Rome
Pro travel tip: Italians appreciate the effort to communicate in their language. Don't be afraid to incorporate grazie (thank you), ciao (hello/goodbye) and prego (you're welcome) into your vocabulary.
Did You Know?
There are four types of pasta original to Rome:
- Spaghetti alla Carbonara - This creamy dish features spaghetti tossed with sauce made of eggs, cheese, pancetta and black better.
- Bucatini all'Amatriciana - This sauce is made from guanciale, tomato, chili pepper and percorino cheese.
- Rigatoni alla Gricia - Similar to Carbona but without the eggs. This dish features rigatoni pasta tossed with guanciale, pecorino cheese and black pepper.
- Cacio e Pepe - This simple dish is made with spaghetti, pecorino cheese and black pepper.
Be a little adventurous and try fried zucchini blossom with anchovies and mozzarella - it's a summer staple.
On day seven, we embarked on a wine-tasting journey into the beautiful rolling hills of Umbria, where we indulged in a delightful lunch at a family-run winery.
During our lunch at the family-run winery, Poggio della Volara, we learned about the intricate process of winemaking and how much science and hard work goes into creating high-quality wines. We were able to taste different wines and appreciate the differences in flavor, which were explained to us by our knowledgeable host. Additionally, we learned about the production of olive oil, and how it also requires a lot of dedication, patience, and expertise to produce the best quality oil. It was a truly eye-opening experience that deepened our appreciation for the craftsmanship and care that goes into making these Italian delicacies.
Upon arrival in Rome, we took a stroll through the city's historic center, taking in the beauty of the Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon. Standing inside the Pantheon is a truly awe-inspiring experience that leaves you marvelling at the architectural and engineering genius of the ancient Romans. Finally, we enjoyed a delicious dinner together, rounding out another perfect day in Italy.
Day 8, was a true highlight, as we spent the day exploring the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica. As we travelled through Italy, we quickly learned that not everything goes according to plan. On our way to the Vatican, the metro stopped unexpectedly due to a strike. Despite the setback, our group made the best of it and embarked on an impromptu walk through the charming streets of Rome. We still managed to arrive at the Vatican on time and take in all of its grandeur, even though our journey didn't go as we had initially planned.
The Vatican Museums were a true treasure trove of art and history, and I was completely awestruck by Michelangelo's masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel. St. Peter's Basilica was equally breathtaking, and the sight of Michelangelo's Pietà left us speechless. After taking in everything at the Vatican, we headed out to explore more of Rome during our free time.
We decided to explore the charming Trastevere neighbourhood and it was one of the highlights of our trip. We sampled delicious street food like the famous roman-style pizza, the mouth-watering trapizzino, and the crispy suppli, all while taking in the vibrant atmosphere of the lively piazzas and winding streets. The pizza was particularly unique as it was cut with scissors and you paid by weight, which added to the fun and casual atmosphere of the lively neighbourhood.
On Day 9, we shifted gears to ancient Rome. We toured St. Peter-in-Chains Church, where we marvelled at Michelangelo's Moses, before moving on to the awe-inspiring Colosseum and the Forum.
As we stood on the stadium floor of the Colosseum, we were in awe of our surroundings and couldn't help but wonder what this historic landmark has witnessed throughout the years. The feeling of standing where gladiators once fought and where history was made was an unforgettable experience that left us in complete amazement. Overall, we loved hearing the vivid tales of ancient Rome and imagining what life was like in this incredible city thousands of years ago.
Our farewell dinner was a true feast, complete with great company and many toasts of our incredible trip.
Pro travel trip: When travelling to multiple cities, pack light (i.e., carry-on luggage only). Pack a capsule wardrobe, mix and match basics, do laundry where you can. In a pinch, many hotels offer a service for a minimal fee.