One of many beautiful details in Castel Sant’Angelo

Roman Forum remains inside the Ancient City

Because you HAVE to take a selfie at the Trevi Fountain

I may or may not have accidentally snapped a shot of the Sistine ceiling

And of the Sistine wall; I’m glad the Vatican Police we’re yelling at other people & not me

Always look up; beauty surrounds you in Rome

Well it’s been a minute…or 5 or 10 since I was last on here. Truth is, I’ve had trouble getting back into a routine because I am still figuring out what that new routine is exactly! Anyway, we had the most AMAZING TRIP. Pete and I agree it’s the best trip we have ever taken in our lives. I have received sooo many requests about our itinerary and I think my husband has received just as many as well. In order to prevent reader fatigue, this will be broken down into 3 smaller posts: Rome, Amalfi Coast and Venice.

As you know, we had the luxury of 2 full weeks in Italy. I recommend at least 3 nights in each destination (especially if it’s your first visit). If you have only one week, I would not choose more that two destinations. I’m not saying that it can’t be done, but Pete and I agree we just would not want to do it that way…it’s too rushed and Italy is to be savored!

ROME

*all photos are my own*

We arrived to Rome’s Fiumicino Airport and took a car to our hotel in the city centre (about a 30 minute ride). We stayed at the Pantheon Royal Suite and would have no problem staying there again. It was not what we would consider luxurious but we had no complaints and as I said would stay again. The bathrooms had Molton Brown products…yes…I judge hotels based on bath products. There…I said it! The staff was beyond friendly and our room was a steal. I warned my husband to not get used to it as that would not be the case the remainder of the trip. Our room had a lovely little “Juliet” style balcony with a fabulous view of the Pantheon. Rome is a very walkable city and the hotel was only about 2 blocks from the Piazza Navona (it sort of became our “ground zero” for Rome). We enjoyed dinner there most evenings, as well as afternoon cocktails and people watching. It’s a wonderful spot to just sit, talk and take a little breather! Where to eat? ANYWHERE….truly! We had NO BAD MEALS the entire trip. Like I said, we spent our evenings in Rome dining al fresco on the Piazza Navona and then stopped for a little gelato on our walk back to the hotel (mind you never stopping at the same gelato spot twice).

While in Rome, we visited the Castel Sant’Angelo, the Collesieum, the Roman Forum (Ancient City of Rome), the Vatican (including the museums and Papal Gardens), Trevi Fountain and I’m sure I have left something out. I recommend purchasing tickets in advance for everything except Castel Sant’Angelo as you do not need them for that or the Trevi Fountain (obviously). I used Tiqets and we had “skip the line” everything which was well worth it! We also did the bus tour of the Papal Gardens and I’m so glad we did. Our legs were tired by that point and the bus tour was not only informative but a little rest as well. Note: if you decide to go up the rotunda at St. Peter’s Basicilica, take the elevator! We did as per Pete’s suggestion. What do you miss? Nothing but about 522 steps! We also decided to make the climb to the top of the rotunda for the 360 degree bird’s eye view of Rome once we were up there. While breathtakingly beautiful, it was a hot (no windows), narrow (as wide as me and I’m little; Pete had to turn sideways and he is not a big/overweight man) spiral stairway with a rope to hang on to because it also slants…it’s also a very long climb and the only way down is up. Did I mention I’m claustrophobic? I did it though, and was dumb enough to think going down might be better…it was worse! Pete agreed! Needless to say, we went straight for a cocktail once down!

Rome could not have been more beautiful. When you think of how ancient everything is…even the “new stuff”…it’s really quite phenomenal. Even more pehnomenal, what it took to build it all. As they say “all roads lead to Rome”. They do indeed and quite the treasure it is. The people could not have been more hospitable. We found that to be true our entire trip!

What to buy? I didn’t shop much in Rome but regret not purchasing a few beautiful silk blouses from Italian stores I have only seen there…and by there…I mean specific to Rome. The colors and patterns were beautiful. Our next visit to Italy, Pete and I plan to travel with empty bags and take only a change of clothes for upon arrival. We agreed we would just shop there next time.

That’s pretty much it for Rome. We loved it and look forward to our next visit. Hell, who am I kidding…we are ready to pack up and move to Italy…for reals! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Stay tuned for part two…the Amalfi Coast!

xo, Melanie

Italy Recap: Roman Holiday (Part 1 of 3)

ROME