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FCO destination photo
RTM destination photo

FCORTM

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a stunning sequence of the Tyrrhenian coastline, the dramatic high peaks of the Western Alps, and the beautiful Zeeland delta during the final approach into Rotterdam.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🌊

Tyrrhenian Coastline

Breathtaking views of the Italian coast and the Tuscan Archipelago, including Elba Island, shortly after takeoff.

🏔️

High Alps Panoramas

Spectacular vistas of the Swiss Alps, often featuring iconic peaks like the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc in the distance.

💧

Lake Geneva

A clear view of the crescent-shaped Lac Léman and the city of Geneva as the flight crosses into French/Swiss airspace.

🏙️

Brussels Cityscape

Aerial perspective of the Belgian capital and its surrounding urban sprawl during the descent phase.

⚓

Zeeland Delta

The complex network of islands and bridges in the Dutch province of Zeeland as you approach the Netherlands.

🚢

Europoort

The massive industrial scale of the Port of Rotterdam, one of the world's largest maritime hubs, just before landing.

Sit on the left for the best mountain photography; the sun is typically behind you or to the side during morning flights, preventing glare. Keep a lookout approximately 45 minutes into the flight for the most dramatic Alpine crests. On descent, the left side provides the most iconic views of the Dutch 'Delta Works' engineering marvels.

Right Side Highlights
7.5
🏞️

Lake Bracciano

A beautiful volcanic crater lake located just north of Rome, visible shortly after departure from FCO.

⛰️

Apennine Mountains

The rugged 'spine' of Italy provides a textured landscape of valleys and ridges during the climb to cruise altitude.

🌊

Italian Lakes

Glimpses of Lake Como and Lake Maggiore as the flight path transitions from the Po Valley into the Alps.

🌲

Black Forest

The dense, dark canopy of the Schwarzwald in Southern Germany is visible if the flight path tracks slightly eastward.

🌉

Rotterdam Skyline

Depending on the wind direction and runway in use, the right side often gets a perfect view of the Erasmus Bridge and skyscrapers.

The right side is excellent for afternoon flights to avoid the direct western sun. It offers better views of the inland Italian lakes and the urban layout of Rotterdam during the final bank for landing. If the aircraft lands on Runway 24, the right side provides a superior view of the 'Manhattan on the Maas' skyline.

Top Activities in Rotterdam
Route Information

Distance: 1,274 km (792 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 42 min

Departure: FCO (41.8002778, 12.2388889)

Arrival: RTM (51.956902, 4.43722)

Route Type: International

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