People always ask me, “Why do you travel so much with your children when they won’t remember?” My response is this, at the end of the day we are creating memories and more importantly family memories. Yes, my children may not remember that they visited the Trevi Fountain, the Great Wall of China, the Eiffel Tower, or the Torii Gares of Kyoto but I promise it will help make them more adventurous, cultured and better little travelers. In fact my daughter who is now 9 loves to navigate an airport, relax on an airplane, make the hotel a home away from home, wake up early to visit amazing sites and has even become a pro at family photo shoots! I know this love for adventure would have never existed if she wasn’t continuously traveling with us. Because of this first hand experience, we are doing the same for our youngest son. After 10 beautiful days in Italy, I am confident to continue our international travel again with my amazing little family of 4!
Traveling with kids is no easy task but I assure you it is a memorable experience you won’t forget. Keep reading to find out what we did on our 10 day trip to Italy. I’ll have tips and tricks of what you should pack and where to visit to make your Roman Holiday incredibly special.
Pre-Travel
Two weeks before we were due to fly out of DFW airport, I was seeing news reports of the extreme heat wave Rome was experiencing. I was glued to the weather reports coming from Rome and decided it was time to change ALL of our travel tours to earlier times to escape the hottest part of the day. Thankfully, I was able to do that with no issues. Why travel in summer? Well, my daughter is in school and unfortunately our vacation calendar now revolves around hers. Trust me, taking a holiday in late September or October is ideal but due to our circumstances we have to do what we have to do. One week before we were due to leave, I began reading that the temperatures were slightly cooling off, thank goodness! Now don’t get me wrong, it would still be HOT but not hot as hell if you know what I mean. Before leaving I decided to buy a few extra items to ensure the kids were as comfortable as possible. I bought stroller fans, hand held fans, body fan to alleviate heat in the stroller, cool wraps around the neck, sunglasses, hats and lots of sun block! Phew, I now finally felt prepared, LOL!!!
Before flying out be sure to take some local currency (your bank can do this for you for a small fee) and take adapters or converters if needed. Exchanging Dollars into Euros can be expensive at the airport. I always try to take a small amount of cash just in case you need it. Better to be prepared than not.
Vanessa Salomon-Perez
Day 1 – Fly out to Rome
Today is the day! I’m feeling much better about the weather but now a little panicked of how my 11 month old will act on a 10 hour flight. He flew once before but it was only a 4 hour flight. To help calm my nerves, I bring his favorite snacks, food, milk, toys, iPad with favorite television shows, lots of love and patience. My eldest daughter is use to international flights so she was set!
Having a baby in 2022 versus 2014 has been a huge game changer. Back in the day I had an Urbini Reversi travel stroller and it was the best. There must have been a recall because it is no longer available. I was obviously bummed about this and had to start researching a brand new travel stroller. After much research I found the BEST travel stroller, the Ergobaby Metro Plus Stroller! I chose this particular stroller because of the following:
- Fits in overhead bins of airplane (no need to check in). This is HUGE y’all! I’ve lost 2 travel strollers in the past because of harsh treatment. This stroller is as small as my carryon and have tested it several times to ensure I can take with me on the plane.
- Comfortable with extra padding for baby.
- Near flat recline. This is an amazing feature because when I couldn’t find a restroom that had a baby changing table I could easily change his diaper in the stroller with no issues at all!
- Rubber wheels! This is incredibly important and especially if traveling to Europe. The cobblestone will eat up your wheels fast! Trust me, you will need rubber wheels.
- Large canopy.
Full disclosure, the only thing I wish it had was a way for the baby to face mommy or daddy while pushing. It does have a peekaboo screen but I feel it could be better if I could just reposition the seat to face me. But all in all this travel baby stroller is fantastic! It is seriously worth every penny. **Don’t forget to buy the support bar and the stroller carry bag.
My baby did fantastic on the flight! He slept most of the time and was very chill the times he was awake. Food, diaper changes, favorite shows and lots of love really helped keep him calm. I did bring baby Tylenol just in case his ears popped and couldn’t handle the pain. You just never know!
