ROME, ITALY

So many sights to see, so much history to learn... Rome, cradle of civilization, it's just plain incredible. 

We stayed at a hotel a few blocks away from the Vatican (which by a technicality it's not really Italy anymore) and that made our life so much easier. We could walk everyday by "St. Peter's Square" and stop for a few minutes to appreciate the beauty of "St. Peter's Basilica".

St. Peter's Square

On Wednesdays and Sundays, Pope Francis holds a mass right outside at the square. We were fortunate enough to catch that mass and it's definitely worth the wait. If you want to take that "once in a lifetime opportunity", be at the square by 8:30am so you can dodge that mile long line. After the mass you can go inside the Basilica and believe me, it's so worth it. It's free so no need to worry unless you want to go up the tower to see  the beautiful skyline from the basilica (tickets can be purchased there and if I remember correctly there are 551 steps). 

The subway system is very packed and there are only 2 lines available to take you to the tourist areas. The service is limited and it stops running around 11pm, even though it works fine (It's much better to pay €3 for an all day pass then paying outrageous fees for cabs).

The Coliseum is a must see and one of our favorite sights. You have to purchase your ticket before hand to avoid the long lines. Also, the ticket requires you to select a time to go and they won't let you in a minute earlier. "Selfie Sticks" are a big NoNo at the Coliseum. The subway line "B" (Laurentina direction) is only 2 stops away from the "Colosseo" stop. 

Coliseum 

So many statues, galleries and so many museums to go to... Our favorite gallery was the "Galleria Borghese" (tickets also must be purchased in advance).  It's located at "Villa Borghese" in a beautiful park and right by the zoo. The downside is that there are no subway lines that will take you there. Either you take a cab, a bus or you walk (I decided to walk).

The "Vatican Museums" are another must (make sure you purchase your tickets before hand or be ready to wait at least 3hrs in line). You can plan for at least 5hrs to spend inside (pictures are ok). So many paintings and amazing sculptures. It's sensational! It's a one way museum and after you manage to pass the maze crowded with tourists, you finally reach the "Sistine Chapel". Sit down and take your time looking up at that mesmerizing work of art (pictures are not permitted). Do not rush, that image will remain in your memory for the rest of your life, it's absolutely overwhelming.

On your way to the "Trevi Fountain" you will see the "Spanish Steps" (3rd stop, subway A, Battistini direction, "Spagna" stop) you can walk from there, which was my choice or you can take the subway line A (Battistini direction for the first stop, "Barberini"). The "Fontana de Trevi" is absolutely amazing. Beautiful in every way. Don't forget to toss a coin following the tradition and have a delicious "Gelato" while observing people coming and going. 

Trevi Fountain

The wine and the gelato were our favorite part of the Italian menu, the food on the other hand, it was very underwhelming. We expected more. 

Rome was so far, the worst cigarette smelling city we've been to. After a couple of days, it feels like you're the one smoking. Very frustrating but easy to overlook once you see all the amazing sights that city has to offer. Definitely one of the cities we will go back to in the future.