ROME
02/15/25 - 02/22/25
DAY 1
Day 1 - After a brief connection at JFK airport and an incredible surprise upgrade to Delta One, we arrived in the vibrant city of Rome, Italy around 10:30 AM. We had arranged a car pick up to our hotel, the Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel in the city center. After a short break in the room, we had planned to visit the Pantheon, a quick walk from our hotel. An impressive site in the heart of Rome, our entrance ticket included an audio guide describing its amazing history as a 2nd-century Roman temple and Catholic church. Next, we checked out the Church of St. Ignatius, a more modern (for Rome) 17th-century church. The church housed impressive statues and a fully painted ceiling. Now, it was time for our first official Italian dinner, so we checked out a local Osteria near Piazza Navona, before completing our day at the world famous Trevi Fountain! Don't forget to toss a coin and wish for a return trip!
_edited.jpg)
DAY 2
Day 2 - Today, we focused on the Colosseum and surrounding ancient forums. After a quick bus ride from our hotel, we visited Rome's most recognizable tourist site, The Colosseum. Built nearly 2,000 years ago, the Colosseum is the largest ancient amphitheater ever built. We visited the top and main floors, as well as walked through the on-site museum while stopping a few times to take in the amazing city views. Our ticket also included access to the Roman Forum, a park-like space of ancient ruins and monuments adjacent to the Colosseum. After stopping for a casual lunch, we visited the amazing St. Clement Basilica, a three-tiered 12th-century church, and then headed to the iconic Spanish Steps for gelato! We ended the night with a delicious meal at a local trattoria. Even the most simple pizza, pasta, and wine does not disappoint in Italy.
DAY 3
Day 3 - Today was another busy and exciting day as we explored the majestic Vatican City. After a quick bite, we hopped on a short bus ride to the Vatican, taking in the grandeur of the Vatican buildings with a few photo stops before entering St. Peter's Basilica. We were fortunate to visit during the 2025 Jubilee, celebrated every 25 years, with a special "Holy Door" open just for this occasion. Our Rick Steves audio-guide tour led us through the breathtaking Basilica, including St. Peter's Grotto where former Popes are laid to rest, before we strolled to the massive Vatican Museum, home to countless art pieces and structures, ending in the stunning Sistine Chapel. We finished our day with a delicious dinner and walk amidst the charming cobblestone streets of Rome's Trastevere neighborhood.
DAY 4
Day 4 - After two busy days of touring, we began day four with a well-needed late start. We headed to the Galleria Borghese for our 10:30 AM reservation, where this stunning 17th-century villa showcased two floors of incredible artwork, surrounded by beautiful gardens and parks. The parks included sparkling monuments and serene ponds inhabited by swans. After a leisurely stroll through the park, we visited the twin Santa Maria churches near the Spanish Steps. We took a break from Italian food today for lunch as we enjoyed a meal at Wagamama, our favorite Japanese-inspired restaurant. We followed that with a delightful dessert at Rome's own Eataly. Our day ended with a visit to the intriguing Pyramid of Cestius, a remarkable tomb that made us feel like we were in Cairo! Future vacation idea???
DAY 5
Day 5 - Today, we embarked on an exciting day trip to the stunning city of Florence, just a 90-minute train ride from Rome. After grabbing breakfast for the journey, we departed from Rome's main station around 9 AM. Upon arrival, we explored the renowned Galleria dell'Accademia, where we viewed beautiful art and Michelangelo's iconic masterpiece, the massive David statue. Our adventure continued as we followed another Rick Steves audio guide through many of Florence's beautiful piazzas, churches, and of course, the famous Ponte Vecchio Bridge, before enjoying a delightful meal of homemade pasta and Florentine steak at a local restaurant. We ended our day at the Galileo Museum, topped off with some delicious gelato, before heading back to Rome for the night. We are definitely interested in spending more time in Florence someday.
DAY 6
Day 6 - While Karen took a little relaxing time to pack up our room, the two Michaels headed back out to Vatican City to climb St. Peter's Dome. The climb includes an elevator ride as well as more than 320 narrow stairs up the stunning basilica. Along the way, we enjoyed an insider's look at the church's artistic treasures created by Italian artists like Michelangelo, Raphael, and Bernini. After making it to the top for the impressive view and a few photos, we headed back into the city center to meet Karen. Along the way, we viewed the Castel Sant'Angelo, an old fortress and castle in central Rome. Next, we delved into history at the Domus Aurea, an archeological site under the Colosseum, where a virtual reality experience transported you back to the grandeur of an Emperor's home from 64 AD. We ended the day with our last delicious meal at an authentic Italian restaurant selected by Michael, Jr. and raised a glass together on our hotel rooftop, celebrating the end of this amazing week.
DAY 7
Day 7 - Our February adventure to Rome, Italy has come to a close. After packing up our room and a quick breakfast, we checked out of our beautiful hotel and took a taxi ride to the airport. February was an amazing time to visit Rome. All of the attractions and restaurants were open and bustling, but not insanely crowded and the weather was very nice. Cool, Sunny days all week! Our flight home via JFK was long but uneventful. As we went to bed back in Boston, we hoped that the coin we through in the Trevi Fountain would bring us back to Rome, soon. Buona Notte!
WHAT WE THOUGHT OF IT
MICHAEL
KAREN
MICHAEL S.
