With the holidays upon us, and my brother Will visiting from Australia, Adrienne and I planned a quick pre-Christmas trip to Italy. The original plan was to drive the entire west coast over ten days, however we found during the research phase of planning that this particular conquest during the festive season was not going kind to our bank accounts.
As we had all been to Italy previously, we made the decision to restrict ourselves to something a little less ambitious. Four days before Christmas, we embarked on our whistle stop tour of Rome, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast.
Day One
In the spirit of all our adventures, we flew out on the first flight from Luton airport to Rome.
Somewhere along the way to the gate, we misplaced Will for 20 minutes. Thankfully, we maintained our streak for "no flights missed".
For ease of access, to and from the airport, we stayed a short walk from the main train station, Roma Termini. After checking into our accommodation at BB Queen, a modest hotel east of the centre, we made our way in.
Somewhere along the way to the gate, we misplaced Will for 20 minutes. Thankfully, we maintained our streak for "no flights missed".
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For ease of access, to and from the airport, we stayed a short walk from the main train station, Roma Termini. After checking into our accommodation at BB Queen, a modest hotel east of the centre, we made our way in.
Victor Emmanuel Monument
The last time Will and I were in Rome (twelve years ago) the Victor Emmanuel Monument was covered in scaffold. This time, we happened upon it on our quest for lunch. The impressive temple honors First World War soldiers, and I was delighted to finally see it in all its glory.
Lunch was had at a restaurant that promised a panoramic view of the Victor Emmanuel Monument and wonderful pasta. What we found instead was mediocre food and an even more mediocre view. Needless to say, it isn't worth mentioning.
Pantheon
As always, we seemingly stumbled across the Pantheon. One of my favourite buildings in Rome, its coffered dome and singular oculus have entranced me during both visits. The sun made an appearance from behind the cloud, and made this moment a little more magical.
The last time Will and I were in Rome (twelve years ago) the Victor Emmanuel Monument was covered in scaffold. This time, we happened upon it on our quest for lunch. The impressive temple honors First World War soldiers, and I was delighted to finally see it in all its glory.
Victor Emmanuel Monument
Lunch was had at a restaurant that promised a panoramic view of the Victor Emmanuel Monument and wonderful pasta. What we found instead was mediocre food and an even more mediocre view. Needless to say, it isn't worth mentioning.
Pantheon
As always, we seemingly stumbled across the Pantheon. One of my favourite buildings in Rome, its coffered dome and singular oculus have entranced me during both visits. The sun made an appearance from behind the cloud, and made this moment a little more magical.
The Pantheon
Trevi Fountation
Will led the charge to the Trevi Fountain. We hurried through the streets and plunged into the crowds gathered around the fountain. Surprisingly, we quite easily found ourselves a position at the front to toss a coin and snap a few photos. The perks of visiting in winter, perhaps, or having truly adapted to London life.
Will led the charge to the Trevi Fountain. We hurried through the streets and plunged into the crowds gathered around the fountain. Surprisingly, we quite easily found ourselves a position at the front to toss a coin and snap a few photos. The perks of visiting in winter, perhaps, or having truly adapted to London life.
The Trevi Fountain
Spanish Steps
On our previous trip, my parents regaled stories of their travels of 1986, when the Spanish Steps was a place that locals would gather. In 2007, it was covered in tourists. So, I'd never actually seen the Spanish Steps, let alone walked up them. We were amazed to discover them virtually bare. I'll admit, this was largely due to the lady with a whistle, taking with preventing anyone from taking a seat. From the top, we watched the sunset over Rome.
The Spanish Steps
Day Two
We received the hot tip from a few friends to book a tour of the Colosseum to ensure speedy entry. And it didn't disappoint! We booked a small group tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and the Forum through City Wonders for $28 (around £14).
Colosseum
Twelve years ago, when Will and I first came to Rome with our parents, the line to the Colosseum was ridiculously long. We told them not to worry, as we would certainly go back one day. Little did we know we would go back together all these years later.
The tour certainly guaranteed "skip-the-line" access. A few security checks and we were in. We climbed the ridiculously steep stairs, and I discovered muscles I didn't know I had, before wandering around one side of the amphitheatre. Peering down into the labyrinth of tunnels, the guide told stories of Gladiators, and even mock sea battles, that had once taken place within the walls of the ancient venue.
Twelve years ago, when Will and I first came to Rome with our parents, the line to the Colosseum was ridiculously long. We told them not to worry, as we would certainly go back one day. Little did we know we would go back together all these years later.
The Colosseum
The tour certainly guaranteed "skip-the-line" access. A few security checks and we were in. We climbed the ridiculously steep stairs, and I discovered muscles I didn't know I had, before wandering around one side of the amphitheatre. Peering down into the labyrinth of tunnels, the guide told stories of Gladiators, and even mock sea battles, that had once taken place within the walls of the ancient venue.
Inside of Colosseum
Roman Forum
I have particularly fond memories of visiting the Roman Forum as a 16 year old. I stood listening to my Dad tell stories of Roman life, politics, and battles. Going back was certainly bittersweet, but nonetheless fascinating to once again wander the ancient roads and imagine what it would have been like thousands of years ago.
