a layover or if you need to spend time at the airport before the next flight.

Spa - There are two spas available at the airport's premise. Six Senses Spa is located within the Etihad Diamond First and Pearl Business Class lounges. Meanwhile, TOSA Spa, an award-winning spa chain of the Middle East, Maldives and India, is also available at the airport's Terminal 1. You can avail a string of services from the spas for relaxation. Body massage and other treatments are also there with separate rooms for women and men. Along with this, they also have separate changing rooms for men and women.

Special assistance - The airport caters to special assistance services that travellers require. This includes helping out passengers with reduced mobility and to take care of their trolleys, among a few. You can speak with your airlines in advance to book special assistance. The trained staff will help you through the process and even enable a comfortable experience at Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Nursing stations - For all the parents who are travelling with infants and young babies, there are dedicated nursing stations available at all terminals. There are entertainment decks for kids as well as nursing rooms for new mothers with infants. Plus, the rooms are sanitized and kept in a hygienic condition.

How to reach Abu Dhabi International Airport

Public transport

One of the best things about the airport is its facilities that enable direct connections to the city centre. If you need to reach Abu Dhabi International Airport, you can always take a bus as it is economical and convenient. The air-conditioned buses are available from the bus stop to within the city. You can find the stops outside Terminals 1, 2 and 3. There are blue and white signs that indicate to the bus stops. You can follow them, or you can ask for more details at the airport's information desk. You can reach Abu Dhabi International Airport from any part of the city thanks to their bus services. Depending on where you wish to go, the buses have services to those routes. The ticket cost is also very affordable and menial. It would take close to 45 minutes to reach the Abu Dhabi International Airport from the city, depending on the traffic.

Taxicabs and rentals

There are luxury airport taxis that you can find at the airport. They are available at all the terminals, close to the arrivals. A clear signpost is also present to indicate the taxi services. There are male and female drivers who are well-equipped with the city's geography as well as international languages. You can also reach the Abu Dhabi International Airport by availing tax services. In fact, you can actually book for a ride online or check with your airlines for provisions of the same. Hotels in Abu Dhabi also have facilities for an airport shuttle. You can benefit from the same to reach Abu Dhabi International Airport without any hassle. As long as you make prior bookings, you wouldn't have to worry about anything with respect to reaching the Abu Dhabi International Airport.