Roman Ruins, Volcanic Views, and the Pizza Pilgrimage

Ah, Rome! The city of emperors, gladiators, and, let's be honest, the best gelato on Earth. In 2018, my best friend and I decided to live out our own version of a "Roman Holiday," albeit one with significantly more pizza and less royal intrigue. We embarked on a whirlwind tour of this historical wonderland, ticking off all the must-see sights and indulging in a pizza pilgrimage to Naples. But our adventure wasn't just about ancient stones and delicious carbs; it was also about conquering (or attempting to conquer) a volcano.

Roman Highlights: The Classics Never Disappoint and Pasta Perfection!

Of course, we couldn't resist the allure of the classic Roman landmarks. The Colosseum, with its imposing grandeur, transported us back to the days of gladiatorial combat. The Roman Forum, a sprawling tapestry of ruins, whispered tales of ancient political intrigue. The Pantheon, a marvel of architectural genius, left us in awe. And the Trevi Fountain? Well, let's just say we tossed in a few coins and made some wishes—mostly for more gelato.

Throwing my coin into the Trevi Fountain.

And let's not forget the pasta! Oh, the pasta. We indulged in countless bowls of creamy carbonara (real carbonara does not have peas!!), flavorful cacio e pepe, and perfectly al dente amatriciana. We even found a charming little restaurant tucked away around the corner from the Trevi Fountain. It was the kind of place with checkered tablecloths, friendly waiters, and pasta that tasted like it was made with love. It became our go-to spot for a delicious and relaxing meal after a long day of sightseeing.

Vesuvius and Pompeii: A Volcanic Day Trip

But our Roman holiday wasn't confined to the city limits. We booked a tour to Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii, a day trip that promised both breathtaking views and a sobering glimpse into the past. Our journey started with a scenic drive to Vesuvius, the infamous volcano that buried Pompeii in ash.

My (Almost) Volcanic Victory

Now, I'll admit, I'm not specimen of peak fitness. But I was determined to conquer Vesuvius. I made it up a good portion of the trail, huffing and puffing, but the view was absolutely worth it. However, I stopped short of the caldera. Yes, I know, I know. My friend hasn't let me live it down since. But hey, I got some great photos! And the view was still spectacular. I like to think that even Audrey Hepburn might have paused for a moment to catch her breath on that climb.

With Naples behind me, I almost made it to the caldera of Vesuvius.

Pompeii: A City Frozen in Time

Pompeii, on the other hand, completely blew me away. Walking through the ruins, I felt like I had stepped into a time capsule. The preserved houses, the cobblestone streets, the ghostly casts of the victims—it was a poignant reminder of the power of nature and the fragility of life.

The streets of Pompeii

Naples: The Pizza Promised Land

No trip to this region is complete without a pilgrimage to Naples, the birthplace of pizza. And of course, we opted for the classic Margherita. The simple combination of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil was pure culinary perfection. It was the kind of pizza that makes you question every other pizza you've ever had.

Friendship and Memories

More than anything, this trip was about spending quality time with my best friend. We shared laughter, we shared gelato, and we shared the kind of travel memories that will last a lifetime. Even if I didn't make it all the way to the top of Vesuvius, I wouldn't trade that adventure for anything. It was our own "Roman Holiday" with a side of volcanic adventure.

Conclusion

Rome, Vesuvius, Pompeii, and Naples—our 2018 Italian adventure was a whirlwind of history, culture, and delicious food. It was a reminder that travel is about more than just seeing sights; it's about creating memories and sharing experiences with the people in your life.

Join the Conversation and Start Your Adventure!

Have you been to Rome, Vesuvius, or Pompeii? What were your favorite experiences? Did you have your own "Roman Holiday" moment? Share your stories in the comments below!

If you want to book your own "Roman Holiday" let me know! I'd love to help!