Day 2 – We’ve Arrived in Rome…8am!
We’ve arrived! 9.5 hours later (the pilot got us in a little earlier) we arrived in the Eternal City of Rome. After collecting our luggage and car seat we took a local taxi to our hotel. I’d strongly recommend an UBER here. The price will be expensive either way but this way you pay up front on your credit card and not feel like you are being taken advantage of.
We arrived to our hotel a little after 10am (check in-time is at 2pm) and undestandably the room was not ready. We decided to store our luggage at the hotel and see a few of the nearby sites near the hotel, Trevi Fountain and The Pantheon. We stayed at the Hotel delle Nazioni and the location was excellent! We were steps away from the Trevi Fountain and the rooms were soundproof. I honestly had no complaints about this hotel and highly recommend!
After visiting a few sites and having a scrumptious lunch near the Pantheon we were texted that our room was ready. We darted back to the hotel, got the kids bathed, relaxed and ready for a nap so we could enjoy the evening. The kids were so happy to sleep in for a few hours. We all took a siesta and got up after 6pm to head out and see Rome at night.
Random rant, as I was getting ready my Chi which I use to curl my hair, FRIED!!! Y’all I was livid! The adapter was not good and I had to head to dinner with straight hair, LOL! I vowed to find a curling iron the next day.
We had a wonderful dinner at La Travernetta 48 and experienced a cool and beautiful evening.
Day 3 – Colosseum and Roman Forum
What better way to start your first full day in Rome than the Colosseum!! On this glorious morning, we got up early and had a wonderful breakfast at the hotel and then walked towards the Colosseum for a guided tour I booked months in advance. I used VIATOR to book most of our excursions since I’ve used them several times in the past around Europe. On most guided tours, guides will want to see passport pictures especially with children. Please note that taking a picture of the passports will suffice. After a brief introduction we were on our way to the Roman Forum. As you enter the Roman Forum there is a cafe at the main entrance where you can load up on water and snacks. Be sure to stock up! If you are traveling with baby, just know most roads and sidewalks are not stroller friendly. Fortunately, we were prepared and I had my TushBaby (check out pic) with me so I could hold my son while my husband carried the stroller when needed. Don’t forget to visit the tomb of Cesar, he is resting inside the Forum. Some guides forget to mention this very important monument.
After an hour or so we made our way to my favorite landmark, the Colosseum. The great thing about going in a group is that will skip the line and get into the entrance much faster. On some days, the lines to get into the Colosseum without a reservation can take very long. Once inside you’ll pass security, show your ticket and then be on your way. If have a stroller and your guide forgets to inform you, to the far left they have elevators for strollers, wheel chairs and ppl with walking disabilities. There are a lot of steps inside the Colosseum. Once you reach your floor take in the view and marvel at the beauty from almost 2,000 years ago!
Did you know you can purchase your own tickets to the Colosseum and Roman Forum on your own for the fraction of the price versus a group tour? So why didn’t we do this option?? I honestly tried for days! Unfortunately, the BOTS get to the tickets before any ordinary tourist can. I’m talking about the tickets being sold out in seconds before I could get my hands on them. You can only purchase tickets 30 days from the day you want to go. To ensure we got tickets I went ahead and just booked in advance to guarantee our spots.
After a fun filled afternoon it was time for dinner. I made a reservation at this fantastic restaurant, Royal Art Cafe Restaurant with a fantastic view of the Colosseum. The food, service and views were worth the price! We would go back again.
Day 4 – Castel Sant’Angelo and Piazza Navona
If you travel to Italy in the summer months be aware that it gets HOT…uncomfortably hot. Two weeks prior to our trip, Rome was seeing the hottest days they had ever experienced. Fortunately for us the temps were back to “normal hot.” If you are traveling with young children or a baby be sure to get out as early as possible and head back to the hotel for a siesta (2pm – 5pm) during the hottest part of the day. I cannot even begin to tell you how this little tip helped me and my family from dying out and being miserable!
