In the summer of 2023, we spent a week and a half in Italy, which is not nearly enough time to enjoy all the parts of this gorgeous country, but we squeezed in as much as possible.
Our first stop was in Rome, where we spent four days in this beautiful city!
We stayed at this beautiful Airbnb in the Trastevere Neighborhood. Trastevere is a charming and historic neighborhood located on the west bank of the Tiber River in Rome. The name “Trastevere” literally means “beyond the Tiber.” It has a rich history that dates back to ancient Roman times.
Today, Trastevere is known for its narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and lively atmosphere. It’s a popular destination for locals and tourists, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops to explore.
One of the highlights of Trastevere is its beautiful Piazza Santa Maria, which is home to the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of the oldest churches in Rome. We spent our first night in Rome at this Piazza early into the morning, along with many others. The square is also a popular spot for street performers and musicians, adding to the lively ambiance of the neighborhood.
Trastevere was a great neighborhood to have as our home base, and the host of the Airbnb was fantastic. He picked us up from the airport, drove us around the city, and took Brandon to a coffee shop as they waited to pick up Brandon’s mom from the airport.
The neighborhood was also an excellent location for food and walking. We had some of the best bread and croissants from Le Levain Roma, which was a short walk from the Airbnb. You have to go early to get their ham and cheese croissant, it sells out fast!! It was also a short walk to the Tiber River, which had a great night market.
It was also close to a bus stop we used daily to get from place to place.
Enough about the accommodations; let’s get into some daily activities we did on our four-day adventure!
The day with the Castle of Saint Angelo
On our first day, we walked everywhere we went. Please bring a good pair of tennis shoes with you!! We walked to the Castle of Saint Angelo.
The entrance fee to the castle was 13 euros. The fortress is located on the banks of the Tiber River and has a long and fascinating history. The castle was initially built as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD. It was later converted into a castle and used as a residence for popes and a prison.
We climbed to the top of the castle for stunning panoramic views of Rome. Right before you climb to the top, there is also a cute little cafe where you can grab a seat with a view and enjoy a drink and snack.
Along the way, we also passed through the castle’s many rooms, each with its own unique history and decoration.
We saw various works of art throughout the castle, including sculptures, frescoes, and tapestries. The palace also houses a museum with ancient weapons and armor collections.
Overall, the visit to the Castel Sant’Angelo was a unique and fascinating way to experience Rome’s rich history, and it was worth the visit. We spent about 2 hours here.
Then we spent the day walking through the Roman city. Walking through Rome is an incredible experience, with its historic architecture and ancient ruins around every corner. But one of our favorite things to do while exploring the city was to stop at the piazzas and take in the beauty of the surrounding area.
Rome has countless piazzas, or squares, each with its own charm and character. Some are bustling with people, while others are more tranquil and peaceful. But all of them offer a glimpse into the heart of the city and its rich history, which is why we spent much of the afternoon stopping at different piazzas and going into beautiful churches throughout the day.
We ended the day, of course, by eating pasta and gelato and strolling around the riverwalk.
The day with the Colosseum and Roman Forum
On day two, we went to the Colosseum and Roman Forum. We went on a guided tour of the Colosseum, and it was incredible.
Our tour guide was so informative and detailed with his tour. He took his time, and you could feel his passion for the history and architecture of the Colosseum. He was also very people focused and always willing to stop and let people take pictures and go at their own pace.
Booking the tour group allowed us to skip the line, and since we were in Rome during peak travel time, this saved us hours of waiting in line in the blistering heat. The tour was way more in-depth than we would have been going alone.
The tour we chose also included a guided tour of the Roman Forum, which was one of the most memorable parts. It was just amazing to be walking right by these ancient ruins and hearing the history of the area.
This tour took about three and a half hours, and since it ended in the Roman Forum, we could stay and explore as long as we wanted without the group.
After the tour, we explored the area around the Colosseum and visited some of the cute little shops we passed and bought some delicious and cheap bottles of wine.
That evening we took some time to watch the sunset over the city at Fontana dell’Acqua Paola. This fountain was just a short walk from our Airbnb and was so relaxing to sit and enjoy!
