Welcome to the final installment of our European travel photo journal! After incredible visits to London and Paris, our grand adventure concluded in the Eternal City: Rome, Italy. This captivating city, brimming with ancient history, stunning art, and unparalleled culinary delights, was the perfect crescendo to our journey.
Our only regret was not planning a longer stay. We managed to squeeze in three nights, which essentially meant two full days to explore. Garrett and I seriously considered rescheduling our flight, tempted to immerse ourselves in Rome’s magic for a few more days. However, the weariness of travel and a touch of illness led us to stick to our original itinerary. Despite the short timeframe, we were determined to experience as much as possible, savoring every moment in this magnificent city.
Day 1: Arrival and a Taste of Authentic Roman Cuisine
Our Roman adventure began after a flight from Paris, landing around 3 PM. After a smooth check-in at our hotel, we opted for a relaxed afternoon, unwinding before our much-anticipated first Italian dinner. We chose Ristorante Alessio, a highly-rated establishment just a block from our accommodation. Arriving a bit early for Italian dinner standards, around 6:30 PM, we were surprised to find the restaurant already bustling with patrons. Fortune smiled upon us, and we secured the last available table, a testament to its popularity.
The staff at Ristorante Alessio was truly exceptional – incredibly friendly, attentive, and welcoming. We were particularly impressed when our waiter, after conversing with us flawlessly in English, effortlessly switched to Japanese while serving another table. This level of multilingual hospitality underscored the restaurant’s commitment to outstanding service. But let’s talk about the star of the show: the food! It was, quite simply, beyond delicious.
We began our culinary journey with an appetizer of 36-month aged ham. Each delicate slice melted in the mouth, offering a depth of flavor that words can barely capture – it was a true revelation. For the main course, I indulged in their signature Strozzapretti pasta, a homemade fresh pasta dish perfectly complemented by succulent clams and earthy porcini mushrooms. Garrett opted for the calamarata pasta, featuring tender salt cod and flavorful breadcrumbs. Both dishes were absolutely fabulous, with the pasta cooked to that ideal al dente perfection, offering a delightful chewiness. It became clear very quickly that Italians possess an unparalleled mastery of pasta preparation.
Before this trip, I confess I harbored some skepticism about the widespread praise for Italian cuisine, often thinking it might be an exaggeration. How wrong I was! From charming little corner pizzerias to elegant restaurants and cozy trattorias, every meal we experienced in Rome was nothing short of amazing. The freshness of ingredients, the simplicity of preparation, and the explosion of flavors truly transformed my understanding of Italian food.
And to conclude our feast? A tiramisu that was utterly divine – a perfect harmony of creamy mascarpone, rich coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and a hint of cocoa. It was, quite literally, to die for, leaving an unforgettable sweet memory of our first Roman evening.
Day 2: Ancient Wonders and Lively Markets
Our second day dawned bright and sunny, perfectly setting the stage for exploring Rome’s iconic landmarks. We began our morning with a leisurely stroll by Piazza Venezia, a grand square dominated by the magnificent Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II. The city was already vibrant, filled with the cheerful sounds of music, the warmth of the sun, and the lively chatter of happy people – a truly invigorating atmosphere.
Next on our agenda was the vibrant Campo de’ Fiori Market, an absolute must-visit. While undoubtedly a popular spot for tourists, it retains an authentic Italian charm that makes it incredibly engaging. We spent a delightful morning immersed in the market’s hustle and bustle, sampling an array of local delicacies. We tasted exquisite truffle sauces, aromatic spices, a variety of rich cheeses, and, quite enthusiastically, numerous local liquors. One large family, owning several stalls packed with an abundance of goodies, took great care of us.
Our tasting adventure started with the liquors, which certainly put us in a wonderfully jovial mood. We communicated through a delightful mix of broken English and Italian, sharing laughs and enjoying genuine connections with the vendors. The market was a sensory feast: the vibrant colors of fresh produce, the tantalizing aromas of street food, and the melodic calls of the vendors created an unforgettable experience of Roman life.
In the afternoon, we made our way to the truly iconic Colosseum. While we didn’t go inside due to time constraints, simply walking around its colossal exterior was an awe-inspiring experience. We marveled at the sheer scale and ancient grandeur of this amphitheater, imagining the gladiatorial contests and spectacles that once took place within its walls. The beautiful weather made our stroll even more enjoyable, and a refreshing Italian ice cream in hand added to the perfect Roman afternoon.
