7-day Italian dream
Rome
There is so much to see and do (and eat) in Rome, you could easily spend a week just in Rome. After we landed and checked into our B&B (Residenza), we strolled to the Villa Borghese and toured the museum and beautiful gardens. Then we wandered around the area near Altare della Patria, and literally stumbled upon our first view of the Colosseum after turning a corner. But we saved that for another day. We spent the rest of the day touring the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain and of course had our first Italian pizza and finished it off with delicious gelato on a warm September day. At the top of the Spanish Steps, to the right, there is a delicious restaurant where we had the BEST prosciutto and melon. Surprising in the tourist area.
Rome
After getting our lay of the land on the first day, we took at tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. It was incredible to walk the ancient Roman streets where Julius Caesar also walked. One thing I did not expect in Rome was all the ruins...everywhere. Most were in he Roman Forum, however, you see partially constructed buildings that had to stop because they uncovered ruins. Even a boutique we went into had a glass floor over ancient ruins.
Vatican City
The next day we did a skip the line tour of the Vatican, the museums, including St. Peter's Basilica and the incredible Sistine Chapel painted by Michaelangelo. Photos weren't allowed in the Sistine Chapel but it was incredible. Be warned though, even in should season, it was hot and we were stuffed into the museum rooms like sardines with all the tourists. Well worth the incredible sites and views from all over the Vatican.
Pompeii
I wanted to visit Pompeii ever since I saw a documentary when I was in college. The story of what happened in 79 A.D. and how the village was entombed in ash. When the site was discovered, they made cast models of the inhabitants. The chills you feel hearing the story and seeing the homes, streets, brothels, restaurants of ancient times along with the people entombed in ash is absolutely incredible. A great day trip for all ages!
Sorrento
We stayed for 2 nights nearby in Sorrento, a picturesque village at the start of the Amalfi Coast. The colorful cliffside village with narrow wandering streets and luxury Hotels down below with private beaches. It's heavenly just strolling the streets or renting a Vespa to tour the area. We wandered into the numerous churches to see beatifully unique frescos hundreds of years old. Such a quaint town.
Capri
Our last full day in Sorrento, we decided to take the ferry to the island of Capri. Sun-drenched and effortlessly glamorous, my day in Capri unfolded like a dream—morning espresso overlooking impossibly blue water, a boat ride past the Faraglioni, and hours spent shopping for souvenirs like the original Capri Sandal handmade right in front of you. Between long seaside lunches, wandering chic whitewashed streets, and soaking in views that never seem real, Capri has a way of slowing time while indulging every sense. It’s the kind of place where every moment feels cinematic, and you leave already planning your return.
Rome
We spent our last day heading back to Rome and decided upon a unique experience - we stayed in a Roman Catholic convent! Only for one night but an unusual and memorable experience. The nuns were delightful, the stay was comfortable and the views (pictured left) out our window were beautiful. Well worth a one night experience! We spent our last night strolling the streets and came across an authentic Italian restaurant. We sampled the bruschetta and pasta and were not at all disappointed. A great finish to our eatily trip.