Rome has been on our list for a very long time. We kept saving it for a trip with friends that make the trip across the pond, but after 4 years in London we couldn’t wait anymore. We took off late the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and landed after the hotel front desk staff had already gone home. Fortunately, they left us amazing direction on how to get our key and access our room!
Quest for the room key!
We spent Thanksgiving morning at the Vatican. While there, we ran into one of my cheerleaders from the American School! Her family very kindly invited us on their guided tour of the Vatican Museums and we tagged along. It was such a treat to learn so much valuable information and spend some time getting to know a very nice family!
No queueing for us! Excited to be at the Vatican!
Belvedere Torso
Gallery of Maps…one of the most stunning rooms.
Raphael Rooms at the Palace of the Vatican. Stunning.
Stunning…
If these halls could talk…
One of the highlights was definitely the Sistine Chapel. Unfortunately no photos were allowed inside. We learned a lot about the Chapel while visiting, but one of the most interesting thing was the cleaning of the mural on the ceiling. This photo from benedettoxviforum.freeforumzone.leonardo.it demonstrates the vibrancy that was recovered after cleaning…
Pre-cleaning and post-cleaning. The difference is incredible.
Saint Peter’s Bascilica
Amazing
The carving was immaculate. That marble looks like fabric.
So great to see Chloe (one of my cheerleaders) at the Vatican!
Saint Peter’s Square
After visiting the Vatican, we headed to one of the top lunch spots on Trip Advisor: Pastasciutta. There were many locals there and it was definitely akin to Italian fast food, but it was delicous.
Local lunch spot 🙂
We wandered around and then took a rest before our Thanksgiving dinner!
Thanksgiving dinner! Starter of prosciutto and melon…
Lovely stroll back to the hotel…
The next morning, we took off on a lovely walk across town to reach the Colosseum for our tour!
Good morning, Roma!
Piazza Venezia
Colosseum
Loved checking this place out!
Take that every football stadium….ever! Think any will still be here in THOUSANDS of years?
Good reminder.
So many levels underground!
After touring the Colosseum, we took advantage of the combined ticket and went to Palatine Hill and the Forum.
View of the colosseum from Palantine Hill!
Ruins everywhere!
The Forum
How has it balanced all of these years?
Crazy birds!
Beautiful arch!
Seriously charming
After wandering around the Forum and Piazza Venezia we headed to the Parthenon.
Pantheon
Even stunning on the inside!
As the sun began to set, we walked to the Trevi Fountain–a sight we were both thrilled to finally see in person!
John’s favourite: Trevi fountain!
We were there at sunset so we got to see it by day and by night!
Romantic Rome!
After the sun went down, we headed to Convento dei Frati Cappuccini or Bone Church. No photos were allowed inside, but this photo from Wikipedia will show you what we experienced there:
So many bones…
Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini
After we had our fill of bone art, we headed to the centre of town and the Spanish Steps.
Spanish Steps
Finally we settled in for dinner and had some delicious pasta and wine!
Our dinner table and the awesome candle
Cacio e pepe. Our FAVOURITE DISH from the entire trip 🙂
After getting our bellies full, we absolutely needed the walk back to our hotel.
Lovely walk back to the hotel
Admiring the sculpture
The scene of a James Bond chase scene from Spectre.
Finished off our evening in the beautiful Saint Peter’s Square.
The next morning, we had tickets booked for the Borghese Gallery, home to several Bernini statues.
Another beautiful day!
Galleria Borghese
Bernini’s work is amazing. The marble looks like skin!
The detail was stunning
After a stroll into Central Rome, we stopped at a lovely side walk cafe for some pizza and vino. My favourite is Marinara Pizza–simple yet delicious.
Happy girl: wine and a marinara pizza!
Then we stood in line for a delicious espresso. The line looks intimidating but the results are worth it!
Afternoon pick me up–the queue was well worth the wait!
Seriously good espresso–crowds don’t lie!
After wandering about Rome and doing a bit of shopping, we went to a restaurant near our hotel for dinner. We tried a Roman Jewish specialty: fried artichokes. A new flavour for both of us, but we enjoyed!
A Jewish speciality in Rome: fried artichokes!
After a long night of lovely conversation over wine and rich food, we opted for a cup of tea before bed.
He looks sleepy now, but this was after a delightful nightcap. Then of course we wanted tea. Because London is rubbing off on us!
Last morning in Rome. The view from the rooftop patio of our hotel. Would be AMAZING for a glass of wine in summer!
Our last morning, we had a half day before flying out. We decided to walk across Rome (from the Vatican to the Colosseum) to enjoy the sights and get a delicious pizza at a little cafe we found near the Colosseum. Although it was a very fast paced walk, it was so worth it.
Piazza Navona
The power walk was worth it!
Definitely added to our top cities of the world list
Ciao, Roma! Can’t wait to see you again 🙂
Thanks so much for reading! Stay tuned for our next adventure!!!
John and CB's Most Excellent Adventure 