Day 1:
We woke up and left 20 minutes later. It was like 4 in the morning, so I didn't really get ready. Our flight was from Frankfurt-Hahn airport...so like another 2 hours away from the Frankfurt airport. Note to self...never use that airport again, it's not worth it. Well, Tyler underestimated the amount of time it would take, and there was freezing rain. Needless to say we missed our flight. Ugh. So for a small fee we changed our tickets to fly in to Piza later that day.
From Piza we took a train to Florence, had 30 minutes to walk around and then finished our journey to Rome. From the train station, our hotel was about 15 minutes walking. Not bad. Some people say our hotel is in a "sketchy" part of the city, but we didn't think so. If you ask the locals they call it the communist district by the technical university. haha. And anyway, who really cares...we're in freaking ROME!
After a small dinner, we had much needed sleep.
That night, we learned that you eat in courses. The appetizer, course 1 (usually pasta), course 2 (usually meat) and then dessert. This can be difficult to eat this much. We had everything but the dessert, which is fine. Later on we learned that it's acceptable to only get one course if you get an appetizer or it's lunch.
Day 2:
Our first day exploring ROME! AHHH! I couldn't even handle it. After dealing with the crowds in the Metro station, we got our tickets and were on our way. The Metro is really the best way to go.You can get basically everywhere using the Metro. I hear buses are good too, but we only used the metro and walked. Our hotel happened to be about 15 minutes walking from the Termini Station, which is the main one, so from there, we could go anywhere.
Anyway, when we got off we were walking around and accidently stumbled upon the Spanish Steps. epic.
After that we went to the Vittorio Emanuel (so impressive!), Trajan Market Museum, the Pantheon and explored. The city is so beautiful. At the Trajan Market Museum we got a Roma Pass. This pass was good for 2 locations and came with maps and a Metro pass for a couple days. Well worth it. I recommend getting it. We used it for the Trajan Market Museum and then the Forum/Colosseum. Man, there's hardly any lines by doing that. Totally worth it.
Of course, to end the day, we had a delicious dinner with wine and pasta...mmmm. I felt like I was going to gain 50 lbs haha.
Spanish Steps:
Day 3:
After a VERY crowded trip on the Metro we got off, walked out side and there was the Colosseum. How amazing is that? You're just minding your own business getting off the metro and BAM! There's the Colosseum.
We started off the day by going to the Forum. This is truly an amazing place. So much history in one area. We didn't get a guided tour because Tyler and I knew a lot about it, and we had a really good guide book. IT basically told us everything we needed to know and where it was. Epic. I would say you could borrow it, but Tyler left it at a restaurant...we'll get to that later. Oh, for your information, the Palatine and the Forum are connected. I REALLY wish we would've know that because we, as I said before, started the day in the Forum then went to the Colosseum. After that we went to the Palatine. Now, we thought these were all connected in price...wrong. The Forum and Colosseum are connected via the Roma Pass, and if you research or ask, you find out that the Palatine is connected to the Forum, so really you only have to pay for one. But like I said, we didn't know. So after the Colosseum, we walked across the courtyard to the Palatine. Now, this place was really cool, but Tyler and I were pretty tired. Plus, they made you pay for all three places. We couldn't just get tickets for the Palatine. You HAVE to buy the package that gets you in to the Palatine, Forum and Colosseum. Ugh. Oh well. They were still all amazing. It was a very long but fun day.
Forum:
After all of that, we made our way back to the hotel for a little rest. Oh yeah, also fyi, they don't eat dinner till at least 7 or 8. So, around 8 we made our way to this restaurant near our hotel because my feet were killing me! We had the best cacio e pepe, ok wine and great dessert. At the end, the owner liked us so much that he gave us a free post dinner drink. What a fun restuarant!
Day 4:
This was more of a down day because we needed it and my poor feet were killing me. I have know idea why either. I brought my two comfortable shoes...to much walking I guess :p
Anyway, we went to the AMAZING Capollini Museum. Words really can't descride how epic this museum is. It has paintings, sculpture...it's truly amazing. Go.
