Family vacation in Rome
At the initiative of my brother, who is also a traveler, we decided to organize a family trip to Rome. My brother and our mom decided to buy tickets for our grandmother for Christmas. The idea of a joint trip also caught on with our cousin, who surprised his mom with tickets for Christmas as well. Thanks to this, during Christmas, we managed to gather a 7-person “team” for the trip.
Day 1
My First Flight
The journey to Rome was quite an attraction for me, as one of my dreams came true – I finally got to fly on a plane. Excited and a little nervous, I couldn’t wait for the flight to start. The check-in and waiting time before departure seemed endless until we finally boarded the plane and it started taxiing on the runway. I expected the speed to push me into my seat, but instead, it gently lifted off into the air. I spent the entire 2-hour flight looking at the views from the window.
After we arrived and checked into a beautiful apartment in the center with a view of the Vatican, it was time to head out and explore the area.
We started our walk at St. Peter’s Square, located directly in front of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, and then headed toward the Angel Bridge, which is characterized by 10 extraordinary angel statues designed by Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini. We also approached the Castel Sant’Angelo and made our way back, looking for a nice restaurant for a late lunch.
Day 2
The Colosseum and Roman Forum
The next day, right after breakfast, we set off for the second day of sightseeing. We had planned to visit the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, two of the most famous landmarks in Rome. Fortunately, my brother had already bought the tickets online in advance, so we avoided the huge line at the ticket office. There was just a short queue for the Colosseum.
The Colosseum was built around 70-80 AD and could hold tens of thousands of people. It is primarily known for gladiator battles and wild animal hunts. Despite the passing of so many years, it is still in an impressive condition, and I believe it’s a must-see in Rome.
From the Colosseum, we headed towards the Roman Forum, the oldest public square in Rome. It was a walk through the remains of temples, triumphal arches, and basilicas.
We still had plenty of time and energy, so we decided to head toward the Trevi Fountain, the most famous and most visited baroque fountain by tourists. And that’s how it was – when we got there, we encountered huge crowds, and to take a photo in front of the fountain, we had to wait our turn.
To finish the day, we visited the famous Spanish Steps, leading to the Trinità dei Monti Church.
Day 3
The Vatican
On the day before our departure, we had planned a trip to the Vatican, the main point of our journey (especially for our grandmothers). Our goal was the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. Just like with the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, my brother had already ordered tickets in advance to avoid wasting time in line.
To enter the Basilica, proper attire is required, specifically covering the knees and shoulders. Before the trip, I made sure to pack the right clothes and put them on right before entering. The security strictly enforces the rules. It’s worth remembering this, or you’ll end up with a huge bag, which you can buy before entering.
During the visit, we saw, among other things, the interior of St. Peter’s Basilica, stunning wall paintings, sculptures, sarcophagi, ancient vessels, the Sistine Chapel ceiling, and the Scala Santa (Holy Stairs).
After visiting the Vatican, we still had half a day left. We didn’t want to waste it resting in the apartment, so we decided to do some more spontaneous sightseeing. Part of the group was exhausted from all the sightseeing and decided to return to rest. It was just me, my brother, and our mom left. On a quick decision, we got on the first tram that came and got off at a station that caught our eye. We wandered down the first street we found and came across a small bar. I decided to try the local beer, while mom and my brother chose regional wine. To our surprise, with our order, we were served a plate of local delicacies, and after paying the bill, we were given a glass of homemade liqueur. Afterward, we continued exploring, following the rule: one church, one bar.
If this article helped you plan your trip and gather the necessary information, I would appreciate your support in fulfilling my dreams by buying me a coffee!
