Italy, my home away from home. I can’t count how many times I fantasized about throwing a dime in the Trevi Fountain, eating lunch on the Spanish Steps, and drinking wine in a beautiful family-run restaurant.
Upon arrival I realized that everything I heard about Rome was true; the magic in the air, the history around each corner, and the friendly Italians speaking the most romantic language. It was pretty crowded but in a good way. The way that makes you feel like there is always something important happening right next to you. Rome is a big city with lots of people so the first thing we needed to do was drop off our bags at our lovely hotel Leon’s Place and explore.
As soon as we dropped our bags we could breathe and began our 10 days in Italy with a delicious gelato. Chocolate, Vanilla bean, and Strawberry (we were already in our glee).
On the agenda for day one was a visit to the Fontana Di Trevi. Located just around the corner from our hotel and favourite Gelato spot- Gelateria la Romana was one of the most famous fountains in the world, how amazing is this? After shooting a few pictures, throwing money in the fountain, and making a wish we began the walk to the Spanish Steps. We sat in the Piazza di Spagna and people watched while eating a sandwich from a nearby shop. The beautiful staircase is a wonderful place to sit down, relax, and enjoy the views of Piazza di Spagna before doing a little shopping. At the bottom of the Spanish Steps you will find Via Condotti, this street would be best compared to Bond St in London or Champs-Elysée in Paris. From Gucci to Prada all the luxury designers can be found nearby. After bopping around the shops we went back to our hotel to get ready for our first delicious dinner in Rome.
Having a love for creamy delicious pasta and being in Rome it only seemed fit that we visit the restaurant where Fettuccini Alfredo all started. In a lovely little square with more beautiful fountains was Alfredo… where the magic was made. We got soup and salad for a starter and then tried two delicious plates of pasta for our main. The Alfredo was just amazing. Presented in a bowl of beautiful sauce and a ball of pasta it was tossed right at your table for ultimate freshness. After finishing this amazing meal we were off to bed to dream of what tomorrow will bring.
It does not matter if you have been to Rome once, twenty times or lived there your entire life your next best meal or best day will surely surprise you.
We woke up and went down for a small but good breakfast then got ready to visit Vatican City. Getting dressed this morning I quickly remember reading about a dress code when entering St. Peter’s Basilica and got out my cell phone to google the proper attire. Men and Women must both refrain from wearing shorts or short skirts and sleeveless shirts. With the scorching temperature that morning and the limited amount of clothes brought in a backpack this request was a bit more challenging but I threw on a long skirt with a white blouse and grabbed my pink shawl for some extra coverage.
When arriving in Vatican City I was quickly shocked by the number of individuals harassing us to purchase a tour. After spending 45 minutes turning people away we quickly found our group and got our stickers to put loud and clear on our chest so people would leave us be. Out of every country I have traveled to in Europe this experience was the most overwhelming with people. When our tour started I was in awe of the statues, high ceilings, paintings, and quiet. So many people in such a large place but it was filled with quiet and respect. We got to see the Vatican Museum, The Saint Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. We also got to eat our worst pizza of life that day… yes I said it, the WORST pizza I have ever tasted.
A few tips when visiting Vatican City
- Pack a lunch or wait until you leave for the day and head back into Rome to eat
- Be careful of your belongings- a couple on the tour with us got a large sum of money stolen from their pack
- Wear the appropriate clothing
- The Sistine Chapel access is through the Vatican Museum
After taking in the beauty of this outside city and exploring every corner we decided to make our way back to our hotel for a little rest and to get a recommendation for dinner. We ended up eating in a restaurant outdoors a 10-minute walk from the hotel where I tried the best lasagna in the world. I would not be able to tell you where this restaurant was or what it was called. It was simply a hole in the wall, but my oh my was it special. This day was the day I had my best meal.
Have you ever had someone ask if you had one meal before you passed away what would it be?
Well, mine my friends would be this piece of lasagna from Rome.
Day 3 and we are excited… What is on the agenda for today? A little espresso to start the day and some delicious fruit and then we are making our way to the Colosseum. When I think of the Colosseum I think of watching movies with my Dad; Spartacus and Gladiator were staples when I was growing up so when I stepped inside the falling walls and immediately found myself in a film. When I closed my eyes I could picture the fight scene, I could smell the blood and see men cheering in the stands. When I open them I can see selfie sticks and families huddling together to take the 100th photo of the day. I preferred my imagination at that moment. The history among these walls was incredible, such a famous venue for gladiator battles, chariot races, and exotic animals to be shown off to the public. All of this amazement aside this place was a place that brought death upon a lot of people and animals. Over 400 years there were upwards of 400,000 people who were killed in these walls and 1,000,000 animals murdered for show. We spent the day exploring, appreciating, and listening to the stories that were told about what happened years ago.
Leaving the Colosseum we decided to eat like a Roman. We found a little authentic pizza shop and bought a bottle of red wine. With pizza boxes in hand and wine in the other, we went to sit in a square and enjoy our feast.
Our last day in Rome before we head to Florence and we only planned to explore! Grab some wine and cheese and just walk. Walk and stop and watch the people, hear the conversations around us and enjoy. We visited a few art galleries and loved every minute of it. To clue up these amazing days in Rome we got completely dressed up and fine dined at yet another recommended restaurant close by our hotel. With our belly’s full and wearing our big smiles we had to head to bed for some rest because tomorrow we were off to Florence.
To Stay
Leon’s Place
To Do
- Explore Vatican City and all its offerings
- Wander the Colosseum
- Eat lunch on the Spanish Steps
- Find the best gelato in Rome
- Eat at the restaurant where Fettuccini Alfredo started
- Visit the Trevi Fountain
- Enjoy every moment in the beautiful city… ROME
how about a holiday 