After that we had lunch and went to the Trevi Fountain that evening. There are a lot of people there, but it is a sight worth seeing. The place we had lunch was the place Tyler left our guidebook...fail. Oh well, the waiter was super nice and thought Tyler had taken Italian in school, so that was cool.
Trevi Fountain:
Day 5:
Tyler and I coined this day Pope day. haha. Granted, we didn't see him, I mean, who really does? This day we went to the Vatican. No words really. It's absolutley breathtaking. Now, I'm not Catholic, but this was still a very moving experience. Maybe it does help that I am a Christian, but still, this is a must see.
We started out at the Vatican Museum and spent HOURS there. There is so much to see! It's basically a history and art lesson packed in to one HUGE museum. Very worth while. We also got those nifty things you hold up to your ear to learn about everything. The only thing that made me upset about this museum was that the "Last Supper" painting was down for refurbishing. :( I've always wanted to see that. Oh well. Next time? When you go through the museum, you get to go into the Sistine Chapel. I actually think that's the only way. The Sistine Chapel is amazing. I can't believe how much detail there is. Truly amazing. The only thing that kind of sucks is that you get pushed around because it's SOOO crowded. People can always be really rude and talk loudly even though there is supposed to be silence. One also must remember that it is only a chapel so it's not this huge place. You're also not allowed to take pictures in there. Why? Something about a Japanese company has the copyrights...not kidding. ha.
Next, we took a walk and went to St. Peter's Basilica. Truly and amazing building. First we walked around the courtyard, then we got in line, went through security and bought tickets to go to the top of the dome. Now, this is not for the weak...literally. If you're claustrophobic, have severe asthma or health issues of any kind, I recommend you don't go. There are two ways to go: 1) all stairs, which is a couple euro cheaper and 2) elevator and stairs. Either way, you have to use stairs to get to the top. Of course, being with Tyler, we did all stairs. All 500 plus. Ugh. The first set to get you to the roof aren't bad, you do wind around, but there's plenty of space...you just get a little tired. Then you get the roof walk around, or in my case sit for a little, then you are ready for the big climb. At first it's not so bad, then as you start getting up higher, it becomes more narrow and windy. Like I said before...if you're claustrophobic, this is probably a no go. By the time you get up to the top everyone is breathing hard, but the you see the view and all is well. Then you sit, relax, take pictures and have to go down...ugh. Yup, the same way.
Once down, we went in St. Peter's. It is absolutely gorgeous and moving. There are really no other words.
St. Peter's:
From the top of the dome:
Day 6:
Travel back to Germany. We leave at like 7 am by private shuttle that the hotel arranged to go to the smaller Rome airport to Frankfurt-Hahn. From Frankfurt-Hahn, we took a bus to the Frankfurt train station. Train to Wurzburg. Wurzburg to home. It was a LONG day. But, the exciting thing was when we left Germany there was a ton a snow and freezing rain, when we returned...nothing. YES! :)
What we Learned about Italy:
- walk and take the Metro.
We never took a taxi, but I hear you get ripped off if you do.
- Take an Italian phrasebook
Italians love it when you try and speak Italian. I think that's why some of the restuarants we went to were so nice to us. I mean, in Rome most people know English, but it's still nice to try. Hell, one man at a restuarant thought Tyler had taken Italian in school :)
- take a guidebook.
Tyler and I had the eyewitness one, and it was great until he left it at a restaurant...dang.
- they eat in courses
Don't worrying sharing is ok and encouraged! Just, if you don't want two courses get and appetizer or dessert or both :)
- Eat and drink lots
The food and wine is amazing, so eat and drink up! However, there are LOTS of pricey places, so be careful of that especially if you're on a budget. The cart food around touristy things is pretty good. haha.
- There are cats EVERYWHERE. Don't feed them.
Not kidding...there are signs...
- Explore
I really think this is the best way to get to know a city and see the sights. Maybe take the first day to figure out where things are and see a few things, that way you can make sure what you want to do makes sense. Also, looking at a map and plotting where you want to go and what you want to do before hand helps.
I know I forgot about things we went to, but I think this gives you all a good overview of what Tyler and I did in Rome :)
Thanks for provide information about Italy tour with beautiful images....
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