I’ve always heard people ask, “What’s your Roman Empire?” Well… mine is literally the Roman Empire. There’s a reason that phrase exists – the history is mind‑boggling, the layers are endless, and the fact that we can still walk through these ancient spaces feels unreal. This trip reminded me exactly why Rome has such a hold on people.

Paris to Rome: Where Travel Chaos Turned Into Calm

We started the morning at the Paris airport, heading to Rome. I’d been worried when planning this itinerary that flying between cities would feel like “wasted time,” but honestly? It was the reset we all needed. Airports are fascinating in their own way – the people‑watching, the local shops, the food options that feel familiar but not quite.

Security was serious (as it should be), and my purse got flagged for extra screening. I waited forever for someone to get to it, but thankfully we had plenty of time. A poor woman next to me had her bag checked three or four times and finally said, “So what’s the deal??” I felt her pain – especially since she was clearly about to miss her flight.

Traveling with a group is great, but that quiet airport time was a gift. I needed a moment to be alone and reset before diving into Rome.

Arriving in Rome: Smoking Chambers & “74 Degrees”

The Rome airport surprised me immediately – they have these clear glass “smoking chambers,” basically little boxes where people go to smoke. My takeaway: Italians are serious about their cigarettes.

Stepping outside, the temperature shift hit us. We went from cold Paris to warm Rome. Our guide, Howard, said, “It’s 74 degrees – pretty warm today.” I scoffed in Texan. Seventy‑four is a pleasant day back home. But Rome taught me quickly: 74 here is HOT. Like sweating‑in‑the‑sun hot. Thankfully, shade in Rome feels like a 20‑degree cooldown.

Spanish Steps (aka the Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti)

After checking into the hotel, we jumped straight into our Roman adventure. We met our local guide at the Spanish Steps – except that’s not their real name. If you ask a Roman for “the Spanish Steps,” they’ll look at you blankly. The real name is Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti, named after the church at the top. The nickname “Spanish Steps” came from the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See, which sits in the square below.

We started at the top and made our way down, stopping for photos (of course). The view, the energy, the architecture – it was the perfect introduction to Rome.

The Pantheon: Smaller Than Expected, More Impressive Than Imagined

From there, we walked to the Pantheon, one of the best‑preserved ancient Roman buildings in the world. Originally built as a temple to all gods, it’s famous for its massive dome and the oculus – the open “eye” at the top that lets in sunlight and rain. Inside, it felt smaller than I expected, but somehow even more impressive. The engineering alone is mind‑blowing.

Having a guide helped us skip the longer lines, which I will forever appreciate.

Trevi Fountain, Gelato #1, and Piazza Navona

We continued through the city, learning something new at every turn. One thing became clear: if you see something beautiful, dramatic, or over‑the‑top, there’s a good chance Bernini had something to do with it.

We visited the Trevi Fountain (crowded, of course) and stopped for our first gelato of the trip. Everyone loved it. Then we ended at Piazza Navona, a long oval square built on the site of an ancient Roman stadium. Today it’s filled with fountains, artists, restaurants, and street performers – but you can still feel the shape of the old racetrack beneath it.

A few of us grabbed an outdoor table for drinks and bruschetta. The perfect Roman afternoon.

Dinner Near the Hotel

We headed back to the hotel for a free evening. The hotel restaurant wasn’t open for the season (off‑season travel problems), so we wandered to a small place nearby. We were exhausted and starving, so the quiet dinner felt almost sacred. And the food? Delicious. I don’t think bad Italian food exists in Italy.

Vatican City: Early Morning, Easter Weekend, and Michelangelo’s Petty Revenge

The next morning started early with our Vatican City tour – the best decision. Crowds were already forming, and it was Easter weekend, so things were extra busy.

Our guide from the day before met us again (yay!), and she walked us through the entrance process, which can be overwhelming.

The Sistine Chapel Backstory: Michelangelo vs. Biagio da Cesena

Before entering the Sistine Chapel, she showed us boards with photos and explained the artwork since guides can’t speak inside. One story stuck with me:

Biagio da Cesena, the Pope’s Master of Ceremonies, complained that the nudity in Michelangelo’s The Last Judgment was disgraceful. Michelangelo responded by painting him into Hell as Minos, complete with donkey ears and a snake biting his genitals.

Peak petty.

The Fig Leaf Campaign

We also learned about the Fig Leaf Campaign, when church officials ordered nude statues to be “modestly” covered. Since the statues were marble, they had to remove the original parts to attach the leaves. And because marble is valuable, they didn’t throw anything away.

Which means somewhere, at some point, there was probably a pile of marble genitals. Incredible.

Inside the Sistine Chapel

Walking into the Sistine Chapel felt surreal. It’s smaller than you imagine, but the atmosphere is powerful. I sat along the wall, looked up at Michelangelo’s ceiling, and just took it in.

St. Peter’s Basilica

From there, we entered St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world and the heart of Catholicism. Construction began in the 1500s, and artists like Michelangelo and Bernini shaped its design. They were setting up for Easter services, so the energy was electric.

We exited behind the area where the Pope stands during events – a unique perspective I didn’t expect.

