I took my first international trip with my mother to Rome, Italy. I had plans to return in 2020 but due to Covid19 my trip was cancelled. My mother is no longer here but her memory lives on in these photos. I still have plans to return to Rome in the near future. These photos were taken in 2007 and are relevant for planning any future trip to Rome. I hope this post helps you. Enjoy!
Go to the end of the blog for specific trip details you can save for later.
enjoying Gelato Ice Cream in Rome is a Must!
The beautiful Roman Colosseum
Having fun with the Gladiators
My View Inside the Colosseum
The Roman Forum Ruins
Found McDonald's in Rome, Italy
after a long day of shopping
The piazza novona
The beautiful city of Rome
St. Peter’s Basilica the largest Church in the world
Inside the Basilica
We even saw the Pope at the basilica
The Spanish Steps a famous meeting space for tourists
Enjoying our time at the Piazza Campo Dei fiorio
a famous market in Rome
The famous trevi fountain
How I did it:
I used Bella Vista Mediterranean Tours but customized my trip. I did a lot of research online and read a variety of books. I requested our hotel be located near the shopping area, include daily breakfast and include private transfers from the airport and to the train station (we also went to Florence).
Our Flight:
We were required to check-in 3 hours prior to departure. We left at 6:16pm and arrived the next morning at 8:50am We took an 8hr non-stop flight into Rome Fiumicino Airport where our private car and driver was waiting for us.
Our Hotel:
We stayed at the Hotel Miami located in the Repubblica area of Rome. The hotel is centrally located near the train station, plenty of great shopping, the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Roman Forum, and the famous Spanish Steps of Piazza di Spagna. Most of the major landmarks are 10 minutes walking distance from the Hotel. Breakfast was included and served daily 7:30 to 9:30 am. The rooms are tiny and most come with a twin bed. This was not a big chain hotel but it was nice especially since all we did was sleep for a few hours each night.
Tour:
We took the Half-Day tour of Classical Rome by deluxe bus with tour guide. The group was small with about 20 tourists. Pick up was at 8:30 am in front of the Hotel. The tour included entrance into the Basilica.
Colosseum Tickets: Entrance was 11 Euro (USD about $12.00)
We got our tickets for the Colosseum the same day and we were surprised how fast the line went to get in. Glad we got in. We walked from our hotel because the tour bus did not stop.
Food:
I loved all the Italian food and wine. Especially just sitting outside people watching was amazing.
Shopping:
If you like fashion and like to shop then Italy is the place to take an empty suitcase! You will return home with unique leather items and beautiful clothes.
Other:
We visited most of the monumental squares, markets, ancient churches, museums, and galleries but there is more to see! I also learned a little Italian so I could speak their language in the stores and restaurants. Ciao!
Eurostar Train:
We took a first-class train from the Rome Termini train station at 10:52am and arrived at the Florence Santa Maria Novella train station at 12:29pm.
I will blog about Florence, Italy next month.