European Adventure: Our Guide To Rome

July 27, 2023

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For the second part of our adventures, we headed down south to Rome. We went back and forth as to if we wanted to include this city on our stop. TJ and I had already visited Rome years ago, so we knew how crowded it would be (and anticipated it would be very hot in the summer) and we weren’t sure if the historical aspect of the city would be of interest to the girls (given their younger ages). In the end, we decided a couple of days in The Eternal City would be a good option for us, and I’m so glad we ended up including it. Despite the crowds, and major heat (think mid 90’s with humidity), we had a great time. Harper took an immediate interest to the Coliseum, asking if we could go inside (so we immediately found a “skip the line tour” so she could experience that… I do NOT recommend waiting in the line, find a skip the line tour either online or from the various tours around the Coliseum) and they both loved the Trevi fountain and the significance of tossing in a coin. I’m sharing a bit more about the trip below:

To get to Rome from Venice, we took a 4 hour train ride. The European rail system is amazing and so easy to use. We all thoroughly enjoyed our experience seeing the Italian countryside… I particularly loved the Tuscan vineyards and homes (so beautiful…). We booked our tickets ahead of time on TrenItalia (particularly the Frecciarossa which is their high speed train). As with anything in Europe, booking this ahead of time is the way to go (and the only way to ensure you will have tickets/reservations).

As far as hotels go, we wanted something that was relatively roomy (since we were all staying there), family friendly, and centrally located. We opted for the DoubleTree Rome, and I can’t recommend it more. The hotel was modern, the suite we booked was very spacious and comfortable, and they have a cool rooftop bar that you can enjoy in the evening (and the girls loved the chocolate chip cookie upon check-in… it’s the little things for them, haha). It was also centrally located that we were only about a 1ish mile walk to the Trevi and other major attractions.

In total, we spent 3 nights, 2 full days, in Rome, and between our two full days, we walked 30,000 steps and sweated buckets. It was the more go, go, go portion of our trip; but one of the highlights had to have been our pasta and gelato cooking class (more details below)….

My one big tip would be to wake up as early as you can to see as many sights as possible before all the crowds. We woke up around 6:45am, and were walking by 7:45am, and were able to see the Spanish Steps + Trevi Fountain with very few people, which was so nice (especially if you’re wanting to snap a family photo at the Trevi, which we were).

We had drinks + pizza in front of the coliseum (first night) at La Biga, and it was mediocre at best, but you couldn’t beat the view (which was what we were going for our first night)… we took the below photos right across from the restaurant… I think I’d recommend just grabbing drinks and an appetizer as opposed to a full meal… since the drinks were good (haha)…

Two of my must do recs below:

Il Chianti Restaurant– TJ and I came here 11 years ago, loved it then, and it was just as good as we remembered this trip. It’s Tuscan inspired, has the prettiest olive trees and twinkly lights, and such a delicious, robust, menu (we actually ate here for lunch and dinner on the same day…). This is a must eat spot for sure, make reservations (and request outside seating) or the wait will be long!

Holy Pizza Cooking Class– the pasta and gelato cooking glass at Holy Pizza was such a fun experience. Girls loved it, and thought the pasta making process was so cool… and Harper was able to help make the gelato, as well as some of the bruschetta appetizers, which she thought was so cool! I can’t recommend it more. Everyone was so friendly… you can sip on drinks (prosecco included, haha), listen to fun Italian music, and learn how to make your own Italian feast at home for an afternoon. The class was 2 hours, and they also have an evening class, but we opted for the afternoon.

The Court: I really wanted to have drinks and apps here, but TJ and I both agreed it wasn’t a smart choice with the girls, haha. But I wanted to share it because it was highly recommended to us and if the girls had been a bit older we would have gone for sure. It has beautiful views of the coliseum.

Il Duca: Located in the Trastevere neighborhood (classic Roman nightlife where the locals go… or so I’ve been told) it’s a rustic trattoria with delicious food! Make reservations!

Sharing photos and outfits below!
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