The Mediterranean is where the beauty of nature and the richness of history converge. There really is no place else like it. Randy and I, along with six of our best friends, recently enjoyed an almost three-week adventure in some of the most beautiful areas in Europe.
We started our journey the last week in August by flying business class direct from Miami to Rome. If you’ve never flown business class, I highly recommend it. Seats that fully recline, free food and drinks, blankets, pillows, a toiletry kit, and more. Definitely a great way to start the trip.
Day 1: We arrived in Rome and checked in to our hotel. We spent the afternoon touring the Borghese Gallery and wandering Borghese Park and then had an amazing dinner at a restaurant near our hotel. Starting with melon wrapped in aged prosciutto and a fine Chianti. Followed by Margherita Pizza and gelato for dessert.
Day 2: We got up early to beat the crowds and took an Uber to the top of the Spanish Steps. Due to the hour, the crowds were minimal, and we spent time walking down the steps and kissing at the bottom, which is a popular tradition. Next, we headed over to the Trevi Fountain and then wandered around the numerous alleyways of shops and cafes. We had fresh from the oven croissants and cappuccino at an outdoor café and watched the world go by. After breakfast we walked to the Colosseum and reveled in sheer amazement the history of ancient Rome. We continued wandering the streets of Rome, ate gelato, drank some wine and finally had a quiet dinner before heading back to the hotel exhausted.
Day 3: We started early again. We met up with a tour group for a trip to Sorrento and Positano on the Amalfi Coast. What should have been a land and sea trip turned out to be land only due to some stormy seas, but we were still treated to amazing views and shopping in two of the most beautiful seaside areas of southern Italy. We were treated to authentic Italian lemon ice served in frozen lemons and lunch on a cliff with sweeping views overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Day 4: We left our hotel to check into a villa with four other friends who had arrived in Rome. We spent the afternoon touring the Vatican museums and the Sistine Chapel. We then had dinner at a local restaurant where the owner himself served us delicious Italian house specialties, wine, aperitifs, and desserts. We laughed and talked late into the night with our new Italian friends.
Day 5: The six of us enjoyed a leisurely breakfast at the same restaurant we had dined at the night before and then headed over for an inside tour of the Colosseum. Then we spent the rest of the day just wandering around the city and enjoying all that Rome has to offer.
Day 6: We spent most of the day doing the same – shopping, eating, walking, laughing, and learning more about the sites of Rome. It is a city of endless wonder and if you haven’t been, I highly recommend it.
