Day 7 was packed. We hit both the Colosseum and Vatican City and ended up walking back from the Vatican all the way back to our hotel near the Colosseum. It was probably about 2-3 miles but in the hot sun, it felt more like 5.

First on our list was the Colosseum. Though I’ve seen the historic site before, and wasn’t quite impressed by it—probably because it was sweltering hot and had no shade—the parents seemed very eager to see it. Seeing as I’m not a huge history buff, the only thing I got out of this visit were good pictures with my newly purchased just-for-this-trip Canon S95. (Thanks D!) Thank goodness the Colosseum was only a short hop, skip and jump from our hotel. Plus, we had our handy dandy Roma Passes just for the purpose of skipping the long, looping line for tickets.

I believe this was the only jumping picture that was taken on the entire trip. How it ended up being my dad doing the jumping, I have no clue. But it sure puts a smile on my face every time I see this!

The Colosseum is quite impressive, if not by its gruesome history, at least by its architectural nature. Categorized as a “ruin”, it stands in half the glory it used to be,and definitely shouldn’t be a sight to miss if ever in Rome. Unless, of course, you’ve seen it before.

We took the trains to Vatican City next and proceeded to line up to get inside St. Peter’s Basilica. Adhering to their strict dress codes and wanting to be safe rather than sorry, the sister and I brought along some extra leggings and cardigans to cover up our legs and shoulders. It was hot and stuffy but it was a good thing we changed because even after you are security checked and let past the first line of defense, their second line checks for those that don’t follow the appropriate dress code. We saw plenty of people get turned away for not having certain parts of their body covered up, so keep that in mind for the future!

St. Peter’s is one of, if not my favorite, churches in Europe. Of course, I haven’t seen ALL the churches Europe has to offer—I mean, who could—but it is massive and glorious in all its beauty. It is the largest Christian church in the world, that in itself should say something about what a big deal this place is. I can’t even begin to describe how ornate the interior is and how it just takes your breath away, so I’ll let the few pictures I have do the talking.

Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see the actual Vatican Museums and the famed Sistine Chapel. They close at 6pm but apparently stop letting people in after 4pm. We arrived at the doors at 4:05pm. Bummer. Michelangelo’s Last Judgment and Creation of Adam are insanely great works of art. Just standing in its presence is intense, as if you can feel Michelangelo through his meticulously painted frescoes.

After the Vatican, we were thankfully able to change back into shorts. We walked down Via della Conciliazione to Castel Sant’Angelo, then to Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, down Via del Corso and ending at Il Vittoriano.

Huge amount of love locks on the Ponte Sant’Angelo

Piazza Navona

The BEST gelato in the cutest little nook of a side street.

The Pantheon

Il Vittoriano

Day 8 marked our last day in Rome so we decided to just take it easy with a day trip to Tivoli to see Villa d’Este. I’ve always wanted to see this ever since I saw them film there in the Lizzie McGuire movie on the Disney Channel. The gardens looked so enchanting and magical, it was on my must see list this time around.

Le Cento Fontane (The Hundred Fountains)

The Neptune Fountain

I’m glad I got to see this at least once, because I probably wouldn’t come back—haha! It’s definitely a see once is fine type of place, as gorgeous as it was.

We ended our trip in Italy exactly how it began—with gelato and pasta. Rome had its share of rude people. Our hotel and its staff, along with a family that I could have sworn had never seen Asians before, were among some that we encountered. Rome is a place full of history and good food and endless chaos, but it seems to be thriving just fine. I don’t know how soon again I’d make a trip to Rome, but maybe again one day. Hey, the Trevi made me do it!