The Vatican City
Our stroll to the Vatican was where one of the most iconic phrases of our trip was coined, "Follow the Nuns to the Vat". And that is exactly what we did. With a small detour to get gelato on the way, of course!
I have particularly fond memories of visiting the Roman Forum as a 16 year old. I stood listening to my Dad tell stories of Roman life, politics, and battles. Going back was certainly bittersweet, but nonetheless fascinating to once again wander the ancient roads and imagine what it would have been like thousands of years ago.
The Roman Forum
The Vatican City
Our stroll to the Vatican was where one of the most iconic phrases of our trip was coined, "Follow the Nuns to the Vat". And that is exactly what we did. With a small detour to get gelato on the way, of course!
The Vatican City
We had all been inside the Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, so we instead chose to enjoy our ice cream and the colours of the setting sun over the Vatican.
Saint Peter's Basilica
Day Three
The third day of our adventure began with a trip back to the airport to pick up our hire car. Ever impressed with our experience with Sixt, we drove away in a Audi Q2, en route to Pompeii. Possibly a little ambitious, we arrived around lunch time. Wasting no time, we headed in to explore.
Ruins of Pompeii
Personally, I have wanted to visit the Pompeii ruins for as long as I can remember. Behind architecture, volcanoes lay at the centre of my second career option when applying to university. However, studying architecture, and hence architectural history, I was beyond excited to finally make the journey.
Armed with a guidebook purchased from the gift shop, I acted as tour guide as we meandered our way through the ancient streets of Pompeii.
While we could have spent many more hours getting lost in the winding streets, the light was fading and we were being ushered out at 5pm. We spent a total of three hours inside the ruins. I would definitely recommend a whole day to see everything.
Our final adventure for the day was driving through the narrow streets, in the dark, during "Pompeii peak hour". After coming to a complete stop at one point, the second car in a line of impassable traffic coming from the other direction and plenty of yelling in Italian, we were relieved to make it to our accommodation.
At Villa Julia, we were met by a jolly man, who spoke little English, but who tried ever so hard to communicate where we would find the best pizza in town. We never did find it.
Day Four
Personally, I have wanted to visit the Pompeii ruins for as long as I can remember. Behind architecture, volcanoes lay at the centre of my second career option when applying to university. However, studying architecture, and hence architectural history, I was beyond excited to finally make the journey.
The Pompeii Ruins
Armed with a guidebook purchased from the gift shop, I acted as tour guide as we meandered our way through the ancient streets of Pompeii.
The Pompeii Ruins
While we could have spent many more hours getting lost in the winding streets, the light was fading and we were being ushered out at 5pm. We spent a total of three hours inside the ruins. I would definitely recommend a whole day to see everything.
The Pompeii Ruins - Civic Forum
Our final adventure for the day was driving through the narrow streets, in the dark, during "Pompeii peak hour". After coming to a complete stop at one point, the second car in a line of impassable traffic coming from the other direction and plenty of yelling in Italian, we were relieved to make it to our accommodation.
At Villa Julia, we were met by a jolly man, who spoke little English, but who tried ever so hard to communicate where we would find the best pizza in town. We never did find it.
Day Four
Driving the Amalfi Coast was a highlight all round. On the last day of our holiday, we set off bound for Sorrento. A brief stop was taken to admire the view over Meta Campania.
Meta Campania
Sorrento
Breakfast, consisting of coffee and Nutella croissants, was taken in Sorrento. We easily parked just off the main road, and wandered into the town. Unfortunately, we were pressed for time and could only spare a few moments to take in the view of the water from the Sorrento heights.
Sorrento
On the drive from Sorrento to Positano, via San Filippo , we were spoiled with views of Capri.
Views of Capri
Positano
Road into Positano
We were all ecstatic to arrive into Positano after capturing glimpses of the magical cliff-side town as we wound our way along the sea-front roads. Initially, we missed the turn onto the one way road down into the centre, and had to track back. We parked in one of the exorbitant parking stations that insisted we leave the car keys with them. Mildly concerning..
Positano
Of course, this didn't spoil our enjoyment of the picturesque location. We hastily made our way to the beach for a few snaps, and found some reasonably priced pizza slices, within half an hour.
Positano Beach
Our keenness to continue along the coast was rudely interrupted by roadworks and a closed road. Turning back, we made the call to head for the airport. With Will behind the wheel, we quickly ascended the terrain, and more than a few hairpin turns.
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On our way back to Rome, we detoured via Naples, and quickly detoured back out. On returning to London, and telling my parents about our trip and Naples, my dad asked, "Do they follow the road rules there yet?", and I think that tells you everything you need to know.
Completely wrecked, and a little cranky, we were all ready to head back to London and enjoy a Christmas day sleep in. This was only slightly delayed by the chaos at the airport caused by the closure of the tubes. This resulted in outbursts directed at the National Express bus driver, and protesters standing in front of the bus to prevent it from leaving. We were very glad to have pre-purchased our tickets, and crawled into bed shortly after 2:30am.
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