The day with the Vatican City
We visited the Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica the next day. We also booked a guided tour for this adventure. Again, we booked a tour mainly to skip the line. If it weren’t peak summertime, we would have gone on our own to explore.
The Vatican Museum was incredible. The museum is home to an astonishing collection of art and artifacts from throughout history, including famous works by artists like Michelangelo and Raphael. One of the highlights for many visitors is the Sistine Chapel, with its breathtaking ceiling painted by Michelangelo.
I will say that the Sistine Chapel was packed. It was not the most serene experience you would expect, but beautiful non the less and a must-see.
Our tour ended after visiting the museum and Sistine Chapel. We were left to explore St. Peter’s Basilica by ourselves; this was the most awe-inspiring part of visiting Vatican City.
The church is simply massive, with ornate decorations and artwork covering every surface. The dome, designed by Michelangelo, towers above you, and the sheer scale of the interior is enough to take your breath away.
After the Vatican, we took more time to walk the streets and try out different foods along the way. After the sun went down, we explored the riverside market, where we had to try what a burger tasted like in Italy. Honestly, it wasn’t the best, but it was still fun!
The Day with David
We took a day trip to Florence on our fourth day in Rome. We hopped on the train and rode about an hour and a half to the beautiful city.
Once we arrived, we went straight to David. Of course, there was a very long line to get into the museum, and we decided to skip the line pass that some men were selling to the people in line.
Honestly, it seemed a little sketchy, but it worked out, and we paid a little extra to save about an hour and a half of our time.
As I walked through the museum, I was struck by the variety and quality of the artwork on display, including stunning paintings, sculptures, and decorative art.
One of the highlights of my visit was seeing Michelangelo’s unfinished sculptures, the Prisoners, which showcased the artist’s incredible skill and technique in capturing the human form. The museum also features works by other famous artists, including Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, and Perugino, and a collection of historic musical instruments.
And seeing Michelangelo’s David was stunning. You cannot put into words or capture a picture of how the Statue of David looks or feels.
When you first see the statue, it’s hard not to be struck by its size. Standing over 17 feet tall, it’s an imposing figure that demands your attention. But it’s not just the size that’s impressive – it’s the intricate details and lifelike expression that genuinely make the statue come to life.
Every detail is painstakingly crafted and remarkably realistic, from the rippling muscles to the veins in his arms. And the expression on David’s face is one of intense focus and determination, making it clear that this is a figure to be reckoned with.
Of course, seeing the Statue of David in person also means appreciating its history and significance. Michelangelo created the statue in the early 1500s, and has been admired by countless people throughout the centuries. It’s a testament to the power of human creativity and a true masterpiece of the Renaissance era.
After exploring the museum, we hiked to the bronze replica statue at Piazzale Michelangelo. This was a hike, at least the way we took, and it was uphill for about 2.5 kilometers from the museum. But the view was worth it!! You get a complete panoramic view of Florence next to the replica of the Statue of David.
As we returned to the train station, we stopped at Rivarno Café for one of the best lunches in Italy. It also had the most fantastic charcuterie board ever!
Then we rode back to Rome during sunset along the countryside. I am sad we only had one day in Florence, and I can’t wait to go back and see more of the city one day.
After returning to Rome, we made the most of our last night in Rome. We took an evening walk to the Trevi Fountain. I recommend seeing the fountain at night for a few reasons. One, it is a little less busy than during the daytime, and two, it is absolutely stunning lit up at night.
The Trevi Fountain is such a masterpiece, and it is unbelievable how detailed it is. I could have sat and stared at it all night!
The following day we had to leave Rome, but before we did, we went on a morning walk to the Spanish Steps and to walk past the Parthenon.
Seeing the attractions late at night and early in the morning were some of my favorite times since fewer people were around. Especially in the morning, it felt like we had the steps (almost) to ourselves!
Then we packed our bags and jumped on the train to Sorrento for our adventure on the Amalfi Coast, concluding our four-day experience in Rome. I cannot wait for us to go back and explore more of the city.
