Rome, Pompei, Positano and Florence Italy tour

It was only 2 years ago before covit that I said in my last Rome post that Rome is best to bring your partner here as it feels like a romantic place to be. That was exactly what I did in Jun. I brought my partner back for a 8 day free and easy, own time own target vacation. It was like a second honeymoon.

The past decade had really been all about children and work, not much went into our relationship. I feel that it is equally important to set aside time for just couple time without the children. Relationship is like flowers where it constantly needs nurturing. After countries started opening up from covit, it was a great opportunity to do just that. That is to go a on a vacation with my partner and live our lives.

Day 1 – the journey

We could not get premium economy on Singapore Airlines as it was too overbooked due to the opening up so we took Finnair Air instead. I had never tried Finnair so i was eagerly looking forward with anticipation on the experience. So far not every airlines offers premium economy yet. The seats were pretty wide and comfortable allowing more recline than normal economy seats. The experience turned out to be pretty pleasant.

The headset is great too as it has noise cancellation functions so you can have a good rest if you are a light sleeper like me.

The amenities kit consists of eye mask, toothbrush and toothpaste and possibly some aromatherapy spray.

The screen is perhaps twice bigger than economy with a big pocket to keep your stuffs and a smaller one for your mobile devices.

For the meals, i chose honey beef short ribs with red wine to go with it and my wife butter chicken. The honey beef short ribs were surprising very tender and tasty which was better than I expected.

Day 2 – arrive in Rome

The first day when we arrived in Rome wasn’t too eventful. We took the airport express bus from the Fiumicino International Airport to the Termini station in Rome. Journey was only about 30-40 minutes depending on the traffic.

There were plenty of choices for the hotels but we planned to make day trips to other Italy cities so we preferred one that was relatively near to the Termini station. We chose the Hives Hotel which was only about a 10 mins walk from the station. Other than the location, there is nothing to shout about. It is not one of those charming Iittle Italian hotel that I was hoping for. It looked so different from the pictures as the hotel facade looks more like a commercial office that was converted into a hotel with no character whatsoever. Well, at least the room was clean and spacious.

As we just arrived from a long distance flight, we wanted a quick brunch. We searched around and found a small little Italian cafe to have some pizzas. Well, decent pizzas which i think that’s what Italian does for quick lunch.

Soon after the brunch, we just made some quick walk to the Pantheon and Trevi fountain for a short preview. More on the sights in next few days. Along the way, we had to have the famous Italian Gelato ice cream and it was heavenly!

Day 3 – factory outlet

Though this was already the 3rd day of our travel, it was only the second day in rome. We decided to go to the factory outlet Castel Romano Designer Outlet as my wife found out that it was a black Sunday sale so she was expecting some really good deals and extra discounts. It may sound like an unusual way to start my Rome trip but never come between the wife and her shopping if you want a happy marriage. That’s the beauty about a free and easy trip. You can make changes in whichever way and whenever you feel like it. The outlet is just outside of Rome and takes about 40 mins by bus.

This is how the bus looks like. It is a black colour bus with the name of the outlet on its side. You can board the bus right at the end (or the start rather) of the termini station. Cost only about 8-9 euros for two way and there is schedule return like 2pm or 4pm.

The American style outlet is pretty big and has most of the famous major American brands as well the Italian luxury brands. I was planning to reserve my energy for the Vatican City or the Roman Forum but totally did not expect this. This was equally draining and backbreaking. Naturally i took plenty of rest stops.

Alone the way back to our hotel, can’t help but stopped to admire the buildings. Loves the facade of this building and I often wonder how the inside looked especially the penthouse.

While searching for restaurants for dinner, found this restaurant L’Angolo di Napoli with pretty good reviews. For starters, we ordered the Mussels and some fried fish. Steak and seam brim for the mains. Dessert Tiramisu. The steak was the best as it was tender and flavourful. Couldn’t be sure what cut of the beef that was as communication was extremely limited as waiter spoke almost no english.

Day 4 – the Colosseum

Day 4 was reserved just for the Colosseum and the Roman Forum tour. We booked for a day tour with like a 3 hours of guided tour. It will be more meaningful to have someone to explain what you are seeing so you can relate better.

The Roman Forum is also a must see as it was where the power sits during the might of the Roman Empire. Strolling along the forum, you are essentially walking the same path Julius Caesar, Mark Anthony or Hadrian once walked some 2000 years ago.

