Ciao Italy!
Rome Day 1 - Walking Tour
This will be the first of three posts outlining how my family spent three days in Rome in early May of this year – the itinerary was curated by my son Pacey who spent the semester in Rome – we visited at the end of his study abroad and at that point, he was well versed in the city. The walking tours mixed with classic tours of the best attractions in Rome were just unbelievable.
We stayed at the 5-star, DOM Hotel, which was a wonderful boutique, luxury hotel in the heart of Rome, housed in a 17th Century aristocratic palace on Via Giulia, a central and iconic street. It's conveniently located between Piazza Navona, Piazza Farnese, Trastevere, and San Pietro. The hotel offers a unique blend of aristocratic ambiance and luxury with design pieces and artwork. The 18 rooms and suites feature contemporary elements and period details, while the roof terrace offers a Dolce Vita-style experience with panoramic views of Rome. We chose the DOM because of its proximity to Trastevere where my son was studying and living near John Cabot University.
We began our adventure by being picked up at the airport by a private car. The city's charm embraced us as we settled into the luxurious D.O.M Hotel, where, to our surprise, our son joined us between classes. We were excited, to say the least since it had been nearly 4 months since we had seen him. Eager to immerse ourselves in the local culture, we started our day with a short stroll to Forno Monteforte, just around the corner from the hotel. There, we indulged in the rich aroma of Italian coffee and savored delectable pastries, setting the perfect start for our walking tour.
Our first stop was the magnificent Sant'Andrea della Valle, hailed as the most beautiful church in Rome during its construction. The intricate architecture and artistic beauty left us in awe as we explored its sacred halls. Continuing our journey through the historic streets of Rome, we found ourselves at the picturesque Piazza Navona. The square's distinctive oblong shape and the three magnificent fountains, including Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers, created a breathtaking scene. The vibrant atmosphere, complete with charming cafes, street performers, and Baroque architecture, made it a memorable stop.
Next on our itinerary was the Church of St. Louis of the French, San Luigi dei Francesi, where we marveled at the masterpieces of Caravaggio. The iconic Pantheon beckoned us next the awe-inspiring dome with its oculus allowed natural light to play within the rotunda, creating a mystical atmosphere. We explored the interior, discovering notable tombs, including that of Renaissance painter Raphael, and admired the grand exterior with its impressive columns and pediment.
For lunch, we treated ourselves to delicious sandwiches from All’Antico Vinaio, conveniently located on the other side of the square from the Pantheon. The sandwiches were just amazing and so fresh! Continuing our enchanting walking tour through the heart of Rome, our journey led us to the Basilica of Saint Mary of Minerva, where we eagerly anticipated the chance to witness Michelangelo's Risen Christ. From the spiritual sanctuary, we meandered through the historic streets, passing by Piazza di Monte Citorio—the seat of the Italian Government.
Sandwiches from All’Antico Vinaio
The iconic Trevi Fountain beckoned us next, its grandeur and allure drawing crowds from every corner. We marveled at the intricate details of this Baroque masterpiece and, following tradition, tossed coins into the fountain, ensuring our return to the Eternal City. From there we wandered through the labyrinthine streets, we reached the Spanish Steps, ascending to the top for a panoramic view of the city. The elevated perspective allowed us to appreciate Rome's timeless beauty, with its rooftops and landmarks stretching out before us.
View from the Terrazza del Pincio
Our exploration continued toward Villa Borghese, we hadn't planned ahead for tickets to enter the Villa, we reveled in the natural beauty of the gardens. Then we ventured on to the Terrazza del Pincio, we were rewarded with a captivating view over Piazza del Popolo and the distant silhouette of the Vatican. Descending from the terrace, we explored Piazza del Popolo, soaking in the ambiance of this historic square. The vista down the Via del Corso, one of Rome's main shopping streets, including an array of shops, boutiques, and department stores. As the day drew to a close, we indulged in a sweet finale—delicious gelato.
As the sun dipped below the Roman skyline, we reflected on the day's discoveries and savored the magic of Rome, a city where every corner revealed a piece of history and beauty. Our walking tour had not only captured the essence of this timeless city but had also etched unforgettable memories into our hearts.
After a busy day of sightseeing in Rome, we made our way to the Trastevere neighborhood, known for its quaint cobblestone streets lined with trattorias, wine bars, and charming piazzas. We stopped and had some cocktails before dinner with my son’s friends from his study abroad program and then we headed to Roscioli Salumaria for dinner. As soon as we entered, we were enveloped by the tantalizing aromas emanating from the deli counter up front, brimming with house-cured salumi, giant wheels of Parmigiano-Reggiano, and jarred specialties. Dinner was just amazing, we had fresh meats and cheeses and the best homemade pasta – of course, you must try the carbonara a Rome classic. Be sure to make reservations way in advance. We sat downstairs in the wine cellar which was wonderful.
Such an amazing first day!
Pro Tips:
Bring your water bottle! Throughout Rome, there is a spring water aqueduct where you can fill your bottle with fresh, cold spring water right off the street – buying bottled water in Rome is so American!
Food and Gelato tips: Anywhere with a long line is likely good – stay off the main squares for both Gelato and for food – the best restaurants are off on side streets. For Gelato, if the colors are bright and shiny and piled high it likely isn’t authentic. You’ll want to stick to the Gelateria with the silver-covered vats.
