When in Rome

By: Jason and Rebecca

Italy has something for everyone, plain and simple. Take your pick:  How about taking in the colossal and ancient sites of Rome like the Colosseum, the Forum, Capitoline Hill or the Vatican?  Or spending some time among the countless museums of Italian Renaissance art or Etruscan culture (people that pre-dated the Roman Empire and for whom Tuscany is named).  

The Colosseum at sunset

Looking back toward the Roman Forum from the Colosseum

Christmas tree lighting in St. Peter's Square

Not your thing?  Okay, what about eating your way through Italy starting with fresh pasta, arancini, pizza (of course) and wine followed by canoli dipped in chocolate and pistachios with a side of delicious gelato (you choose, there’s hundreds of flavors)?  

All this making you tired?  No problem.  Just gussy up to one of the thousands of coffee bars where you can slam a euro or two on the counter and be served the best espresso, macchiato, cappuccino, etc. you’ve ever had.  Be quick to down it, because you still have lots of other sites, sounds, and delicious smells awaiting you.

For a more laid back and relaxing time, grab a car (only a 5-speed will do) and drive north a couple hours where you will be transported into another world that flows with glowing sunshine, robust vineyards, and medieval-fortress cities perched atop of hills: the Tuscan countryside. On the way, stop at a gas station for famous buffalo mozzarella and more canoli.

Siena, Italy

Forgotten grapes

All that driving making you hungry again? Check in to the B&B (in a restored 18th century farmhouse), and take a bus into Siena for a fabulous dinner at a restaurant tucked into an Estruscan tomb. Take in the city at night - complete with Christmas lights.

Dinner in an Estruscan tomb

The next morning, tour Siena by daylight, do some shopping and drink more espresso! You'll need it for the drive through Tuscany. Visit vineyards, wine cellars, cheese shops, and more. Watch the sun set over the hills. End up in Orvieto and take in the Christmas parade and lights. Have dinner at a local bar and then head back to Rome. 

Montepulciano, Italy by moonlight

Orvieto, Italy - Christmas time!

That's just a snapshot of how we spent our week. We had a great time and hope reading this post puts you in the holiday spirit. Made some great friends (thanks to Marco and Isabelle for sharing their home with us!). Italy has so much to offer and we barely scratched the surface. We'd love to go back again someday soon!

Lots more pictures of our trip in the photo album!