Toasting the Moon in Rome

Travel for 2 cost breakdown (at the time of writing this post):

Hotel Andreotti – $60 per night
- **Not currently recommended by Toast the Moon** – Out-dated and dirty…Do your research on hotels before booking!
Return Flights from SFO to FCO – $650 pp
Food/Drinks/Entertainment/Transport/Souvenirs for 4 days – $500
GRAND TOTAL FOR 2 TRAVELERS – 4 days: $2040

***At this time, we are not endorsed by any outside affiliates. That said – when booking our trips, we have had a lot of success with Hotels.com, Skyskanner, and Tripmasters.

Booking

Booking a trip to Italy (and all of the EU) is easy for Americans! The US passport allows US citizens to enter the EU visa-free for up to 90 days. You will be free to roam all Schengen Area countries (including Germany, France, Italy, Austria, The Czech Republic, Belgium, Finland, etc.). All you need is a US passport, flights, and accommodations and you’re good to go!

Italy is Europe’s Getaway – It can be yours, too!

Rome, the Eternal City, is known for many things – history, culture, pasta, pizza, wine, shopping, fashion, romance, and inspiring awe. All of these things are absolutely true. Alongside what people picture of Rome, is the modern Rome – a city that urges you to slow down, get lost, enjoy life, and make the most of each day.

Rome isn’t truly a city that called out to me. I’m not typically drawn to archeology. I had learned about the Romans in history, but hadn’t really given it much thought as far as an option for a vacation. When the opportunity arose, I have to admit, I wasn’t over-the-moon excited.

I was SO VERY WRONG! Rome is a city that changed my life. I was completely taken in by the ruins. I couldn’t get enough. The opportunity to be blundering through an alley and find yourself standing in front of an ancient ruin (in the wild – literally in the middle of the city) happens all the time! I had never seen such active living history. There is nothing “old” or “dead” about Rome. History comes alive at every turn. And, it’s breath-taking.

Rome is a city that is a fantastic “bang for your buck.” Unfortunately, the Italian economy hasn’t been very strong in recent years. There are many reasons for it, which I won’t be presumptuous enough to say that I can speak about in full understanding. But, because of this, traveling there is relatively inexpensive when compared to a lot of Western Europe. And – the return on your spending is absolutely phenomenal!

What We Did

Our focus was to see the primary historical sites by visiting the Vatican, going to the Colosseum and Roman Forum, getting lost in the multiple alleys and curving streets, and enjoying great food and wine.

**For food and drink, we highly recommend visiting Open Baladin, which is a brewery making top-tier craft beer. Italy isn’t really known for great beers, but these guys are changing the game. As far as restaurants, you will find plenty of tourist-friendly Italian food. But, if you’re ready to up your game – take a visit to our friends at La Tavernetta 48. We had a remarkable time – enjoyed amazing food – and even closed out the restaurant enjoying drinks with the staff.

Days 1-2: Vatican City, The Colosseum, The Roman Forum, The Spanish Steps, and The Pantheon

If you go to the Pantheon – which isn’t really an option, is it? – pay for the over-priced gelato at the store next to it. It’s so amazing to sit and just enjoy THE PANTHEON, to feel the immensity of where you are and to see history revealed and buzzing with life.

Days 3-4: Colonia Felina di Torre Argentina, Campo de’ Fiori, Palazzo delle Esposizioni, Trevi Fountain, Open Baladin, Piazza del Popolo, La Tavernetta 48

Blundering around Rome is like a mythical dream. You feel timeless – even if just for a moment. One place that really captivated us is Colonia Felina di Torre Argentina. It looks like typical Roman ruins that you find all over the city, but then you discover hundreds (maybe thousands) of cats! Originally discovered during Mussolini’s rebuilding efforts in the 1920s, four victory towers lie 20 feet lower than the current city streets. It also contains part of the famous portico of Pompey, upon whose steps dictator Julius Caesar was betrayed and killed in 44 BCE. (Atlas Obscura). The location was taken over by feral felines and is now being monitored and taken care of by a non-profit who treats the area like an open-air humane society for cats. It’s really remarkable! We watched them play for probably an hour…Again…Rome – the city of slow down, get lost in it, and enjoy life!