Mama SRL

Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day—And Nor Should It Be Visited in One

We spent five exhilarating days exploring the landmarks of Rome and Florence, with the added thrill of doing it all with a four-year-old during Italy’s National Day. What a joy!

So, what did we see? What did we do? How did we survive? Barely, but we fully enjoyed the adventure and educated our child along the way.

Planning the Trip:

We booked our accommodations five months in advance, picking dates that fit our schedule and when the stars seemed to align for a perfect vacation. A travel agent sorted our flights, and everything was set. That is, until a week before departure when our flight was canceled. We had to book another flight for a day earlier, rushing from our last meetings straight to the airport. To add to the chaos, we needed a new room for the extra night. Despite the stress, we made it to our hotel late at night, collapsed into bed, and started our adventure early the next morning.

The Journey Begins:

Our first morning, we wandered the streets of Rome looking for coffee and stumbled upon a charming family-owned café. The espresso, fresh melon, and croissants were delightful, and we soaked in the local atmosphere before moving to our originally booked hotel.

Both hotels were set in historic buildings with grand rooms, high ceilings, and impressive corridors. The accommodations were wonderful, reflecting the city’s rich history.

Exploring Rome:

1. Zoo: Not very impressive and our child was too young to appreciate it.
2. Vatican City: We skipped the long lines but enjoyed strolling the streets and indulging in gelato and hotdogs. With a little one, grabbing food on the go is essential.
3. Fontana di Trevi: A hit with the kid.
4. Dome: We admired the piazza but didn’t go inside.
5. Piazza Spagna: Great for wandering around and window-shopping at fancy boutiques.
6. Hop-on Hop-off Bus: The best investment for entertaining a young child while sightseeing.
7. Churches: A fantastic way to introduce artistry to a small child and a must-see in Rome.
8. Castel Sant’Angelo: Not too busy and very impressive.
9. Italian Parade: An amazing and impressive experience, plus we watched superjets fly over Italy the day before.
10. Catacombs: Surprisingly enjoyable for the kid, who remembered the word well and enjoyed scaring mom even months later when in dark places.

A Quick Trip to Florence:

We took a fast train to Florence, where the train station felt like an airport. Investing 10 euros in a box of Lego parts and a Moleskine notebook kept our child entertained, making the ride smooth. In Florence, we strolled the streets, enjoyed gelato, and took in the ambiance without rushing to see everything.

Conclusion:

Our five-day journey through Rome and Florence was a whirlwind of history, culture, and family bonding. Despite the initial chaos, the memories we created were priceless, and our child learned so much from the experience. Traveling with a young one may have its challenges, but the joy and education it brings make it all worthwhile.