Setting out on a family vacation as adults was exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. The last time we were all together having an adventure was nearly 25 years ago, so traveling to Europe was sure to be memorable…for many reasons. Our first set of travel dates were rescheduled from late Fall to late Winter, so we anticipated some possibly chillier weather in March compared to October, but everyone was happy to be traveling. With six family members in tow, and the seventh joining us separately, we began our two-week adventure to Italy.

The tour we booked included an aggressive schedule, but the first portion of the trip eased us into the country and let us have a little more free time. We all enjoyed the opportunity to get some extra sleep and let our internal clocks adjust to the new time zone. Day two was our first time venturing out. Rain and clouds were a constant potential threat on the trip, but luckily for us, it only rained during our time on the bus as we drove passed many famous sites and points of interest. We were able to walk a little bit around the Colosseum to take pictures before being dropped at St. Peter’s Square.

We arranged for tickets to see the Vatican Museums, so we walked along the Vatican walls to the entrance. Inside was massive with many rooms to explore. We decided to make our way directly to the Sistine Chapel, which was at the opposite end of the museum complex, and enjoy what we could see along the way. There were no pictures permitted of the Chapel, but along the long corridors to and from that area were free game. It was amazing to see pieces in the museum collection from all over the world and all different periods.

Our guide recommended we grab a meal in the Trastevere neighborhood, so we walked down the street to the taxi stop and hailed a ride to that section of the city. The taxi ride was about 10 euros and offered us more views of the famous bridges and buildings nearby. After grabbing pizza for dinner, we went to Checco er Carettiere for coffee and pastry…the first of many cafes we would enjoy through our travels.

The next morning was a day on our own, so we made the most of our time by starting early. The guide from the day before said the best opportunity to see St. Peter’s Basilica is at 8:00am.

It is free to enter, but a long line is typically waiting to get in, except as soon as it opens each morning. We took the guide’s advice, arrived just before 8:00am, went through security, and walked in the front door. It felt as if we had the entire Basilica to ourselves as we walked around for over an hour taking loads of photos with no other pedestrians around.

We found the statue of St. Andrew and lined up to go down the stairs to the grottos to see the tombs of many popes buried there. Some were centuries old and had carvings that were beautifully preserved.

Upon leaving, we even stumbled across the Swiss Guards performing a changing of the guard ceremony. We enjoyed our lucky timing before we headed out of the area to explore further.

Grabbing another taxi, we headed across the river to the Pantheon at the center of the city. The small line moved quickly and we paid our 5 euros to enter and admire the feat of engineering and artistry.

By this point we burned many calories walking around and needed a good meal for lunch. Many cute restaurants lined the nearby streets, so we started to investigate. The first restaurant we checked into had a short wait, but right across the small street was a place called Hostaria de’ Pastini which was open and a waiter named Yahya welcomed us in. Our family of seven sat right in the front of the small restaurant and had the best dining experience imaginable. I had pasta with shaved truffles, and it was amazing! Yahya was energetic and enthusiastic about his job, chatted and joked with us, and even gave us complimentary glasses of Limoncello and cookies to end our meal. We all agreed that was one of the best meals we had ever experienced.

With full bellies, we set out for more points of interest. A 20-minute walk brought us to the Trevi Fountain. This area is always crowded, but we worked our way down to the front for some great pictures and enjoyed the sun shining on the water.

Another 15-minute walk took us to the Spanish Steps. Only a few of us walked up to the top for some pictures before we all decided a café stop was in order.

After some coffee and a sampling of various gelato flavors, we headed in two groups to the Piazza Navona. Some of us walked while the others took a cab.

On the walk, we stopped at Santa Maria Minerva, a nondescript church from the outside. However, upon entering, you notice the amazing blue ceilings that are unmistakable.

The Piazza Navona has three large fountains and a large church on one side. It’s an excellent place to walk around and enjoy the weather…if it is comfortable.

We walked around and killed some time until dinner when we met up with some family members temporarily living in Italy. After trying many local dishes, some dessert, and a few bottles of wine, we said our goodbyes and headed to our hotel to pack for the rest of our adventure outside Rome.