Rome Wasn't Built in a Day!

​Rome wasn't built in a day, and it surely takes more than one to explore the Eternal City.  But sometimes a day is all you have.  So, grab an espresso or vino and let me help you explore Rome in less than 24 hours.

This is the perfect precursor to setting sail out of Italy and filled with highlights that will make you forget how tired you might be.   My nine-hour direct journey from the East Coast had me arriving just prior to 9 am Central European time. Customs was painless and our private driver transported us to Rome Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria Resort situated above the city with a priceless view.

---

After checking in we took the complimentary shuttle about 20 minutes into the city to explore as much as we could prior to two previously booked tours. 
​The stop was located near the top of the infamous Spanish steps and stairs at Piazza di Spagna, a much easier way to warm up our legs for the many steps that would be taken that day.  135 stairs and three different terraces (referring to the Holy Trinity) delivered us to the ‘Fontana Della Barcaccia’ which literally means ‘Fountain of the ugly boat’. This is not in reference to the sculpture itself, but to the story that the river Tiber flooded in 1598 and stranded the ugly little boat on this spot. We of course started our copious picture taking here before moving on to another famous watering hole. ​

---

If there is one thing I don't think I’ll ever get enough of its cobblestone streets! Every direction you look, cute little cafes adorned with colorful flowers and smells that draw you in line the ancient streets and the hustle and bustle of tourists from around the world are all in awe of the beauty that exists. At the end of one we spot the beautiful and ever so popular Trevi Fountain. The stunning architecture, blue waters paired with blue skies made for the perfect summer day. Packed with people we still managed to get great photos and snuck in close enough to throw coins over our shoulder and into the water to ensure that we would someday return to Rome.
​

---

We definitely needed to hydrate, and it was the perfect time to grab a slice of pizza for lunch!  We also wouldn't be tourists in Rome without ending our much-loved pizza with Gelato.  Offering a flavor for every palate, the refreshing options from Mancuso Gelati Italiani cooled us down in the heat of summer as we continued our sleepless day and trekked towards the Colosseum.

The great thing about Rome is most everything is walkable.  Taking in the sights is part of the journey of course and there was much to be seen between where we were and where we were headed.  It was amazing to me that every step of the way led us stumbling upon ancient ruins still being discovered to this day.  A dig site of the Imperial Forum exposed a treasure trove of an ancient civilization still looking to tell its story. Passing by the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II, or Vittoriano, the first king of Italy was stunningly beautiful and something to add to our list for our next visit.

---

In order to keep us up and on a schedule, I booked two tours that I highly recommend. The first was a three-hour tour that included the Colosseum, Palatine Hill as well as The Roman Forum.  We buffered our time to allow for the copious amounts of pictures one takes of the ancient civilization intertwined with modern day beauty. Our meet up was a coffee shop and local park area adjacent to the Colosseum.  The cool breeze under the shade at the park felt great and we hydrated once again with water from the Oppio Caffe.  This is a great spot to take in views of the Colosseum if you are looking to eat and can snag a table along the sidewalk.  Otherwise, be prepared to have locals approach with water and their goods for sale as it seemed to be the meeting spot for many tourists awaiting their tour, and for this, they took advantage.

Upon check-in and meeting our guide we walked across the street to the Colosseum and past those waiting in line for tickets since we already had them.  Our guide was a wealth of knowledge and being within the walls of a structure built in 80 A.D. was unbelievable. The once colorful marble archways now dull from the elements and the worn away seats of those who once came to watch gladiators go head to head are still visible within the arena.  

Once able to accommodate over 50,000 spectators arranged by social status, the Colosseum is a freestanding structure made of stone and concrete. The distinctive exterior had around 80 arched entrances each about three stories high. By the 20th century, nearly two-thirds of the original Colosseum, including all of the arena’s marble seats and its decorative elements were destroyed but the story and the beauty still live on as the Colosseum continues to be a must do when in Rome. 

---

Afterwards, our tour continued to Palatine Hill, believed to be the birthplace of Rome, and was the wealthiest and most desirable area in which to live.  Not only are the ruins a sight to see but the beautiful gardens are impressive.  This area was lived in by Aristocrats and emperors who used to live on this Mount and enjoy views of the Roman Forum which is where our three-hour tour ended.  Known as Forum Romanum in Latin, this area was the center of the ancient city of Rome.  Important religious, political and social activities happened here and it’s also here that you’ll find fresh flowers every day — at the grave of Rome’s most famous citizen, Julius Caesar.

If you’re interested in booking this tour, I highly recommend booking here: Premium Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

---

Next up was the perfect ending to a perfect day!  Our fettuccine and Tiramisu making class!  Now I did previously say that most things in Rome were walkable.  The restaurant where this took place was a little further than our sleep deprived bodies were willing to go.  So, we made our way out to the streets and while I did request a taxi via the recommended app Free Now, it was much easier to simply hail a taxi.  They all spoke English, were friendly and I recommend having Euros as they do prefer cash over credit.  So, the taxi was hailed, and we were dropped off at Oste Cavour in plenty of time to relax with a Coke for my son and Aperol Spritz of course for me. 
Afterwards, we were whisked off to the back of the restaurant to a wine cellar where there were large tables prepared for everything we would need to make our future dinner.  We started with the tiramisu since it would need time to chill.  We then started the laborious process of the fettuccine!  Although fun since I was in Italy, you will never catch me doing anything other than boiling pasta in my Virginia based kitchen!   Our chef was very fun and made everyone feel as if they were the best pasta maker in Roma.  ​

---

After our fun cooking session, our labor of love did not disappoint!  Complete with wine, espresso and limoncello, we ended our evening full and dreamt of nothing but someday returning to this amazing city.   
​
I highly recommend this tour for any foodie who needs to eat anyways.  And when in Rome do as Becky and book here: Fettuccine Pasta and Tiramisu - cooking class in Rome

This was the whirlwind version of Rome!  Doable-absolutely!  Do I recommend a longer stay- absolutely!  Reach out today and let’s start planning your day or days in Rome: Vacation by Design

Salute!

---