Samplings From A Blue Ribbon Girl: Rome: A Journey Through History

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Rome: A Journey Through History

Mediterranean Travel Series - Part 1

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…