Afterward, while others perused a gift shop I grabbed gelato (again) and sat outside enjoying the sunshine.

Olive Oil, Rooftop Spritzes, and the Hottest 74 Degrees of My Life

Back at the hotel, I realized I was starving, so I wandered into the fancy restaurant next door. It was definitely a little too upscale for my blood – the kind of place where the waiters glide instead of walk – but the minestrone soup was delicious, and they seated me right by the window. I got to enjoy the view of the street while I ate, which made the whole thing feel a little less intimidating and a lot more charming.

After lunch, I set out on a mission: authentic Roman olive oil. I had researched this ahead of time and found a small shop not terribly far from the hotel that sold products from their farm outside the city. It felt like the most authentically Italian thing I could do in the middle of Rome. I found exactly what I wanted – beautiful bottles of olive oil for myself and for the people who watched my dog while I was gone.

I haven’t used mine yet. It sits on my kitchen counter like a little trophy. Every time I look at it, I giggle to myself because… I have authentic olive oil that I bought in Italy. Who am I?

By the time I got back to the hotel, I was melting. Rome heat hits different – 74 degrees in Texas is a pleasant day, but 74 degrees in Rome feels like you’re being slow‑roasted. I took some time to rest, cool off, and get ready for our farewell dinner.

Before dinner, I went up to the rooftop and treated myself to a limoncello spritz. The breeze, the view, the golden light – it was one of those small but perfect travel moments. Dinner that night was at a lovely local restaurant, complete with flowing wine and live music. It was the perfect ending to a fabulous adventure with the group.

Two Extra Nights in Rome: The Best Decision

Everyone else headed home the next morning… but not me. I was staying two extra nights in Rome, and honestly, it still makes me laugh how it all worked out. When I was booking this trip, I realized it was literally cheaper for me to stay two more nights than to fly home with the rest of the group. I use airline points for my flights, and every single option for the original date was either unavailable or required a ridiculous amount of points. I even checked cash fares, and those were just as bad.

But two days later? There was a very low‑point business class seat available. Done. Easy. Decision made.

And then – plot twist – about a month before my trip, I got an email saying my flight had been changed. My first reaction was panic, but it turned out to be the best possible scenario: they moved me to the direct Rome → DFW flight… and kept me in business class. The exact flight I originally wanted.

Since I was staying longer, I used credit card points to book a new hotel. And because points are for spending, I went for a five‑star hotel right next to the Trevi Fountain. This was intentional. I had one very specific goal: I wanted a photo at the Trevi Fountain in the middle of the night with no crowds. But I also knew I wasn’t about to walk several blocks alone at 3 a.m. in a city I didn’t know. Staying just a few yards away meant I could slip outside safely, get my photos, and be back inside in minutes.

Plus, after a whirlwind week of travel, I wanted everything I needed – food, shops, atmosphere – right outside my door. Tourist area or not, busy areas are often safer for solo female travelers, and this location checked every box.

Slow Strolling Rome

After checking into my hotel near the Trevi Fountain, I set out with absolutely no plan – which honestly felt like the perfect plan. My goal for the day was simple: slow stroll Rome, take it all in, and just see what I came across. I ended up finding a restaurant with amazing food and a great view. To add to the authenticity, there was an older local man eating there, and behind the bar the staff had food set aside for themselves. It felt like the kind of place Romans actually go, not just tourists.

After a leisurely Italian lunch, I wandered through the streets of Monti. Because it was Easter Sunday, a lot of places were closed, but the beauty of Rome is Rome itself – the streets, the buildings, the colors, the textures. I found another gelato shop (of course I got more gelato) and then stumbled into a vintage store that seemed to go deeper and deeper the more I walked. Every time I thought I’d reached the back, another room appeared.

Without meaning to or realizing it, I eventually ended up at the Colosseum. I wasn’t planning to visit until the next day, but since I was already there, I went ahead and found the “secret terrace” everyone talks about on social media. It really does give you a great angle for photos.

At some point I decided that anytime I saw a gelato shop, I was stopping. When in Rome, right? I fully committed to the bit.

The City of Water

When I made my way back to the hotel, my room was finally ready. The hotel sits on top of an underground archaeological site called Vicus Caprarius – the City of Water, a complex of ancient Roman houses and cisterns discovered during construction. Admission was included with my stay, so of course I went down to explore. It was genuinely fascinating – and since it’s underground, it was also a great place to cool off. If you ever need a break from the Roman heat, this is a solid option.

Afterward, I checked out the rooftop terrace. From one end, you can actually see the Trevi Fountain. I took a shower and a nap (much needed), then went out in search of dinner.

Dinner, Rooftop Reading, and a 5 A.M. Trevi Moment

I found a cozy little alleyway restaurant known for their orange pasta. It sounds like it shouldn’t work, but it absolutely does. I sat outside, soaking in the moment – there’s just something about sitting at an outdoor table in Rome, acknowledging “I’m in ROME,” and letting it sink in. I finished with a lava cake that the menu warned would take ten minutes to make. When you’re sitting outside in Italy, the wait is a blessing. More time to savor everything.