Day 5 – Vatican City

The next day was spent visiting the Vatican city. We also bought the advanced ticket with a guide from getyourguide. The start wasn’t great as we had to stand for quite a long time waiting (could be 45 mins or more) as some tourists were late. This was made worst by the location of the meeting place which was their office/shop front. There was no seating and we were under the scorching sun with zero shade in the morning Sun (yes summer sun in Rome). Less issue for the young but i saw the older folks struggling. This is something poorly thought of in which they can easily improve by perhaps having waiting area elsewhere, example across the street. Well, perhaps business is so good and easy that they don’t need to care.

The ‘School of Athens’ is a masterpiece by Raphael and it covers almost an entire wall. I first saw this almost 25 years ago as a student and it still stays in my mind. Why I love this piece is because you can relate to some of the characters in the paintings. In the middle of the paintings are Plato (older man with beard) and his student Aristotle to his left. Aristotle in turn is the teacher of ‘Alexander the Great’. Then there is also socrates to the right of Plato in a dirty green robe and Pythagaros who is the one in the foreground writing something. Well, i believed most would have come across Pythagaros Theorem in school and this is the man to thank for.

All of them are famous greek historical figures and academics who made contributions in mathematics, philosophy, medicines, etc. Raphael had also sneaked in a portrait of himself in the painting too. He is at the bottom right corner of the pantings looking straight at you.

I love Italian food and there is no shortage of it here. Below is another restaurant we just stumbled upon.

Day 6 – Spanish steps, Trevi fountain, Castel Saint Angelo

This was the day for the really touristy stuffs which is the sigh seeing. Not much real historical significance but great instagrammable pictures. Not much to talk about so will let the pictures do the talking.

Day 6 – Florence

We took a day trip to Florence on their high speed rail. Buying the ticket could be a bit challenging due to the language but we still managed to get the tickets. It took us only about 1 hour 30 mins. That easily allow a short day trip to Florence and back.

Other than the picturesque Ponte Vecchio bridge, Florence is also home to the famous Uffizi gallery which home to many of the art masterpieces. There is no way I can do justice to the numerous art pieces in the gallery so these are just a small glimpse. The one I saw almost 25 years ago was the iconic “Birth of Venus” by Boticello. Also not forgetting the very famous stature of David by Michangelo which is housed in Accademia Gallery. I had seen the stature 25 years ago but we decided to skip it this time as the Uffizi musuem alone nearly killed us. We spent at least 4 hours including many breaks as well as a lunch break in between. I think to fully appreciate Florence and the museums, you will need 2 days. What a difference 25 years made!

Another Italian restaurant in the square facing the church directly.

Day 7 – Positano and Pompeii

We also made another day trip to Positano and Pompeii. I was really looking forward to this day as I have never been to either. Originally we wanted to make our own way on train but after doing some research, it is not as convenient like Florence on your own. In addition, we only had a day so we book another day tour for this. We were happy with our decision on the day tour as we had both the guide who by the way is excellent and the comfort of our exclusive coach. Rome is an excellent city to base yourself and then venture out on day trips to nearby cities or towns.

Positano is just a delightful little seaside town with specular scenery. I would love to stay among the sea facing hotels or apartment that is perched on the cliff. Well, perhaps next time I will make sure I cater a few days for this region and travel down further to the Almafi coast too.

You have to know Mount Vesusvius as it is intricately linked to the fate city of Pompeii. Mount Vesusvius erupted in AD79 on the prosperous Roman city of Pompeii. The volcanic ashes and mud covered the entire city and extended several miles far out to the sea.

A Roman rescue mission that was sent to Pompeii in the aftermath could not locate the old city and reported back that everything was wiped out. What they did not know then was that the city was buried under at least 19 feet of ash and mud, and the land was extended by several miles into the sea,. The pyroclastic flow just froze everything in time along its path including humans and animals.

The structure right on top of the mountain is the Monte Cassino. This is the sad story to the very ancient monastery built in AD529 that was destroyed by the allied forces as the Germans were holding out there. It was subsequently rebuilt after WW2.

It was a memorable trip and one which I really enjoyed though this is the 3rd time in Rome. There are just so many things to see and it is a great place for someone who likes history or art. It will take months to visit all the places of interest as there are simply just too many as it was the birthplace of one of the greatest empire and civilisation ever seen. The Roman empire has such an impact on our daily lives right to this day. From engineering, art, politics to science, their contributions cannot be underestimated.