Welcome to my page where I write about my travel adventures with my family. We’ve done lots of trips since this first big European trip and I can’t wait to share what we’ve seen, who we traveled with, and recommend where to go next!
First stop: Rome!
The trip didn’t start off so easily: our flight was cancelled from JFK...luckily we arrived 4 hours early (wouldn’t normally recommend but we were anxious to get there). We were booked standby on Air France through Paris and despite a lot of worry about flying standby for a family of 4 to Europe, connecting at Charles de Gaulle, we made it to Rome. But not our luggage...ugh!
We were greeted at the airport by an Adventures by Disney (ABD) representative who helped us at the luggage counter to start our claim and then whisked us away to Rome in a Mercedes-Benz Van (sans luggage) to the beautiful Hotel Gran Melia Rome. This gorgeous hotel is right across the River Tiber from the historic center and very close to Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica. Things I adored about this hotel: 1–they called the airline every day, twice a day until our luggage was delivered (70 hours later), 2–Awesome pool where the kids and adults cooled off every afternoon after touring Rome in July, and 3–Family rooms: these were 2 rooms connected by a vestibule which had a door with lock. So you could lock the vestibule door (to the hallway) and keep you and your children’s doors open (if you want).
ABD itinerary in Rome is jam-packed but you will see it all! The guides are worth every penny. They make the trip fun for everyone. And they also will help call the airlines to help find your luggage that is lost in Paris...
The itinerary is on their website
www.Adventuresbydisney.com, but the highlights include all the usuals: Spanish steps, Trevi Fountain, gelato, pizza, Pantheon, Coliseum with private access for your group and 3 levels (amazing!!), and the Roman Forum. That’s just in 1 day! You’ll also see St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, after hours private tour of the Vatican Museum along with the Sistine Chapel. It’s just your group—no one else and this is so special for everyone.
Some of the things we did on our own in Rome: walked Gianicolo Hill, ate in Trastavere, walked area from Trevi Fountain to Pantheon at night which was totally different than in the morning. We went shopping for clothes (twice!) on Via del Corso, and ate at 2 a couple of memorable restaurants: Vino e Camino (one of our best meals the whole trip) and Sor’Eva (small, local spot) near the Gran Melia.
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| Coliseum |
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| Pantheon—whole family including grandparents |
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| Escaping the heat |
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| Roman Forum |
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| St. Peter’s Square |
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| Vatican Guard |
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| Tiber River and Castel Sant’ Angelo |
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| St. Peter’s Basilica |
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| Inside the Vatican (just ABD) |
Photo credits to Hoy Speer.
I also sell travel and if you’re interested in Adventures by Disney or an Italian Vacation, please email me at Christine@cbuonotravel.com or visit
christinebuono.inteletravel.com (must register to use site).
