When In Rome

Colosseum: Rome, Italy; March 2013

Tyler and I had the privilege and opportunity to visit the ancient city of Rome in March of this year. It was a.m.a.z.i.n.g. to say the least. It was just what I had expected: ancient ruins, open street markets, delicious food, wine cheaper than water, and romance everywhere. I can positively say that Rome has been my favorite place I've ever visited. Tyler was in heaven with all the people watching, pizza, and wine he could stand.

Tyler's first pizza in Rome-Spicy pepperoni

My first pizza in Rome: Funghi!

Yes, wine was actually cheaper than water!

We decided to fly to Rome on Ryanair-this was an event in itself. I'd never flown on one of the cheaper European airlines before. I can tell you that I felt like I was being herded around like a group of cattle. Luckily, Tyler and I were able to sit next to each other on both flights. Ryanair is one of those "open seating/first come first serve" airlines much like Southwest Airlines in the states. The flight was fairly short and sweet.

We bought "Roma Passes" to use during our time in Rome. They are passes that allow you to get into 2 of the "museums" or "sites" for free, discounts on all the other sites/museums, and free transportation via the public buses and the underground metro. We utilized the passes every day we were there so we definitely got our money's worth out of them and would recommend them to future Roman travelers :)

On a hop on/hop off open top bus-touring Rome. We purchased a pass that was good for 5 days!

Our favorite site visited: Colosseum...hands down. We used our Roma Passes to get into the Colosseum for free then we paid an extra 10.5 Euro each to get the extra "Underground & Third Tier" Tour. This tour was ~1 hr long with an informative tour guide that brought us behind the scenes, locked gates, etc to see basement level of the Colosseum where the animals and Gladiators would've been kept. We also got to go to the top level that is closed off to the regular ticket holders. It was absolutely breathtaking. I have to say that the entire time I was there I was picturing the movie "The Gladiator" ::We actually decided to rent and watch the Gladiator as soon as we returned home from our trip:: *This is a MUST do when in Rome*

The floor level of the Colosseum

The underground area where the animals & Gladiators were kept.

The 3rd Tier of the Colosseum. There used to be 5!

Looking down from the 3rd tier.

We were in Rome for 5 nights/6 days so we had plenty of time to see everything we wanted to see. Some other things included the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, the Arch of Constantine, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Vatican. Rome was busy while we were in town-the catholic cardinals were there voting on the next Pope! There were news crews everywhere!

Looking across the river into the Vatican City.

Church that houses a relic of baby Jesus' manger.

The Capitol building.

Square in front of St. Peter's Basilica. 

St. Peter's Basilica. You have to go through metal scanners prior to entrance.

Inside the Basilica. It was breathtaking. We spent a couple hours inside. Pictures DO NOT do it justice. All the work inside was marble (that was pillaged from the Colosseum) and mosaic artwork. 

Looking down from the top of the Basilica.

Ruins at Palatine Hill.

Roman Forum,

Ruins at the Roman Forum.

Please, please, please visit Rome is you ever have the opportunity! I would go back in a heartbeat. We both feel like there is so much more to see than even we had the time for in the 6 days we explored. I do recommend staying near the city center if you travel here. It costs a little more but worth it to really experience the night life, people, and being within walking distance is a MUST. Our hotel was less then 1/2 mile from the Colosseum and I'd say the location couldn't have been better :)

We hope to have many more adventures to share!...and hopefully someday we'll get to go on an adventure with YOU!

From our happy home to yours,

Sarah, Tyler & Buddy