Tap, tap. Is this thing on? In over 16 years of blogging, I don’t think I’ve ever gone this long without posting. It feels like learning to ride a bike all over again! You don’t forget how, but you feel a little rusty at first. In fact, this is the first time I’ve opened my laptop since I left home last Wednesday.
We’ve been so busy and having so much fun discovering the joys and trials of international travel that I didn’t even miss it. (And so far, I’m happy to say, the trials have been few and far between.) I have Stacey Blum and WhirlAway Travel largely to thank for that.
She planned this trip flawlessly. All we have to do is show up in the designated spots at the appointed times, and practically everything else is taken care of. This trip is not sponsored; I just want to give credit where credit is due, and also share for those who may be looking for a full service travel agent. I can’t recommend Stacey highly enough!
I titled this post Greetings from Rome, but I’m actually posting from Perugia, Umbria this morning. I started writing this post yesterday, but I got sidetracked trying to get everyone packed up and moving along so we could meet our driver on time. I want to make sure to get my Rome recap posted before I start to forget all the things I wanted to share.
It’s amazing how distant it already feels, after just a day exploring another city. Now I know why people keep travel diaries! I guess this blog is my travel diary, so let’s start at the beginning.
We took a direct flight from Philly to the Rome–Fiumicino International Airport and made our way through customs without a hitch. We did end up checking one medium-sized suitcase, but that’s another post. It was already on the baggage carousel by the time I got there, so I easily retrieved that while Paul found our driver, and the next thing I knew, we were on our way to our hotel in the heart of Rome’s City Centre.
We stayed at Hotel Hassler, which is absolutely sublime. It has all the old world charm and modern amenities we could have hoped for. The five us shared two rooms (a double and a triple), and that worked out nicely. Here’s a picture from my room, as well as the view from our small balcony.
Hotel Hassler is located at the top of the iconic Spanish Steps, so we were able to easily walk to shops and restaurants, as well as many of the historical sites and piazzas that were on our bucket list to experience.
We didn’t have anything on our itinerary other than dinner reservations for our first night in Rome, so we got settled into our hotel and then wandered around a bit to get the lay of the land before walking over to dinner at Da Francesco.
We sat outside, more or less on the street, which made for excellent people watching opportunities. The staff was accommodating to our myriad of food allergies and lack of the Italian language, and the food and wine was delicious.
It was extremely hot and humid, without any real breeze to speak of, but I was surprised by how well we all handled the heat.
In fact, I’d say that’s true for the entire trip. I’ve never been hotter in my life, but somehow it didn’t make it any less enjoyable.
On the way back to our hotel, we sat for a while on the Spanish Steps. By that time, there was a bit of a breeze, and the air temperature was a balmy 90 degrees, haha!
Here’s a picture of Becca and me sitting on the Spanish Steps, as one does.
I slept pretty well our first night in Rome, but I woke up with an upset stomach that prevented me from going on our morning tour, which included the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain… and the shopping mall built around an ancient aqueduct. It was actually discovered during the construction of the mall, so they left it there and built the mall around it.
I was sad to miss that, but thankfully I rallied and was able to join them for the afternoon tour of the Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill.
That tour was absolutely amazing, and our tour guide did a wonderful job explaining what we were seeing and putting it all in historical context without getting too bogged down in the nitty gritty details.
Paul and David are both history buffs, so they enjoyed interacting with her the most, but she was also able to make it interesting and relevant to the girls. Plus, she had tickets that allowed us to bypass the very long lines, and in that heat, that feature was priceless!
After a rest at the hotel, we all split up and did our own thing that evening.
David and Caroline both enjoyed wandering a bit on their own. And Paul, Becca, and I had dinner together at a lovely spot near our hotel, overlooking the Spanish Steps and Piazza di Spagna below, before turning in early that night.
We had some free time the next morning, so Paul took me to the spots I missed the day before. We went to the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon (although we didn’t go inside), and the shopping mall built around the aqueduct.
Also, this might have happened… Yes, I treated myself to a special bag from Italy.
I was planning to buy an Italian brand, but this is one I’ve admired many times in the mall at home and on some of the influencers I follow, so when I happened across it shopping in Rome, I decided to go for it.
The prices are lower here, plus I’ll get the 12% VAT refund when I go through customs on our way home, so it’s a great opportunity to make a luxury purchase.
After that little excursion, we had time to grab a quick bite of lunch at the hotel, and then we met our tour guide for an afternoon visit to Vatican City.
