A Travel Guide

Ciao from Rome, Italy!

Our journey through Italy brought us to the heart of ancient history—Rome. Arriving well-rested after an incredible overnight train ride, we stepped out into the city, greeted by warm weather and the unmistakable energy of one of the world’s most iconic destinations.

Where We Stayed

Nestled in the heart of Rome, just on the outskirts of Vatican City and along the scenic Tiber River, our hotel was located in the Prati neighborhood. This artsy residential area is known for its fresco wine bars and gourmet restaurants that come alive at night. With St. Peter’s Basilica within walking distance, we were eager to explore.

 

 

 

Exploring Castel Sant’Angelo

We began our adventure at the Palace of Justice, just steps from our hotel, before making our way to the historic Castel Sant’Angelo, a fortress built in 139 AD. Walking across Ponte Sant’Angelo, we took in the stunning views of the castle, feeling transported back in time. From here, we spotted Vatican City—just down the street—packed with tourists in peak July heat. Instead of braving the crowds, we opted for a scenic lunch nearby, enjoying the view from a comfortable distance.

Indulging in Italian Cuisine

No trip to Italy is complete without indulging in its world-famous cuisine. We held off on pizza, pasta, and gelato until we arrived in Rome, and it was well worth the wait. Our meal included a delicious pizza, a calzone, and an Aperol Spritz, a popular Italian cocktail made with Prosecco, bitters, and soda water. The vibrant orange drink was refreshing yet strong—a must-try for visitors.

Sightseeing in Rome

The next day, we went into full tourist mode, visiting:

• Capitoline Hill

• The Arch of Constantine

• The Temple of Venus and Rome

• Circus Maximus

• The Roman Forum

• The Colosseum

• Trevi Fountain

Each site was breathtaking, but the Colosseum stood out the most. While the long wait times deterred us from an interior tour, we enjoyed an incredible view from a nearby café, avoiding the crowds.

At the Trevi Fountain, we took in the intricate sculptures and tossed in a coin, ensuring our return to Rome someday. According to legend, one coin guarantees a return trip, while two coins promise love. Already in love, we settled for one.

Beware of Tourist Scams

While Rome is enchanting, we encountered our first tourist scam here. A friendly stranger gifted us a bracelet, only to demand payment afterward. Despite a brief dispute, we recovered our money. This experience was a reminder to remain cautious while traveling.

A Relaxing Beach Day in Fiumicino

Before departing Italy, we stored our bags at the airport and took a cab to Fiumicino Beach for a relaxing end to our adventure. A small, charming town greeted us, and we enjoyed a unique Italian meal—a cheese pizza topped with hot dogs! After a refreshing swim in the Mediterranean, we attempted to rinse off at the beach showers, only to discover the water was saltier than the sea itself. A long flight home awaited us!

Beach Day in Rome, Italy

Our last day in Rome, Italy, we put our bags in storage at the airport, and took a cab to the beach in Fiumicino. We had to check out of our hotel early, our flight wasn’t leaving for a few hours, and it was hot today! The beach sounded like the perfect way to end our Italian adventure. We were dropped off in a small residential area where we passed one little convenience store, and one restaurant.

Final Thoughts

Rome, Italy, exceeded every expectation. From ancient landmarks and delicious food to unexpected adventures, it was an unforgettable experience. Follow along as we continue exploring our last EU destinations!

Follow along as we visit our last EU country!..