Two Days In Rome

Are two days in Rome enough? In my experience as a first-time visitor, my answer is no because there is so much to see and do. Now, don’t be discouraged. We enjoyed our visit to Italy so much that I want to share it in small increments. Thus this post is a review of our first two days in Rome.

We begin day one by arriving at our hotel destination – The St. Regis in Rome. What a delightful experience.

This magnificent historic hotel dates back to 1894 Rome. Today this impressive palazzo is home to the sophisticated and urbane luxury hotel which is the St. Regis. And we are fortunate to call it home for the next six days.

After our check-in process, a refresh, and a catch-our-breath moment, we enjoyed a leisurely lunch in the hotel dining room. The elegant interiors transform this grand dame into a supremely luxurious and artful abode.

Local Dining

Local dining with good friends and good food is the goal of any Roman holiday. I must share that our visit to Traverna Trillussa was amazing. The food was delicious, the atmosphere was welcoming, the service impeccable and we enjoyed a delightful first evening in Rome.

Day 2

The Coliseum -The Roman Forum – Palatine Hill

Our day began with a tour of the Coliseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. These three sites were a half-day adventure of stepping into the world of Ancient Rome.

The Coliseum A Symbol Of Rome

Our group boarded a chartered bus at the hotel, which took us to our destinations. Fortunately, the locations are across from each other, providing easy access. The Coliseum is located across the street east of the Roman Forum.

The largest standing amphitheater in the world is still the ancient theater of Rome, the Coliseum. At its peak of use, it is estimated to have held 50,000 to 80,000 spectators. As a center of entertainment with various spectacles, it has survived numerous uses from gladiatorial contests to a Christian shrine.

The view from the top of the Coliseum is incredible.

The Roman Forum

The Roman Forum, located across the street from the Coliseum, was originally an ancient marketplace. It is now the ruins of ancient Roman government buildings.

Palatine Hill

Palatine Hill is one of the seven hills of Rome. It is a climb to the top. But well worth it to see the sites of many ancient Italian excavations of home and imperial palaces.

Roman mythology states that Palatine Hill is where the she-wolf Lupa discovered Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome, in the cave Lupercal.

More folklore states that Hercules fought and defeated the monster Cacus on the Palatine. It is said that Hercules struck Cacus with such great force that his club formed a cleft in the corner of the hill, which later became the staircase Cacus.

The climb to the top is so worth it! The views of the city and the Forum are specular.

Tip: When planning your trip, bring your most comfortable walking shoes. And be aware that you will climb many stairs and walk on an incline and cobblestones. We Floridians said we are used to walking on flat-level surfaces, and the Italians walk fast!

View to the Coliseum from the top of Palatine Hill.

The Vatican

After lunch and the afternoon on our own, our group met in the lobby in the evening for a private tour of the Vatican.

It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words. The beauty and magnificence of the Vatican Museum, for me, are indiscernible in words. And so, I have decided to share my memories with you in a few photos and videos.

A splendid view of the dome at St. Peter’s Basilica from the roof top patio at the Vatican.

There are so many intriguing artifacts on display.

End Of An Amazing Two Days In Rome

What a fantastic Two Days In Rome it has been! And what a perfect way to end a fun but hectic day than some delicious gelato in the lobby before heading to bed.

Yes, Two Days In Rome Are Not Enough!

And I intend to share more of our Roman Holiday with you over the next few travel posts. We spent a day at the Pope’s Summer residence, took the high-speed train to Florence, enjoyed a trip down to the Amalfi Coast, and still had time for shopping and sightseeing.

So stay tuned for more Travel Tuesday adventures!

© COPYRIGHT 2023/ Distinctly Southern Style, LLC / ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Links in this post contain affiliate links. 

In case you are interested what I packed for my two days in Rome.