Rome, Italy

Our Unforgettable Trip to Italy in November

Rome is a must-see destination. A “Travel 101” place, as I like to call it. It’s busy, very touristy, not always warm and welcoming, but the attractions are some of the best the world has to offer. You can’t miss Ancient Rome with the Colosseum and Roman Forum, Historic Rome with the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Campo de’ Fiori, and Piazza Navona, or Vatican City.

Join us as we take you through our amazing 10-day trip to Italy, filled with history, culture, incredible food, and breathtaking sights. From the ancient ruins of Rome to the Renaissance wonders of Florence, and the preserved city of Pompeii, our itinerary covers it all. Read on to see how we explored this beautiful country, including key attractions and the best restaurants we visited.

Itinerary

Day 1: November 12 – Departure

• Flight: Newark (EWR) to Rome (FCO)

Day 2: November 13 – Arrival in Rome

• Accommodation: Check into Vicolo Scanderbeg, 91, Rome.
• Activities:
  • Spanish Steps: 18th-century steps with a butterfly-shaped design.
  • Trevi Fountain: Iconic rococo fountain designed by Nicola Salvi.
  • Rick Steve’s Heart of Rome Walk: Explore Campo de’ Fiori, Piazza Navona, and the Pantheon.
• Dinner: Piccolo Arancio, a rustic-chic trattoria offering modern twists on Roman dishes.

Day 3: November 14 – Rome

• Activities:
  • Colosseum: Ancient Roman amphitheater used for gladiatorial games.
  • Domus Aurea: Remains of Emperor Nero’s grand villa complex.
  • Palatine Hill: Ruins of Roman Imperial palaces.
  • Roman Forum: Vast area of Roman temples and government buildings.
• Lunch: Roma Sparita, known for its cacio e pepe served in a parmigiano cheese bowl.
• Dinner: Trattoria Pommidoro, a traditional Roman eatery.

Day 4: November 15 – Rome

• Activities:
  • Campo de’ Fiori: Roman Food Tour exploring the local market and historic neighborhoods.
  • Jewish Ghetto: Historic area with rich cultural heritage.
  • Trastevere: Charming neighborhood with winding streets and local eateries.
• Lunch: Pane e Salame, a hip bistro known for its meat and cheese platters.
• Dinner: Supplizio, a cozy spot for classic Roman street food.

Day 5: November 16 – Vatican City

• Activities:
  • Vatican Museums: Galleries of classical and Renaissance art.
  • Sistine Chapel: Famous for Michelangelo’s painted ceiling.
  • St. Peter’s Basilica: Late Renaissance church with a capacity of 20,000 worshippers.
• Lunch: Bonci Pizzarium, near the Vatican, known for its creative pizza slices.
• Dinner: Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina, a bustling eatery with great carbonara.

Day 6: November 17 – Pompeii and Naples

• Travel: Day trip to Pompeii, a city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D.
• Activities:
  • Pompeii Ruins: Explore the ancient city, including the amphitheater and Villa of the Mysteries.
  • Naples: Brief visit to see local attractions.
• Dinner: Back in Rome, try Trattoria da Enzo al 29, a simple eatery with Roman classics.

Day 7: November 18 – Travel to Florence

• Travel: Train from Rome to Florence.
• Accommodation: Check into Piazza del Duomo, 6, Florence.
• Activities:
  • Duomo: Cathedral with a terracotta-tiled dome by Brunelleschi.
  • Ponte Vecchio: Medieval bridge with jewelry shops.
• Dinner: Trattoria Mario, known for Tuscan soups and meat dishes.

Day 8: November 19 – Florence

• Activities:
  • Accademia Gallery: Home to Michelangelo’s David.
  • Uffizi Gallery: Renaissance art collection, including Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus.”
• Lunch: All’Antico Vinaio, a famous sandwich shop.
• Dinner: Trattoria La Casalinga, offering traditional Tuscan dishes.

Day 9: November 20 – Return to Rome

• Travel: Train back to Rome.
• Accommodation: Check into Hilton Rome Airport.
• Activities:
  • Final Rome Exploration: Revisit favorite spots or discover new ones.
• Dinner: Trattoria Cammillo, a cozy venue for homestyle Italian dishes.

Day 10: November 21 – Departure

• Flight: Rome (FCO) to Newark (EWR) on United Airlines UA 41.

Attractions and Activities

Spanish Steps

18th-century steps with an irregular butterfly-shaped design, leading up to the Trinità dei Monti church.

Trevi Fountain

A stunning rococo fountain designed by Nicola Salvi, completed in 1762, famous for its dramatic sculptures and waterworks.

Colosseum

The largest ancient amphitheater ever built, used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles in ancient Rome.

Vatican Museums

A collection of museums displaying art and artifacts from classical and Renaissance periods, including the Sistine Chapel.

Pompeii Ruins

The ancient city preserved by volcanic ash, offering a glimpse into Roman life with its well-preserved buildings and frescoes.

Duomo, Florence

Florence’s iconic cathedral with a dome engineered by Brunelleschi, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture.

Accademia Gallery

Home to Michelangelo’s David and a vast collection of Renaissance art.

Uffizi Gallery

One of the most famous art museums in the world, housing works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli.

Restaurants

Piccolo Arancio

A rustic-chic trattoria in Rome, offering modern twists on traditional Roman dishes. Great for a cozy and delicious meal.

Roma Sparita

Famous for its cacio e pepe, served in a parmigiano cheese bowl that melts as you eat. Featured by Anthony Bourdain.

Pane e Salame

A hip, tucked-away modern bistro known for platters of meats and cheeses paired with Italian wines. Located near the Trevi Fountain.

Supplizio

A homey-chic eatery offering classic Roman street food like supplì (fried rice balls) and salads. Great for a quick bite.

Bonci Pizzarium

Located near the Vatican, this pizzeria is famous for its creative and high-quality pizza slices. A must-visit for pizza lovers.

Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina

A bustling destination near Campo de’ Fiori, known for its Italian fare, including an excellent carbonara.

Trattoria da Enzo al 29

A simple, tucked-away eatery in Trastevere, serving Roman classics such as fried artichoke. Reservations recommended.

All’Antico Vinaio

A renowned sandwich shop in Florence, known for its delicious and generous sandwiches. Perfect for a quick, satisfying lunch.

Trattoria Mario

A well-known spot in Florence for Tuscan soups, pastas, and meat dishes. A traditional and authentic dining experience.

Trattoria La Casalinga

A family-run establishment in Florence, offering traditional Tuscan dishes and wines in a convivial atmosphere.

Join us on this incredible journey through Italy, as we immerse ourselves in the rich history, stunning art, and delectable cuisine of this beautiful country. Whether you’re planning a trip or just dreaming of Italy, we hope our experiences inspire you to explore and enjoy all that Italy has to offer.