We made it to Civitavecchia this morning after a seamless disembarkation from the Celebrity Constellation thanks to our Elite Plus status – thank you Celebrity! We opted for a later disembarkation and were met immediately upon leaving the ship by our driver, who expertly navigated the hour-plus ride into Rome.
Rome was every bit as beautiful as we remembered, with both of us having visited this magnificent city several times before. There is just something timeless and magical about Rome — from its ancient architecture and lively piazzas to the energy that fills every narrow cobblestone street.
We checked into a quaint bed and breakfast located right next to the Pantheon, one of the most central and historic areas of the city. Staying in the heart of Rome allows us to simply step outside and immediately immerse ourselves in the beauty, history, and charm that make this city so unforgettable. For now, we are taking a short rest after our travels, but we will soon be back out exploring. This is where we will post updates frdom our two wonderful days in Rome before heading home.
UPDATE:
While exploring Rome, we enjoyed a wonderful dinner at the charming Ristorante Pizzeria Sagrestia, tucked away on a side street near the Pantheon. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere felt warm, authentic, and unmistakably Roman.
We started with a fresh salad before indulging in a delicious prosciutto and mushroom pizza that was perfectly cooked with flavorful ingredients and a crisp crust. Paired with the house wine, it made for a classic Italian dining experience that truly hit the spot after a day of sightseeing.
The food was excellent, but what made the evening even more memorable was the outstanding service. The staff was friendly, attentive, and made us feel genuinely welcome throughout the meal.
If you are looking for great food, good wine, and wonderful hospitality in the heart of Rome, Sagrestia is definitely worth a visit!
UPDATE:
Our two days in Rome were nothing short of magical. Staying just steps away from the magnificent Pantheon gave us the perfect opportunity to experience one of the most awe-inspiring landmarks in the world. No matter how many times you visit Rome, seeing the Pantheon never loses its impact. Originally built as a temple to the Roman gods nearly 2,000 years ago, this architectural masterpiece continues to amaze visitors with its enormous dome and famous oculus that opens to the sky above. Standing inside and watching sunlight pour through the center of the dome felt almost surreal. The Pantheon’s history, beauty, and incredible preservation make it one of the true treasures of Rome.
After visiting the magnificent Pantheon, we wandered through Rome’s charming cobblestone streets toward the stunning Trevi Fountain. The fountain was every bit as breathtaking as we remembered, with its massive marble sculptures, cascading water, and the tradition of tossing a coin in to ensure a return to Rome someday.
From there, we continued on to the famous Spanish Steps, where visitors from around the world gathered to relax, people-watch, and admire the lively atmosphere of the Piazza di Spagna area filled with elegant shops, cafés, and beautiful architecture.
After taking in the views from the Spanish Steps, we grabbed a taxi to the mighty Colosseum, Rome’s legendary ancient amphitheater that once hosted gladiator battles and grand spectacles nearly 2,000 years ago. Waiting for us there was our tuk tuk driver, ready to take us on the next exciting part of our Roman adventure.
One of the highlights of our visit was an unforgettable Tuk Tuk tour through the streets of Rome. Riding through the narrow cobblestone streets in an open-air Tuk Tuk was both exciting and relaxing, allowing us to see so many iconic sights while enjoying the lively atmosphere of the Eternal City. From ancient ruins and bustling piazzas to hidden alleyways and charming neighborhoods, the tour gave us a wonderful perspective of Rome beyond the typical tourist experience. Our guide was knowledgeable, entertaining, and full of fascinating stories and local insights that made the city come alive.
The perfect finale to our Roman adventure was a cooking class with a delightful Italian nonna. This turned out to be one of the most authentic and heartwarming experiences of the trip. Inside a cozy Roman kitchen, we learned how to prepare traditional Italian dishes using fresh local ingredients and old family recipes passed down through generations. Our nonna instructor was full of personality, humor, and passion for Italian cooking. Between the laughter, stories, homemade pasta, and flowing wine, it felt less like a class and more like being welcomed into an Italian family gathering. Sitting down afterward to enjoy the meal we had prepared together was the perfect ending to an unforgettable Roman experience.
Rome once again reminded us why it remains one of the most captivating cities in the world — a place where ancient history, vibrant culture, incredible food, and unforgettable experiences come together at every turn.
After our wonderful cooking class and delicious homemade dinner, we made our way back to our cozy bed and breakfast near the Pantheon and called it a night. Tomorrow we head to the airport for our flight to Miami, bringing this unforgettable Italian adventure to a close.
Arrivederci, Roma! Until next time.