There’s so much more to see there than I realized, and I particularly enjoyed all the art and sculpture.
They were starting to have mass when we were inside St. Peter’s Basilica, so we could hear the choir singing, which made the experience even more memorable.
By the time we got back to our hotel that night, everyone was pretty fried… everyone except Caroline, that is. She decided to go shopping while the rest of us took a nap.
Becca and I went out for a while on our own, and then we met up with Paul and David for dinner at Babette. It was probably our favorite meal of our time in Rome. Nice atmosphere, delicious food, and gracious restaurant staff. We sat outside in a little courtyard area, and there was a bit of a breeze. Highly recommend, if you’re ever in Rome.
We took our time walking back to our hotel to savor our last night in Rome. There was a breeze, so even though it was still quite warm, it felt nice. For some reason, the police were not allowing people to sit on the Spanish Steps that evening, but we stood around Piazza di Spagna and just enjoyed the view and the sounds of nightlife in Rome.
Back at the hotel, Becca went on up to her room, and Paul and I wandered into the Palm Court for a cocktail and live piano music.
As we were leaving, I asked the piano player if he was okay with me taking a video, and he obliged. I shared it on my Instagram Story, if you’re interested. (I’m saving all my Stories to a highlight called ITALY.) It was the perfect way to end our short stay in Rome!
I keep thinking of more photos and information I’d like to add, but I think this is enough for now! I don’t want to take too much time away from the family, although they’re all resting at the moment. I appreciate that our itinerary allows some down time each day for us to do our own thing.
As I said, we’re in Perugia now, and I hope to do a similar post before we move on to Florence. At the very least, I’m taking notes so it’s not so much to recall all at once. It’s amazing how everything seems so vibrant in the present, and as soon as we’re in a different city, the memories of the previous one start to feel distant.
If you have questions, I’m happy to answer in the comments, but I may not be as prompt with my replies as I often am.
Ciao for now!
48 Responses
I will be in Rome in 3 weeks. Thanks for the recommendations. Safe travels and have a ball!!
Overall sounds like you’re having a great time! Great idea to always plan downtime. Rome is great but I loved Florence! Well … it’s all pretty amazing. Have fun!
Love hearing all of your details. I would worry about sickness. It seems like we come back early cause of my son so I understand. We hope to go next summer for high school graduation. He wants to go to the Ferrari dealership/museum etc.
You are obviously having the best time and I know you will be forever thankful your family was able to take this trip together! Thanks for sharing!!
You guys all look great! We stayed at the Hassler last year and it was fantastic!
Looks like you are having a fantastic time with your family. Take it all in and enjoy! Can’t wait for your next post! 🥰
Is it safe to walk alone, like Carolyn did?
Safe enough, I guess. By the time she went out on her own, she knew the area.
Most of the crime in Italy is property crime/theft.
Hi! We were in Italy 4 years ago for my 50th and Florence was my favorite place. We stayed at nicolinni duomo palazzo and it was amazing. There was a restaurant right next to our hotel that I highly recommend called Gustavinos. Wonderful food and service. Enjoy your travels!
It looks like an amazing trip! I’ve been enjoying your Stories on Instagram! Thanks for posting!
This trip sounds so exciting and fun! I know you and your family are having a blast!! The pictures are great. I have seen some on Instagram. Carry on and be safe!!😀🌻
Thanks for sharing the details of your trip ! I love following along on Instagram , it looks like an amazing vacation !
Wow what a beautiful city! I’m sure it’s even more stunning in person. Thanks for sharing, and please don’t worry about posting often while you’re there. Enjoy this time with your family! Have fun and we’ll all be living vicariously!
We were in Rome last October. I loved it and would go back in a heartbeat! Have FUN! ENJOY your family!
You are having an amazing trip and you did the right thing using tour guides for your itinerary. . I would not do international trips any other way. Direct flights, American hotels if possible and pre planned tours. It saves you a lot of time and navigating the language. Hope you have Florence or Venice on your list? Florence is just one of those places you fall in love…. I’m enjoying your blog and pictures so much. Thank you for sharing.
Yes, I will never travel any other way from now on. It’s been hard enough dealing with the language and coordinating our family of 5 during the times we don’t have a schedule to follow. The guides are fabulous resources.
Love seeing your photos and recap of Rome. We also stayed near the Spanish Steps.
Babette was on my list but we did not get there.
Your new bag is gorgeous!
Look forward to your next recap and photos.
