Rome

Rome - the Eternal City - the Capitol of Italy - the Oldest Empire I have ever visited.  This city is incredible...

The great importance of Rome, the empire and innovation, simply oozes from the streets, the history dates back to the first century BC and is home to one of the earliest known civilizations.  Even if you are not a history buff, the stories and remains of a time so long ago, excite and inspire.  However this magnificent city does not come for free... As a major international vacation destination with multiple points of interest, this trip will take your time and your money!

The Colosseum

Inside the Colosseum 

At Night

The Colosseum might be one of the most well know monuments, (rightfully so being one of the wonders of the world) but the list doesn't stop there.  On top of the endless amount of art and architecture, the museums, the Vatican City, there are popular tourist stops including the Pantheon, Ruins, Catacombs,  Trevi Fountain... and the list goes on and on and on.  Like I said, to see it all takes time!

As far as the eating is concerned, there is a lot more average and overpriced restaurants than exceptionally good and inexpensive ones.  To eat well, will cost you.  Best advice, eat a big breakfast at the hotel, which is usually included, and when sightseeing, stick to the basics and just be prepared to spend a little more than usual.  As far as the drinking/dancing/partying  is concerned Rome is full of it!  Testacio is an awesome street lined with club after club, at Campo di Fiori you will run into many other travelers, and if all else fails, any neighborhood your in will have bars/cafes open late, and filled with both locals and happy people on vacation.  Enjoy, I sure did ;)

Trevi Fountain

Vatican City

St. Peter's Basilica

Welcome to the official home of the Pope, the Vatican City, a must do in the city of Rome!  Most important tip on this trip is to prepare yourself to face the crowds, (take deep breaths) and extra time needed to really enjoy the beauty, history, and experience.  This was my second visit to the Vatican City and the Vatican Museum (which holds the Sistine Chapel) and it was just as beautiful as I remembered... Even for me, as someone who isn't Catholic, I was moved by the overwhelming feeling of grandeur within the walls of the Basilica.  The detail put in to every inch of the church, from the floor to the ceiling, the statues, to each individual paining, is really the most impressive part - every wall tells a story, and a guided tour of the entire place could easily take around three hours.  

The whole trip is obviously more of a museum trekking, learning and exploring exercise, rather than a cocktail sipping, magazine reading, sun bathing holiday.  But there is just something about the ancient, historical location that really gets you in the spirit!  Make sure to take your lunch break between the Vatican City and the Museum, or you'll legs will give out on you, and by the time you get to the Sistine Chapel, you will so not care about anything but finding water and a table as soon as possible.  Any of the restaurants in the area will be acceptable, all are priced about the same and served the same pizza, pasta, or meat options.  

The Creation of Man - Michelangelo