Now it is time to visit the famous Castel Sant’Angelo and its beautiful St Angelo Bridge. Castel Sant’Angelo was initially funded by the Roman Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for himself and his family. Later on the Popes used the building as a fortress, castle and is now a museum. As with most sites in Rome this site is also not stroller friendly because there are a lot of stairs. Once inside you find pieces of history you won’t see anywhere else: a spiral staircase, military exhibits, art museum, courtyard of the Angel, pope apartments, the terrace, spectacular views of the Vatican and much more! There is a lot to see and to take in, be sure to take your time and enjoy the cooler areas. If you need to grab lunch while visiting the castle look no further and head to the Caffetteria Ristorante Le Terrazze Castel Sant’Angelo.
Next stop, Piazza Navona for a late lunch. This area is a perfect stop for eating, shopping and relaxing by the fountains. The 3 fountains you must visit are: Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, Fontana del Moro and Fontana di Nettuno. If you want to take a piece of Rome with you, I highly encourage to purchase local artwork from artists at the Piazza Navona. You will see several artist painting and selling their pieces. You never know if you’ll find the next Caravaggio or Leonardo Da Vinci.
After a nice siesta it was time for dinner. This evening I made a reservation at the birthplace of the original fettuccine Alfredo, Alfredo Alla Scrofa. Let me just say this was the absolute BEST Alfredo I have ever had in my life. The pasta and sauce were perfect! Inside there are several pictures on the wall of famous celebrities like Audrey Hepburn, Brigette Bardot, Sophia Loren, Jimi Hendrix and Walt Disney to name a few. If you want to try real authentic fettuccine Alfredo this is the place to be! You will not be disappointed.
Day 5 – The Vatican and Cooking Class
You can purchase a group tour to visit the Vatican through top tour guides like Viator OR purchase tickets directly through the Vatican yourself! For this particular visit I decided to purchase tickets through the Vatican for a great price.
A few things to know about the Vatican first, women and men must be dressed appropriately to visit inside the St. Peter’s Basilica. What does that mean? You cannot wear shorts, short dresses or show your arms. Arms must be covered with shawl or jacket and dresses or skirts must be below the knee. Secondly, you can visit St. Peter’s Basilica for FREE! Yes, you read the right free but in order to get in you must wait in line that can take hours to get through. There is no option to purchase a skip the line or fast pass to bypass the line. The only way to bypass the really long line is to purchase tickets to visit inside the Vatican Museum. Once you exit the Vatican Museum you can then bypass the treacherous line headed into St. Peter’s Basilica because you would have gone through the check in line and security. Trust me it is worth the money especially if you have small children.
After much thought I decided it would be best for my family and I to purchase have the Guided Tours for Individuals – Vatican Gardens and Sistine Chapel. If you decide to visit the gardens I highly recommend going as early as possible, I chose the 9am spot. Have plenty of water on hand. There is one fountain at the beginning of the tour where you can fill up but that’s it. After an hour or so of walking the gardens we got to skip most of the museum and enter the room of the maps which signals you are getting close to the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s famous paintings. Once you reach The Sistine Chapel it will be incredibly packed and hard to move around. Stand your ground and take in the beauty you see all around and especially above you. It is truly a beautiful sight to see! Be aware, you are not allowed to take pics or videos inside the chapel. As you exit the chapel you head down several steps and make your way towards St. Peter’s Basilica. If you want to purchase souvenirs at the Vatican be sure when you exit the museum you ask where the Vatican store is because you will miss it! This is the only Nun ran store at the Vatican and you don’t want to pass it up.
Inside St. Peter’s Basilica you will find the biggest Catholic Church in the world, Michelangelo’s La Pieta, Bernini’s St. Peter’s Baldachin, tombs of Pope’s and much more.
