We began our Italian adventure with a delightful three days in Rome. Opting for the direct flight from Calgary to Rome streamlined our travel plans, making it the obvious choice for our entry and exit point to Italy.
If you’re eager to learn how we made the most of our time in the birthplace of gelato, then keep reading!
Day 1
Our red eye flight landed in Rome just before noon. After clearing customs and collecting our luggage, we headed straight to our hotel. For our three days in Rome, we chose to use some of our Bonvoy points for a fabulous stay at the The St. Regis Rome.
Once at the hotel, we tried to check in but our room wasn’t ready. The font desk staff directed us to the bar where we enjoyed our first Aperol Spritz of the trip and a few snacks while we waited.
After getting our keys and dropping off our belongings, we headed out by foot to explore a bit of the city and to get an early dinner. Finding an early dinner was a bit more challenging than anticipated. The options for a late afternoon meal weren’t abundant.
On our way to finding something to eat, we walked by the Trevi Fountain, who some consider is the most beautiful in the world. It’s absolutely beautiful and a must see, but it’s also very crowded. Go early morning (think 6 am), it’s the best time to avoid crowds.
We also made our way towards the Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps before finding a restaurant for dinner. It was definitely a tourist trap, but was better than most Italian food we eat at home.
On our walk back to the hotel, we treated ourselves to our first gelato in Italy. It was delicious!
Back at the hotel, in an attempt to stay up as long as possible, we stopped for a night cap at Lumen Garden the hotel’s outdoor bar.
Day 2
After a good night’s sleep, we were up bright and early. Really early. Jet-lag hit us really hard.
Prior to heading to Italy we did book a few tours at our various stops. One of them was definitely a splurge, a private Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica Tour. The private tour was nice, and we did learn a lot, but definitely not necessary. The best part was that the guide was able to tailor the tour based on our interests, since there is so much to see. However, we definitely recommend if you are interested in a Vatican or Sistine Chapel visit, and don’t want to wait in line for hours, booking a skip the line tour well in advance of your trip.
Also, if you are planning a visit to the Vatican, keep in mind that there is a dress code. It states that no shorts or sleeveless tops allowed – Knees and shoulders covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements. Our experience was that they were more concerned about ensuring that there weren’t an bare shoulders than they were about seeing your knees.
Keep in mind that there is quite a bit of walking involved with this tour, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
After the tour, our guide gave us a few options for lunch. Looking for something was outside of the tourist zone we walked over the bridge to the other side of the Tiber River, to the Ponte area, on the lookout for a one of the recommended spots.
We ended up at Fresco Coronari, a small restaurant, and had the best lasagana of our lives. And, for dessert, stopped at Gelateria del Teatro just a few steps away.
With full bellies, we made our way back to the hotel by foot, ready for a quick nap before dinner.
For dinner, we headed to the Trastevere area. With no real plan, we walked around until we stumbled upon Tonnarello. What a good decision that was. They had a very large outdoor seating area so we stat outside. It was a beautiful evening, with perfect weather and we enjoyed the best pasta and meatballs that we’ve ever had. Highly recommend this place. Go early, it gets really busy and the wait can be quite long.
After exploring a bit more of the area, again we stopped by the Lumen Garden for a few cocktails before heading to bed.
Day 3
Again, on day 3 we were up very early and after coffee and breakfast at the hotel, we headed out for our Colosseum and Palatine Hill Tour.
The Colosseum is a symbol of Rome and its imperial grandeur. Now, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Also known as the Flavian Amphitheater, it was constructed between 70-80 AD under the emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty and completed by his son Titus in 80 AD.
The largest amphitheater ever built, it could hold between 50,000 to 80,000 spectators, depending on the event.
The Colosseum is mainly constructed of concrete and sand with its exterior faced with travertine limestone, which was quarried from nearby Tivoli. And, definitely a must see while in Rome.
After the Colosseum visit, we headed for the Palatine Hill. It’s one of the Seven Hills of Rome and one of the most ancient parts of the city. It holds significant archaeological remains and historical importance. According to Roman mythology, it’s the location where Romulus founded the city of Rome. Palatine Hill is also home to the ruins of several palaces, including the Domus Augustana and the Flavian Palace, which served as the official residences of Roman emperors.
After the tour, we were quite hungry from all the walking. While searching for a place to eat, we landed on Roman style pizza place for lunch. It was close to the Colosseum and the go to spot for the tour guides. La Prezzemolina had delicious pizza with many varieties.
The afternoon was spent roaming the streets of Rome looking for souvenirs to bring home.
For dinner we headed back to Trastevere this time, stopping in at Mimi E Coco. We enjoyed a few an Aperol Spritz or 2 and a charcuterie board. Before heading back to the hotel to pack our stuff, we enjoyed one last gelato in Rome.
Early on Day 4, we headed to the train station to catch our train to Venice.
Finally, if you are planning a trip to Italy, the following posts might interest you:
Boho mini dress features an adjustable tie straps, sleeveless, square neck, solid color, smocked back, elastic high waist, and lace trim at the hem, mini length, no zipper, no pocket.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.
Two Week Spain Itinerary