Every building surrounding the Colosseum and throughout Rome tells a story, adorned with incredible historical details and architectural marvels. The sheer amount of history embedded in every stone and every ruin is truly profound. It’s a constant reminder of the city’s layered past, where ancient empires once thrived.
The surrounding Roman Forum and Palatine Hill offer an even deeper dive into the heart of ancient Rome, with their sprawling ruins painting a vivid picture of what life was once like. Even from the outside, the area pulses with historical significance, inviting contemplation of millennia gone by.
For dinner, we sought out another local favorite, Trattoria il Tettarello, a highly popular pizza restaurant. Once again, luck was on our side, and we managed to snag the very last table right by the entrance. A long line of eager diners stretched outside, patiently waiting for over an hour for their turn. It felt a little awkward at first, enjoying our delectable pizza under the watchful eyes of hungry people peering through the glass wall. However, the sheer deliciousness of our meal quickly made us forget our surroundings. The pizza was simply incredible, with a perfectly crisp crust, rich tomato sauce, and fresh, flavorful toppings. Oh, how I wish I could go back and have just one more slice!
Day 3: Art, Spirituality, and Roman Charms
Our final full day in Rome began with a satisfying breakfast at our hotel, the trendy iQ Hotel Roma. We found it to be exceptionally clean, comfortable, and well-located. While traditional Italian breakfast typically consists of just a cappuccino and a croissant, iQ Hotel Roma catered wonderfully to its international guests, offering a full breakfast buffet complete with scrambled eggs and sausages. It was a delightful spread, ensuring we were energized for a day of extensive exploration.
After breakfast, we set off towards Piazza Navona, with our ultimate goal being the iconic Trevi Fountain. Unfortunately, upon arrival, we discovered the Trevi Fountain was closed for maintenance. While initially disappointing, we found solace and humor in throwing a coin into another beautiful fountain nearby, ensuring our return to Rome! Our disappointment quickly faded as we immersed ourselves in the beauty of Piazza Navona.
Piazza Navona is a magnificent Baroque square, pulsating with an incredible energy and vibrant street life. Dominated by Bernini’s spectacular Fountain of Four Rivers, it’s a hub for artists, street performers, and locals enjoying the Roman sun. The square is a perfect spot to sit, soak in the atmosphere, and admire the stunning architecture that surrounds it.
While exploring the square, we stumbled upon a talented artist displaying an array of breathtaking paintings. His work immediately captivated me, and I knew I had to take a piece of Rome home. After carefully browsing his collection, I chose a gorgeous painting depicting a picturesque Italian seaside town. I can’t wait to have it framed and proudly display this beautiful artwork, a constant reminder of our Roman holiday.
The afternoon was dedicated to a profound exploration of the Vatican City, an independent city-state and the spiritual heart of the Catholic Church. The sheer scale and opulence of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica are almost unfathomable.
Inside the Vatican, we were utterly mesmerized by the marvelous paintings, intricate ceiling art, and exquisite sculptures at every turn. The artistic mastery on display was intoxicating and truly breathtaking, transforming grand halls into galleries of unparalleled human achievement. Our visit culminated in the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel, a place of immense historical and religious significance, famous as the venue for papal conclaves.
While I may not consider myself a deeply religious person, stepping inside the Sistine Chapel was an incredibly profound experience. To stand beneath Michelangelo’s masterpieces, “The Last Judgment” and “The Creation of Adam” (with its iconic almost-touching hands of God and Adam), was nothing short of extraordinary. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the chapel, a rule I came to appreciate. It allowed me to fully be present, to absorb the monumental artistry without the distraction of a lens, truly connecting with the work and its history.
From the Vatican Museums, we caught a serene peek into the beautifully maintained Vatican Gardens, offering a peaceful contrast to the bustling crowds and grand interiors.
And finally, we admired the majestic top of St. Peter’s Basilica, its dome dominating the Roman skyline and symbolizing the enduring power and beauty of this incredible city.
Rome, with its timeless beauty, rich history, magnificent art, and unforgettable cuisine, captured our hearts completely. We departed with a longing to return, a promise whispered to the city’s ancient stones: We love you, Rome, and we will be back!
We hope you thoroughly enjoyed this final travel photo journal from our unforgettable European adventure, spanning London, Paris, and the incomparable Rome. Thank you for joining us on this journey!