After a fun filled afternoon and a much needed siesta, we headed out for a culinary class I booked for my daughter and I. I went through Viator and chose, Fettuccine and Maltagliati making in Trastevere – Pasta Class. I love to cook and my daughter loves pasta, so what better way to bond then to take a cooking class together making authentic pasta! We learned to make the dough and create fettuccine! After 30 minutes of prepping the dough and cutting the dough real chefs took our handmade pasta to the back to prep our delicious meal. We had so much fun doing this together!
Day 6, 7 and 8 – Venice Trip
Please keep an eye out for this solo post! I will help explain how to purchase your own train ticket from Rome to Venice and what to expect. Italia Rail is the way to go!
Day 9 – Trevi Fountain, Mouth of Truth and Trastevere
Our hotel was less than one block away from the Trevi Fountain and today we decided to spend some time admiring the most beautiful fountain I have ever seen. The view is just so magical…especially in the early morning hours when it’s not full of a million and one tourists like myself. There are several coffee shops and gelato if you get hungry.
After a bit here we make our way to the Bocca della Verita or in English the Mouth of Truth. This particular must see attraction was made famous from movies like Roman Holiday and Only You. It’s the big stone face on a wall with its mouth open. Legend has it if you put your hand inside and say a lie the mouth will shut and tear your hand off! For this fun filled site be sure to arrive early and get in line. You DO NOT need a ticket to enter but the church would love a small donation for maintaining the Bocca della Verita. The gentleman at the front was kind enough to take a family picture of us, we tipped nicely.
For lunch we decided to head to the famous area of Trastevere. This area is known for some of the best restaurants in Rome and its bohemian atmosphere, wine bars, boutiques and shops. We opted to visit a restaurant called Tonnarello that has been trending on Tik Tok for quite some time. It is known for its fresh, authentic and oh so delicious Roman Cuisine in the heart of Trastevere at an amazing price!
After an amazing lunch we went back to the Piazza Navona to make last minute purchases and have a nice dinner.
Day 10 – Spanish Steps and Villa Borghese Park
I can’t believe it’s already day 9! With so many adventures and amazing food I can’t believe our trip is almost over. Today, we are visiting the famous Spanish Steps! We’ve arrived a little later than anticipated and it is packed. We still make the best of it and take in the view. My daughter fills up her water bottle from La Fontana della Barcaccia by Bernini. It’s an experience and she loved every moment of it. Please do not fall into the fountain.
After 30 to 45 minutes at the Spanish Steps we decide to head to the Villa Borghese Park. The views from the park are epic! You won’t be disappointed. Be warned that if you are walking from the Spanish Steps, like we chose to do, there is a huge hill that will test your endurance while pushing up a stroller, LOL! We did it and make it all the way to the top. At the top of the large hill you will find lots of vendors, a children’s park and small restaurant. We decided to have lunch here and enjoy the views. A very relaxing and much needed day.
Day 11 – Galleria Borghese
After visiting the park I realized I had not purchased tickets to the famous museum, Galleria Borghese. As we entered the museum to purchase tickets I find out they are sold out for the entire day, I was incredibly bummed. The staff told me I could come back the next morning and stand in the line called “Last Minute Tickets” to get a chance to go in. I asked what was my real chance of being able to get in if I stood in line (I’ve got 2 kids) and they said very likely as long as we get there before 10am.
Today is the next day and we’ve arrived at 9:25am ready to go! I’m able to enjoy a cappuccino and my daughter some fruit before our tour of the museum. Just as promised we got in!! The museum has wonderful pieces unbelievable sculptures like Ratto di Proserpina and Apollo and Daphne by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. You will also see artwork by famous painters such as Caravaggio, Raphael and so many more. If you have a stroller just know there are a ton of stairs inside the Borghese. My husband took one for the team and decided to stroll on the first floor while my daughter and I continued to the other floors. This museum is truly one to not be missed. Make your reservations early if possible!
Day 12 – Fly back home
After 10 full days of fun in Italy is time to say Ciao and head back to Texas.
