Mediterranean Travel Series - Part 1
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| View of Rome from the top of Castel Sant'Angelo |
We interrupt our regularly scheduled creative content, for my European travel journal!
Last November, I had the incredible opportunity to take a truly memorable trip with my parents — a journey that began in the heart of Italy. Before boarding our Mediterranean cruise, we spent several unforgettable days in Rome, a city that manages to feel both eternal and vibrantly alive. Traveling with family always adds its own special meaning, and exploring one of the world’s most historic capitals together was something we’ll always treasure.
We stayed at Villa Agrippina Gran Meliá, on the banks of the River Tiber with lush gardens and beautiful views. The perfect location within a short walking distance of the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica, along with Castel Sant'Angelo (where we walked/visited on our final day).
A Private Guide
With only a short window before our cruise departure, we decided to make the most of every moment by hiring a private tour guide. It was the best decision we could have made. Instead of navigating maps and public transportation or rushing between landmarks, we were able to immerse ourselves in the stories, architecture, and hidden gems that only a knowledgeable local could share.
Our guide, Alessandro, led us through ancient streets that felt like open-air museums, weaving in historical details and insider perspectives that helped us experience Rome more deeply. Traveling in November meant gentler temperatures and — blessedly — fewer crowds, allowing us to linger in places that are usually packed shoulder-to-shoulder.
Highlights of the Eternal City
Over the course of our stay, we managed to see many of Rome’s most iconic and breathtaking highlights. Some stood out not only for their grandeur, but for the emotions they stirred:
- The Pantheon
- Trevi Fountain
- Theatre of Marcellus
- Column of the Immaculate Conception
- The Spanish Steps
- Circus Maximus
- Capitoline Hill
- The Aventine Keyhole of Rome
- The Colosseum
- The Roman Forum
- Vatican City (St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel)
- Piazza Navona
- Janiculum (Gianicolo) Hill
- Castel Sant'Angelo
A Beautiful Beginning
Rome was the perfect start to our November adventure. The combination of crisp autumn air, rich history, and being with my parents created a chapter of memories I’ll always hold close. With our hearts full and our imaginations sparked, we made our way to the port to begin the next leg of our journey: a Viking Mediterranean Cruise from Rome to Barcelona.
Here is Rome through my camera lens (click on any photo for a larger view). The story continues in the next post…
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| The Pantheon |
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| The Pantheon |
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| The Pantheon |
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| Trevi Fountain |
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| Column of the Immaculate Conception |
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| The Spanish Steps |
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| The Spanish Steps |
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| Theatre of Marcellus |
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| The Aventine Keyhole of Rome |
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| The Colosseum |
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| The Colosseum |
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| The Colosseum |
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| Circus Maximus |
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| The Roman Forum |
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| The Roman Forum |
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| The Roman Forum |
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| The Roman Forum |
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| Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius - Capitoline Hill |
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| Fountain of Neptune - Piazza Navona |
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| Four Rivers Fountain - Piazza Navona |
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Nostra Signora De Sacro Cuore
Catholic Church Dedicated to the Virgin Mary |
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| The Sistine Chapel |
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| St. Peter's Basilica |
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| Vatican Obelisk |
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| St. Peter's Square |
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| View from Janiculum (Gianicolo) Hill |
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| View from Janiculum (Gianicolo) Hill |
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| View from Janiculum (Gianicolo) Hill |
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| My second dad and I with Alessandro (our tour guide) |
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| Castel Sant'Angelo |
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| Castel Sant'Angelo |
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| View of the Vatican City from Castel Sant'Angelo |
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| View from atop Castel Sant'Angelo |
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| View from atop Castel Sant'Angelo |
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| Castel Sant'Angelo |
