One family tackles Rome, Italy with their teens, who adore the few days they spend in the beautiful city while learning all about the Colisseum.
Italy. Just mention that you are going on vacation to Italy and people get that dreamy look in their eyes. Everybody loves Italy. What’s not to love: the art, the food, the scenery, the people… it’s all amazing. In Italy you get as much from just walking around looking high and low as you do in the famous museums. Don’t try to do it all, but take in all that you do.
And so we learned on our recent visit there. Here is my account of our last stop, Rome.
Rome’s Luxe Family Hotel
An early morning train took us through the Tuscan countryside and into Rome. This time we had to stand for most of the hour-and-a-half ride because it was crowded, but we enjoyed watching the scenery fly by and admired the hilltop villas, flocks of sheep grazing on the rolling hillsides, and dozens of soccer fields dotting the countryside.
We splurged on a five-star spa hotel, and stayed at the Rome Cavalieri (Via Cadlolo, 101, 00136 Roma, Italia; 01139 063 5092031), now a super deluxe Waldorf-Astoria by Hilton hotel, high up on a hill within the city. It is pure elegance from the moment you enter the front doors and see panoramic views of Rome at your feet.
Here you will be pampered everywhere you go, especially at the spa where you can have all sorts of facials and massages, or just laze away by the outdoor pool sipping blood orange juice (incredible), in the steam room, or taking a water aerobics class in the deliciously warm indoor pool.
The hotel is also home to one of the city’s top rated restaurants, the very pricey La Pergola, perfect for a very special treat with those same amazing views (but definitely not for young children).
The hotel’s breakfast buffet is beyond anything I’ve every tasted, with everything from bagels and lox, to waffles and omelets, dozens of flavors of jams to spread on the huge assortment of breads and pastries, smoked meats and fish, and my favorite — a juice bar with fresh squeezed juices of every kind including kiwi, blueberry, carrot and more.
A special touch for teens at the Cavalieri Hilton is the MP3 players you can request free-of-charge from the concierge. Included is a “city navigator” system loaded with two different audio walking tours to guide you to the important sights around town. We took both tours which were very informative. It also came programmed with an assortment of music and games that my kids enjoyed while waiting on various lines.
Of course, Rome is an expensive city and many families may look for an alternative hotel; if so, check out FTF’s Guide to Rome’s Family Friendly Hotels.
Which Antiquities to See on a Roman Holiday
Top on our list of Italian adventures was our visit to the center of ancient Rome where the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill and Circus Maximus are located. The area is full of so many historic ruins that it’s just incredible to gaze at the overturned boulders, broken arches and fragments of buildings, imagining what it might have once looked like when this was the center of life in ancient Rome.
Any kids who’ve seen the movie “Gladiator” will appreciate the Colossum as they recall the scenes of bloody battles that once took place here when the floor was actually covered with sand to soak up the blood. Now just a shell of a building, it is overwhelming to see it in person after having seen so many photos of it over the years. I wondered why one guy was taking photos here with his thumb up and then one with thumbs down. One book explained that this is where the “thumbs up/down” gestures probably originated as the audience decided the gladiators’ fates with their digits.
I would recommend spending at least a day in this part of town, visiting all the sights and even bringing a picnic lunch to eat among the ruins.
On our last day we visited the Pantheon, one of ancient Rome’s only great buildings to remain intact.
Fountains & Museums in Rome
At night, Rome is especially beautiful as all the fountains are lit and the plazas and tourist spots like the Spanish Steps are even more crowded and alive than during the day. Don’t forget to throw a coin over your back into the Trevi Fountain for good luck.
Our biggest splurge was on a private tour guide for the Vatican. The best part about this was that we got to skip the line and walk right in — worth at least that price right there, when you see the lines snaking around the entire block. However, the real reason to get a guide is to learn the history and all about the frescos, paintings, sculptures and tapestries that line every inch of the walls.
Our guide, Alessia, explained the history and art in great detail and helped make the whole place come alive. I loved the little fun facts that she sprinkled throughout her almost nonstop three hour tour, like how Michelangelo dismissed all his assistants when he began work on the Sistine Chapel so he could complete everything himself, and how the naked bodies in the Last Judgment were covered up when it was deemed that there was too much nudity. More recently the painting was cleaned and the nudes revealed once again as originally planned. For a great tour of your own, contact Alessia at alessiatortora@libero.it.
Then, we gave in to our kids’ requests and spent the afternoon relaxing by the Cavalieri’s pool, during a sudden spring heatwave. What a way to end an amazing vacation. And now, since there’s so much more we have to see, we’ll just have to come back.
