a rome lizzie mcguire summer
part seven of my 2022 european summer trip. things I did + things I ate in rome, italy including day in vatican city.
Ciao! As Lizzie McGuire once said (in Rome may I add), “This is what dreams are made of!” I had a major ‘Rome Lizzie McGuire Summer’ doing everything but riding a Vespa. Starting off strong, our first night in Rome began at the opera. We ate (an amazing three-course meal), we drank, and we had the best time.
Post opera, we decided to head to the Colosseum. I have to say, it is completely worth it to find time in the evening to visit in addition to seeing it in daylight. (Lizzie moment #1) The following morning, we headed back to the Colosseum to see it in a different light. Both views were INCRED.
Going to Rome in June is not for the weak; waking up and heading out the door with the temperature already being 100 degrees tires you out QUICKLY. One late morning, Kate and I decided to stop being touristy to head into a restaurant and relax for awhile with Caroline and Katie. We ordered a bread basket (with three different types of bread; my kind of variety!!) and cacio e pepe. A much needed reset and energy boost before heading back into the heat. I also had to include my three favorite gelatos, the bottom two being from the same place. Hard to find a gelato you don’t like here.
The most beautiful sight you’ve ever seen: The Trevi Fountain (Lizzie moment #2) We made multiple visits here and you simply cannot stop staring. This was truly one of my favorite touristy stops we made throughout the whole trip. I mean, just look at her!!
The second day, we headed into Vatican City. We had tickets to the Vatican with a tour guide, so we were able to skip the already long line to the front to start our tour. We made our way through the different museum stops and hallways within the Vatican before funneling into the Sistine Chapel. You unfortunately cannot take photos within the Sistine Chapel, but it was definitely a core memory.
When you exit the Vatican, you go straight into Saint Peter’s Square. By this time, we were so hungry and decided to grab some food a few blocks away, knowing the Pope would be coming out sometime within the hour. We thought we were making good time, but upon returning we missed the Pope by MINUTES! Nonetheless, it was a perfect stop in Vatican City.
Back inside of Rome, we took a guided tour through the Basilica of Saint Paul. We were in desperate need of a nap, but pushed through! The architecture and artwork found within are incredible and I highly recommend going through these churches with a tour guide. By the end of these tours, Kate and I were ready for an ice bath!
Off to the Spanish Steps! (Lizzie moment #3) A must-see, but I will admit, they are just steps with lots of tourists walking them, haha!
Lastly, a dump of nine more photos I thought should make the cut. Photo explanations going left to right, row by row:
Piazza di Pietra: outdoor square area to hang out
A tour guide explained that Saints, Mary, or Jesus were painted on the sides of buildings to deter people from committing crimes; He explained that people hardly ever commit crimes when the “eyes of God” are watching- super interesting!
Porticus Octaviae: ancient structure in Rome; the structure was used as a fish market from the medieval period up to the end of the 19th century
Victor Emmanuel II Monument: sits in Piazza Venezia
Narrow city streets
Vespas or scooters line the streets in Rome
Pantheon: bigger than I imagined in person!
Flower market found on a walk
One last city square we stumbled upon
This was a long, hot one! Off to the next city, finding more time to reset and relax.
XO, kalli