Thank you so much for sharing! I look forward to hearing more about your trip. We are going to Sorrento in August.
Enjoy!
The question that is burning in my mind is, of course, fashion related! Are you happy with what you have packed to wear so far?
Love your pictures!
For the most part, yes. But since we did check a bag, I wish I’d thrown in a couple more “fun” dresses for dinners out. I tried to buy one here but haven’t found quite the right thing yet.
LOOKS LIKE YOU GUYS ARE HAVING A BALL. I WISH YOU HAD SHOWN YOUR PURSE YOU PURCHASED!!! I WOULD HAVE LOVED TO SEE IT!! PRAYING FOR A CONTINUED SAFE TRIP AND FUN TRIP.
I’M SO SORRY I JUST WENT BACK AND I DID SEE YOUR BEAUTIFUL BAG!!! I LOVE IT!!! GREAT CHOICE!!
It sounds wonderful. I hope you tipped the piano player for the video and housekeeper at hotel. It’s what my mom taught her kids to do. It’s hard work that keeps the tourist industry in tack.
Yes, indeed! 🙂
Have a lovely holiday in Italy!
When you get back I would love to know the details about the fuchsia v-neck dress. You look stunning in it and the color is perfection!
It’s an older one, I’m sorry I can’t link it! 🙂
So good to hear from you and that everything is going well. I’ve sure missed your morning post but so glad you took a break to enjoy the trip and family. Hope Becca is doing ok eating out. Looks like a beautiful place.
What tennis shoes did you wear while in Italy? Were they comfortable?
Taos Plim Soul Luxe – very comfortable! https://shopstyle.it/l/bZbxP
Looks like so much fun and making priceless family memories and beautiful photos!Wow!!! David looks so much like the new Wimbledon tennis champion Carlos Alcaraz..…. I’m wondering if he’s been mistaken for Carlos yet. You can google him and see the resemblance if you haven’t heard it yet. Have fun!
Haha, too funny. I kind of see that.
I really enjoyed this post! Very well written, to the point I almost felt like I was there with y’all.
Looks like you’re all are having a great time. Thanks for posting. Florence is one of our favorite places. There is a shop there where you can buy leather items and they will put your initials permanatley in the handbag after buying it. GALLERIA MICHELANGELO # 8 ON THE DOOR. BEAUTIFUL SHOP.
Seems like an amazing trip, thank you for taking the time to share it with us. I’ve been reading your blog since the start of the pandemic and I appreciate your writing style, fashion suggestions, family focus, and transparency regarding sponsorships! Enjoy the rest of your trip
Thank you for taking the time to share this wonderful experience with us, so enjoy all the photos. Looking forward to seeing more! Travel safely and enjoy!
Loved hearing about this amazing trip!😀💙
Love following your trip–we were just in Rome last year so it all brings back so many memories. Have you used any public transportation like the metro or trams yet? Just asking.
ALso, an oddball question, but do you know where the pants that Paul is wearing on your last day in Rome came from? and do they have any zippered pockets? We travel in Europe a couple times a year and always looking for lightweight pickpocket resistant pants for my husband.
Stay safe and cool!
Hi Jane, they’re Lululemon. He loves them, highly recommend. They do have zippered pockets. https://shopstyle.it/l/bZezf
Thanks! I really enjoy hearing about your trip! This summer I am an armchair traveler.
Looking forward to your next post.
In Florence, there is a Prada Factory store just outside the city. The prices are insane! $100 wallets, $500 handbags! Ask your concierge at the hotel about it. Truly a hidden gem!
Oh, yes, I did hear something about that. Thank you!
Jo-Lynne, so glad that everything is going well on your trip to Italy. Your pictures are wonderful and bring back memories of my trips to Italy. I sure hope that the Amalfi Coast is on your itinerary as it is the most beautiful place in Italy, imho.
Not this trip, but definitely some day!
Your trip looks amazing! I am glad to hear that you aren’t too impacted by the heat. If you are shopping for gold in Florence, we found 2 stores that we loved on Piazza di Santa Croce. We purchased at the Gold Market and Cellini Gold. We enjoyed window-shopping at the Gold Bridge but were a little afraid to buy from there, and both of these other stores were well-reviewed.
Thanks for the recommendation!
We were in Italy in June; so fun to people watch and soak up Italian style! I appreciate the way that their clothing was elevated (compared to the US) even for everyday life and came home inspired to dress with more intention!
I was there too! Just got back yesterday–from Roma! Heat was ABSURD. But what amazing history and food!!