Rome, Italy Sightseeing & Trip Planning Tips
The best resource for local knowledge is the Roma Tourist Office. Check out the Roma Pass, valid for 48 or 72 hours, which bundles in local transportation, one or two museum admissions and discounts around the city for a flat fee.
Acknowledging that most first-time visitors to Rome already know a great deal about the city and its attractions, the helpful, multi-lingual site of the Rome Tourist Office offers itineraries broken down by length of stay.
If you have one to four days, they have a plan for you. Their very first day’s tour encompasses St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City, Castel San Angelo, crosses the Tiber River, continues to Piazza Navona and the Pantheon, and after crossing Piazza Colonna, ends up in the Piazza di Spagna. Visit their site to plan the rest.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
HI
Although this is a different kind of article. But love to read. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks
Ruma
Do you know if the Philippines are offering any kind of residency or tourist visas right now with covid-19 going on? I’d like to take my family there, thanks.
Complimenti bravo continua cosi!! ottimo lavoro Grazie!!
If you want to practice your French or take Insta-worth pics on cobblestone streets, Montreal is definitely worth a visit. Plus, there are so many sights and landmarks to see, such as the Notre-Dame Basilica (Montreal’s oldest Catholic church) and Olympic Park, which helped host the 1976 Summer Olympics.
Celebrate Halloween night by watching the Sanderson sisters rise from the dead and wreak havoc in this cult classic. PS: where did the last 25 years go?
good. We believe everyone deserves access to factual information, and analysis that has authority and integrity.
Since before recorded history, the therapeutic benefits of the hot springs in this area have drawn people here. and this article is helping us a lot. also visit travpart for more ideas
this is best but i will visit after the era of corona virus so it could be a safe journey
yes exactly like this. The joyful and entertaining cattle fights attract tens of thousands of spectators each year.
great work ! While river cruising’s epicenter is undoubtedly situated over in Europe, the waterways of the United States are becoming more competitive with each passing year.
this is a great idea to explore these places in a safe and enjoyable way. and adding the storybooks is much helpful here for us.
In this era of corona virus everything regarding to travel is difficult But it is not like that we should not travel. these tips are really very helpful.
Yes, you are right and the thing which is important is to take care of ourselves if we do this we can travel anywhere.
wow ! this is really amazing and thank you for giving enough details . this is going to be very helpful . After this lockdown situation I will visit Europe.
You’ve been under lockdown all spring, and summer is finally here. But it’s a COVID-19 summer, and it likely won’t look like any other in modern history. Still, the wanderlust is strong.“People want to travel. It’s a wonderful part of life.If you’re thinking about traveling later this summer, factor in the possibility that your destination may face a new outbreak before you arrive. You can make your plans now for a destination that appears to be relatively safe, but it may not be safe two to three weeks later.
I am trying to find out what dates the apples are harvested in the Annapolis Valley and area. We are taking a trip around the southwest area of Nova Scotia and would like to go at harvest time. This would include any other fruit harvesting. I can t seem to find any approximate dates. Thank you.
this is touristy. But there’s a good reason for that. Soar to the top of the Rockefeller Center via an elevator to take in the views at its observatory, Top of the Rock. You’ll be able to take in the many lights of the city from above, including a red-and-green Empire State Building.
Northern Lights are one of the most beautiful sights to see from Earth. Also known as the Aurora Borealis, I wished to visit is place. Travpart always help me to Explore the World, with Suitable packages & Travel tips.
Hi, nice blog. Very informative and helpful. Please take a few minutes to share your unaccompanied minor flight experience. Several popular airlines are listed on http://unaccompaniedminortravel.com which will help real people like you to be better informed. This is the only site that offers actual unaccompanied user travel feedback as well as all of the information you might need. This site is new so we are also anxious to hear from you if you yourself have in the past used the Unaccompanied Minor service. Thanks!
The majority of the general media coverage focused on virtual vacations, highlighting beach webcams, travel videos and virtual experiences in the destination. Additionally, U.S. News World Report featured Myrtle Beach as an affordable dream destination.
Stay at Castle Hotel and Spa and treat yourself to a Thai-inspired spa that is great for pampering or a romantic activity for couples.
New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Scenic Byway, running through the White Mountain National Forest, is renowned for its autumn leaves, making it one of the top road trips during the fall leaf-viewing season.
Good to know : Keep an eye on their Facebook page for opening day updates. And remember, the farm has chickens, geese, ducks and guinea hens walking around, so dogs are not allowed in the orchard or in the parking lot.
