So, it's finally almost here (negative test contingent).
As I've enjoyed and appreciated other posters giving on the ground observations, I will endeavour to pay it forward with some real time reports of my own starting September 20, 2021. We only have 2 1/2 days in Rome pre-cruise, but we will also be visiting Napoli, Tuscany and Sardinia, as well as 2 stops in Spain.
Stay safe everyone.
Ciao
Have a wonderful trip!
Looking forward to reading about your adventures!
I’m jealous. I know you’ll have a wonderful trip. Can’t wait to read your trip reports.
Buon Viaggio! Have a great time!
Good news, we just tested negative for Covid within the 72 hour window for entry into Italy. We are flying United Airlines, and I have found their App to be very efficient to upload all required documentation. After uploading the documents, the airline reviews it and approves you for travel.
Congrats on the negative test! You're almost there. :) We look forward to your reports!
An update….
Flight into FCO was smooth and getting through customs, collecting luggage and on to transportation was quick and efficient. We used a car service as we are a group of four and the 55 Euros seemed to make the most sense. RomanCabs was waiting outside with our name on a sign and off we went.
Nice to know that everything has gone so smoothly! Have a wonderful time!
(And I'll look into that car service for my family when we arrive next month.)
Arrived home from our trip last night without complications.
Rome was quite simply fantastic! On our first day there, we followed RS's advice and after checking into our hotel (Smeraldo), we were off and walking. First stop was an outdoor cafe in a small square on the way to Campo de Fiori for some espresso. well caffeinated, it was on to the Campo and Piazza Farnese. Fiore was more touristy than I hoped, but still worth checking out. One of our companions had never been to Rome before, so I felt obligated to take them to the more popular sites. Next stop was Piazza Navona. Crowds were pretty light in all the Piazzas, and the fountains really are spectacular.
Next stop was the Pantheon, always an impressive site. The line to get into the Pantheon was extensive (because of the Covid check), so going inside will have to wait for another time. At this point the other couple travelling with us were fading fast and wanted to return to the Smeraldo for a nap. After dropping them off at the hotel, we struck out again in search of some lunch and some vino. We stumbled on a little cafe a few blocks from the Campo (sorry, don't remember the name) and had a great meal of salad and fettucinne with mushrooms (porcini are in season). It was magical! I knew it was a good choice as no English was being spoken and the menu was in Italian only.
Next stop back to the Hotel for an apperitivo on their rooftop. My DW had a vino rosso recommended by the waiter while I had an apperol spritz along with some nice nibbles. I had never had an apperol spritz before, and I am now a big fan. Next, back to the room to freshen up and then on to our meeting point in Farnesse for the walking food tour of Trasteverre.
The food tour was perfect for our first day as we didn't have to worry about reservations (especially important because of the jet lag). We visited a salumeria in Campo, ate the best fried cod or bacalla and then on to Trasteverre for a family style dinner of pastas and veal saltambucca followed by some limoncello-delicious. Last stop was for some Gelato and then back to our hotel for a nightcap on the roof with a full moon illuminating the rooftops and domes, quite romantic and breathtaking.
According to the health app on my phone, we walked 7.5 miles that day (I think RS would approve). Needless to say, we slept quite well that night.
I'll recap our second day in my next post.
Ciao
toddw, what a wonderful "first day" report! You all really kept on keeping on throughout the day! The food walking tour sounds perfect for your first evening meal. I also love your description of drinks at the peaceful rooftop bar at Hotel Smeraldo. I spent a lovely hour up there a couple of years ago when I was traveling alone and ended up sharing drinks, conversation, and notes with a South Korean man who was also traveling alone. I spoke no Korean; he spoke very little English, and both of us were quite Italian-deficient! However, we smiled and nodded, used our few words, books, and maps to talk about where we had been, where we were going, and how much we enjoyed Rome. Traveling makes new friends of random strangers! Thank you for continuing to share your experiences and insights. I long to return to Italy soon!
Hi Todd, I'm curious about the RomanCabs you mentioned. Is this it? https://www.romecabs.com/
Dolphinheron, yes, that is the company.
Your trip sounds fantastic! Who did you book your food tour with? We are thinking of doing that too and your selections sound perfect to us.
Aha, I remember the questions about whether the food tour was a good idea for the first night. I am happy to say I voted in favor ! It sounds like it was perfect.
So glad you had a good time, and looking forward to hearing more!
Sounds like a perfect first day and great decision to do the food tour. You can't go wrong with someone leading you around and feeding you!