After dinner, I grabbed my Kindle and went back up to the rooftop terrace. I could hear the people walking below and the constant rush of water from the Trevi Fountain. Eventually I got cold and headed back to my room.

I ended up staying awake pretty much all night – a combination of my nap, a good book, and my body deciding it was going to start adjusting time zones right then and there. Around 5 a.m., I finally decided to go down to the Trevi Fountain. This was the whole reason I booked this hotel, right? To be able to do this safely and easily. There were maybe 10–15 people there. A nice woman offered to take my photo, and you can absolutely tell I’d been up all night, but the moment was worth it. The streets were empty but well lit, and I was grateful my hotel doors were just a few yards away.

Colosseum Day

After breakfast and a nap, it was finally time for my Colosseum adventure.

The Ticket Fiasco

I had done my research and learned that Colosseum tickets are released 30 days ahead of time on the official website. They’re affordable but notoriously hard to grab. The website barely worked – I had to turn off Wi‑Fi, try on my phone, try on my laptop, refresh, switch ticket types, try again. By the time something finally loaded, I grabbed the first ticket that went through. Turns out it was arena floor only. So I had to buy a second ticket for levels 1 and 2.

All of this for one activity on one day. It confirmed my belief that group travel – where someone else handles the logistics – is absolutely worth it.

Roman Forum + Palatine Hill

Before my Colosseum entry time, I explored the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill for a few hours. This area is absolutely worth visiting. You could easily spend an entire day there. Bring snacks. I don’t know if they technically allow them, but you’ll need them. The temperature was 76 degrees, which doesn’t sound hot to a Texan, but Rome heat is different. Thankfully, the shade offers a lot of relief.

Eventually I got so hungry that I decided I was stopping at the first place that sold food. I’d read all the warnings about not eating near the Colosseum because it’s overpriced and not great, but when you’re desperate, you don’t care. The first place told me I needed a reservation (okay, next), but the second place sat me immediately. I ate outside in the shade, and it was wild how I actually needed to put my light sweater on. I had spaghetti and then a coffee, all with a view of the Colosseum.

Colosseum  Arena Floor

My arena floor entry time was 5:30 p.m., and I made it with plenty of time to spare. Walking out onto the arena floor – the reconstructed platform where gladiators once stood – was surreal. It wasn’t terribly crowded, which I appreciated. I wandered around, taking it all in, thinking about the history and everything that had happened there. I even took a screenshot of my location on Google Maps because it felt cool to see it that way.

Colosseum  Levels 1 & 2

After the arena floor, I had to exit the Colosseum and walk around to the other side for my 6 p.m. entrance to levels 1 and 2. This part was much more crowded, but there was more to see – museum‑style displays in the passageways and different angles of the interior. Honestly, if you only get one ticket, it’s not the end of the world. Both experiences are great.

I ended the night with pizza. Because I hadn’t had any yet, and it felt like the right way to close out my Roman adventure.

Reflections on London, Paris, and Rome

Looking back on this whole London–Paris–Rome stretch, it’s clear each city played a different role in the trip. They weren’t competing for “favorite” – they just offered completely different experiences, and together they made the trip feel full in a way I didn’t expect.

London was the warm‑up. It eased me into travel mode again – familiar enough to feel comfortable, different enough to shake me out of my routine. It reminded me that I actually enjoy navigating new places, even when I’m tired or jet‑lagged or figuring things out on the fly.

Paris was the shift. It slowed me down in a good way. The city forces you to pay attention – to the architecture, the food, the river, the tiny details that make Paris feel like Paris. It was beautiful, yes, but also grounding. And that travel day from Paris to Rome ended up being exactly the reset I didn’t know I needed.

Rome was the curveball – in the best way. It was louder, hotter, older, and more intense than the other two cities combined. It pushed me a little, surprised me a lot, and gave me some of my favorite moments of the entire trip. Group travel, solo wandering, gelato stops, ancient ruins, 5 a.m. Trevi Fountain photos… Rome was a lot, but in a way that sticks with you.

None of it was perfect, but that’s what made it memorable. I came home tired in the best way – the kind of tired that means you actually lived the days you were given. And more than anything, I came home with a clearer sense of what I want future trips to feel like: a mix of structure and spontaneity, group moments and solo ones, and enough flexibility to let the unexpected parts become the best parts.

It was a good trip. A really good one. And I already have my next adventure planned…

FAQ

What is the real name of the Spanish Steps? The Spanish Steps are officially called Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti, named after the church at the top.

Is the Pantheon worth visiting? Absolutely. It’s one of the best‑preserved ancient buildings in Rome and an engineering marvel.

How early should you visit Vatican City? As early as possible – especially during holidays. Morning tours have noticeably smaller crowds.

What is the Fig Leaf Campaign? A 16th‑century effort by church officials to cover nude statues with fig leaves for modesty.

How do you get Colosseum tickets? Tickets are released 30 days in advance on the official website, but the site is glitchy. Book early or go with a guided tour.

Is Rome safe for solo female travelers? Yes – especially in busy, central areas. Staying near major landmarks (like Trevi Fountain) is a great choice.

So many pictures! Click to view full size.