It’s free to enter if you’re in costume and arrive before m, so arrive on time and party the night away!
Multibillion-dollar innovation fair, largest to be held in Arab world, postponed by one year due to coronavirus.
Enjoyed reading the article above, actually explains everything
in detail,the article is extremely interesting and effective.
Best regards,
Mead Cannon
Travellers’ arrangements are being thrown into doubt, and many are wondering whether it’s worth going overseas in the first place. What should you do if you’ve booked a trip?
I am an mom who is 45 years old thanks.
“This is entirely due to airlines reducing space between rows and squeezing passengers into smaller and smaller seats, so small that there is now no longer room for a service animal on some planes,” the NDRN said. “Cramped space on planes is a nuisance to all travelers, but it now prevents some people from traveling at all.”
Discover a great camping location and book your next camping adventure. Our friendly, passionate staff is waiting to help you make the most of your experience. We can’t wait to see you!
The Arizona Family Campout Program is a one-weekend adventure designed for families who have little or no experience camping. This program will provide some equipment and introduce families to the new adventure of camping at an Arizona State Park.
Practise camping before you go, especially with young children. Talk about it with your kids. Set up a tent inside or outside, and spend some time in it.
Hello my family member! I want to say that this post is amazing, great written and include almost all significant infos.
I’d like to see extra posts like this .
I enjoy reading your website Have you got a instagram i can connect to?
Corona (COVID-19) is made herbal everywhere now corona travelling worldwide so there is no any option for travelling this day only how to prevent so what you mention it is really nice I will follow off your suggestion thank you for the nice forum.
Love to spend time near Sea !
I wish i can be there soon and to feel myself on how beautiful it is.
It is always better to have more space when traveling with children.
Known as “Kidsburgh” thanks to all the family-oriented activities in the area, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is an affordable and fun pick for families. Book tickets to popular attractions, like the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum and the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, on the VisitPittsburgh
Love watching movies every morning !
If you Love small cruise tour visit Amsterdam
Love to spend time near Sea !
First time visiting your website, I enjoy your website!
je visite l’ensemble des pages du site tout le temps tres bien fait
longue vie au blog
Trekking In Nepal is one of the most popular tourist Activities. Trekking in Nepal generally involves walking on trails with beautiful views for around 6 to 8 hours a day. In a trek, a trekker walks along routes with the variety of land topography including passes, river, high altitude routes, and much more. Travelers enjoy trekking in Nepal because they can enjoy the beautiful nature and sceneries of the country.
Nepal is a land of wonder and home to 8 breathtaking mountains above 8000 meters. These include Mt. Everest (the tallest mountain in the world), Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Machhapuchhre, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Dhaulagiri, etc. Needless to say, these are some of the tallest mountains in the world. These mountains and the wonderful trails nearby make trekking in Nepal a delightful prospect.
All of these mountains are well-protected. Besides, the area and surrounding forests form a part of many national parks and conservation areas. There are many lakes, gorges, waterfalls, and culturally significant places nearby these trekking areas. Thus, people from all over the world dream of trekking in Nepal.
There are many trekking in Nepal, Some of these treks are short in length. These treks last anywhere from a day to one week. On the other hand, there are also longer treks that can take anywhere between a week and a month.
Annapurna Circuit Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, Everest Base Camp treks are some of the most popular treks in Nepal. These treks are moderate in their length.
Langtang valley trek, Everest view trek, and Ghorepani Poonhill trek are some of the popular short treks. Due to their short span, these Short treks in Nepal tend to cost a lot less than longer treks.
As you trek to the high altitude, high Himalayas and their beauty will greet you. Panoramic mountains and the beautiful sunrise/ sunset amidst the soaring mountains will be a delight.
Most trekking areas are also declared as national parks and conservation areas. These are home to beautiful species of birds and animals. You can get to see some exotic animals, butterflies, and birds during your trek in Nepal.
Belgium forbade all international travel early in the pandemic, according to the United States Embassy in Belgium. Any travelers who are permitted entry (there are strict restrictions) must self-quarantine for 14 days. The country started easing its strict lockdown on May 4 and will continue to open parts of the country in a phased way, but tourism is not among the phases.
wow, What a journey, totally impressed
I really like your post..
Agra is one of the best beautiful places in India and the Taj Mahal is one of the Beautiful world heritage places in the world. Thanks, for sharing great information learn something new today.
Have a vehicle in Tracy, California that I need driven cross country to Columbus, Georgia.