Italy – Rome

Why we went…

After more than a year and a half of sticking closer to home for travel because of the pandemic, we were ready to get back to Europe. Plus, Italy was a new country for our kids, and Spencer loves pasta. We were excited to go somewhere he could finally enjoy eating. Thanksgiving is a great week to travel abroad since it isn’t Thanksgiving. Everything is open, Americans generally aren’t traveling outside the US, and it isn’t a holiday break for any other countries. Also, in many places they start decorating for Christmas. The weather wasn’t perfect, but we find the cooler rainy days to be preferable to walking around cities in the heat. Comfortable waterproof shoes and clear domed umbrellas are our secret to happy rainy days!

How we got there…

We flew Swiss Airlines business class through Zurich using United Miles. Coming home, we flew Lufthansa economy class through Frankfurt.

Where we stayed…

We loved out AIRBNB in Rome. Since we were there for five nights, it was nice to have a home base that felt like home. We had two bedrooms, a living room, and a small kitchen for a fraction of the cost of a nice hotel room. It was fun for the kids to get a feel for what it would be like to live in Rome. The apartment is located near the Trevi fountain. Rome is a very walkable city, and we could easily get anywhere from this location. It is nice to be on a bustling street with shops, restaurants and gelaterias.

Rome Cavalieri a Waldorf Astoria – We spent one night here. The adults ate at La Pergola, while the kids ordered room service with a babysitter provided by the hotel. We really enjoyed this hotel for one night. We swam in the pool and the kids enjoyed the beautiful room. We are glad, however, that we didn’t spend the whole trip here. The views are beautiful, but you can’t walk into Rome from this hotel. We enjoyed the accessibility of the Airbnb to the city.

What we did…

The best thing to do in Rome is walk! Get lost in the labyrinth of streets. Around every corner you are sure to find something spectacular. Signs will point the way to the big monuments and must-see places like the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Fiore, but there is so much more to this amazing city.

Here are some of our favorite must-dos in Rome…

Vatican City – One of my favorite places to visit in Rome. I never tire of the impressive architecture and art. It was fun to see the Vatican through the eyes of my kids. I am not sure if in that moment they understood the unbelievable opportunity they had to gaze at the Sistine Chapel, but I am sure they will one day when they take their first art history class. Also, perhaps because tourism was still somewhat limited by covid, but the normally crowded Vatican and even the Sistine Chapel were nearly empty. It seemed like we had the place all to ourselves.

The Colosseum and Forum – A must-see! We took a tour that allowed us access to the underground. It was a bit long for the kids, but we appreciated the special access it gave us. Being that the Colosseum and Forum are ruins, the guide gave us good information about how these spaces were used and what we were looking at. It helped that it was a cool and rainy day. Our kids may not have lasted in the extreme heat that Rome can see in the summers.

Capitoline Hill and Museum – This was a pretty museum heavy trip, but it really needs to be. There is so much amazing art to see. I think the kids enjoyed the museums partly to escape the rain and for a bit of a break from walking. This museum is really well curated and doesn’t feel overwhelming. We didn’t stay long and saw the major pieces which is the key to my kids not whining when I say that we are going to a museum. The views in all directions from Capitoline Hill are worthy of the small hike up!

Galleria Borghese – My favorite museum in Rome! The kids loved it too. It’s small and has some really impressive and powerful works of art. They each liked picking their favorite piece of art in each room and then taking a picture in front of us. My favorite part of visiting this museum was the kids’ curiosity.

Ainsley while looking at Bernini’s Rape of Persephone – “Mom, did she get away?”

Spencer as we were about to leave the museum – “Mom, we missed a room. Can we go see it?”

We were in and out in under an hour. Just the way they like it!

The Wax Museum – I’m not sure the Rome Wax Museum makes many people’s must-do list, but we really enjoyed it as a break from the rain and walking. The kids were a bit “monumented” out by this point. We happened upon it and thought, why not? We were only there for 30 minutes and got some fun pictures with some local celebrities.

Rimessa Roscioli Cooking Class – Hands down our favorite activity in Rome! When we travel, we love eating and drinking the local favorites, but if we can make them ourselves…even better!! This three hour cooking class was interactive, informative and tasty. The wine pairing included with the meal added to the experience. The kids loved every second of it and never once asked when it was going to be over. We learned how to make the three most famous Roman pasta dishes: Cacio e pepe, Spaghetti alla Carbonara, Bucatini all’Amatriciana.

Where we ate…

The best part of Rome is the food! There are so many fabulous eateries in Rome. Here are a few spots that we enjoyed and highly recommend.

La Casa Del Caffe Tazza D’Oro – Start your day like a local! Cornettos, pastries and the best cappuccinos in town. Plus it is located near the Pantheon which is nice to visit first thing in the morning before the crowds arrived.

Bonci Pizzarium – We are big Anthony Bourdain fans, and this is one of his recommendations for the best Roman style pizza. We got there early and went on a rainy day in November so the line wasn’t as long as we read it could be. It is a short Uber or taxi ride from the Vatican. Visit the Vatican early and then head to Bonci. Be prepared to eat while standing. This isn’t a sit-down restaurant.

Colline Emiliane – One of our favorite dinners! The fresh pasta was incredible and it was made even more special since we saw it being made when we passed by the restaurant earlier in the day.

Prosciutteria Cantina Dei Papi – The kids loved “living” on such a vibrant street with restaurants and shops. They insited on eating at “our restaurant” across the street. We were lucky that it happened to be delicious and charming. We really enjoyed grazing on the giant boards of cured meats and cheeses. The wine list is excellent and reasonably priced, as well.

La Pergola – If you are looking for a very special dining experience in Rome, look no further than La Pergola at the Waldorf Astoria. The tasting menu and wine pairing at this 3-star Michelin restaurant is superb. The dining room is elegant, the service exceptional and every morsel of food is spectacular. There is a dress code, so be prepared to pack a coat and dress shoes.

Our family vacation traditions…

We always look for a soccer jersey for Spence, and if we happen by a barber, we get him a haircut. Soccer jerseys are easy to come by in Rome. Spence got three new jerseys, and his obligatory travel haircut.