3 Days in Rome

3 Days in Rome is not a lot of time to see this magnificent city. But as our gateway into Italy, it is a perfect choice to begin our vacation! As Rome has two international airports, there are a lot of flight options. And that also means good prices. Although there are direct flights from the USA into Rome, we often take a connecting flight. Usually thru Germany, France or England. Especially happy to fly the Lufthansa flight via Munich. Because they serve Bavarian breakfast with a Weissbier!

This part of our trip includes not only my husband Joe, and our teenagers Katie and Brandon (who have food allergies), my legally blind cousin Kathy, and my Mom, Ellie. So, as you will see, anyone with food allergies, a disability or older travelers, Italy is a perfect choice!

***Updated February 17, 2023.

3 Days in Rome – Arriving

On arriving at Leonardo da Vinci airport (FCO), we look for our car service person. Actually, this is well worth the money. Especially if you are a family or small group. In fact, splitting the cost, can make car service about the same price as the Leonardo Express train (14 euro per person just to Termini Station). On this trip, Joe and Katie arrive on the Lufthansa flight from Munich. Since Brandon and I were spending time in Tuscany with family, we take the train to Rome. So, our plan is to meet up at our Rome apartment. Beyond excited to all be together in one of our favorite cities!

3 Days in Rome, Day 1: Ghost of Caesar

Because we have only 3 Days in Rome, Day 1 needs to begin on arrival. After many trips, our favorite area to stay is Campo de’ Fiori. Centrally located, the familiar sounds and delicious smells entice us into Rome’s ancient city center. Quickly, memories of past travels come to mind as we stroll thru the famous market, Churches of Saints Barbara and Andrea, to Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary. Always interesting, Rome’s cat sanctuary allows the cats to roam freely among the ruins… perhaps some say, along with the ghost of Caesar?

Surprisingly, this is the historic site where Julius Caesar was assassinated! Definitely, spend a few minutes petting the elderly, blind or disabled cats. Especially needed, we leave a donation to support the 130 cats living here.

Now that our walk has refreshed us, stop for dinner at another #foodallergy favorite: Alice pizza. Found all over Rome, Alice pizza is delicious!

Day 2: Rome’s Treasures – Pantheon and Trevi Fountain

Morning arrives, my son Brandon and I walk over to meet family for breakfast at the Hotel Smeraldo while Joe and Katie sleep in. One of our top recommendations, the Smeraldo has lovely rooms, fun rooftop terrace bar and a delicious breakfast. Surprisingly, my Mom and cousin Kathy, both world travelers, have never been to Rome.

After a delicious and food allergy friendly (at least for us) breakfast of cappuccino, fresh fruit, yoghurt and Cornetti (Italian pastry) we head out.

Due to my cousin being legally blind and my Mom almost 80, we taxi first to the Pantheon and then the Trevi Fountain. As it is early, there are few people, and it is not too hot. While throwing their coins in the famous fountain, the ladies are giggling like 15-year old’s!

“We definitely want to come back to Rome!” they say. These two women are having a wonderful time.

Colosseum, Ancient Forum, Victor Emmanuel II

Because the ladies want to see the Colosseum and Ancient Forum, we pedicab them around. As much as we suggest a tour, they are wowed just by the outside of the Colosseum! While deciding best ways of site-seeing for older people and those with disabilities, pedicabs are wonderful! Because they are bicycles, they can get very close to attractions. And ours has a canopy – helpful to keep us cool. Because we have arranged a pedicab tour, our last stop is the nearby Victor Emmanuel II Monument. Clearly large, it pays homage to the King who unified Italy. While locals call it “the typewriter or wedding cake,” this white marble structure is a great place to take photos. And photographer Katie meets up with us to do just that! Also, it has a great view of the Ancient Forum ruins. For more detailed insider tips, see our post on Rome.

While the ladies taxi back, Katie, Brandon and I wander thru the cobbled streets of Rome, enjoying every second…and maybe a Grande Gelato! 🙂

Note: Italy’s famous Grom Gelateria was a good choice for our food allergies. They looked at our translation cards from Select Wisely and promptly changed their gloves and used a fresh scoop (we could eat their Vanilla). Always double-check and make safe decisions for your situation.

Galleria Borghese, Best Museum in Rome

This afternoon everyone is excited to tour the Galleria Borghese. If you want to see one of the world’s best art museums, the Borghese is it! It took us years and many trips to Rome to finally visit the Borghese. And now, this is my favorite museum in Rome! While the Vatican Museums are more well-known (and also a must-see), the Borghese allows only 360 people per 2-hour time slot. Therefore, it is very easy to get close to all the Bernini sculptures, Michelangelo, Caravaggio and Raphael masterpieces. Along with the gorgeous architecture of this former Cardinal’s villa, the Borghese is magnificent! Due to limited tickets, you need to make a reservation as soon as you know your Rome dates.

Art so beautiful, Napoleon “requisitioned” 700 pieces from the Borghese to establish his collection of Roman art, later becoming the Louvre in Paris.

Cocktails and Games on the Terrace

Our Borghese finishes and our Friday evening Vatican Museum reservation isn’t until 7 pm. So, this allows us to get a cocktail at the Hotel Smeraldo’s rooftop terrace bar. Besides hanging out with a few locals, we chat with other tourists. Also, it feels good to take a rest from the heat. The kids bring games of Uno and Chips, which has everyone laughing! These are the unplanned moments that stick in your memory, long after the vacation ends. Months from now, when you think about your Rome trip, these memories will be the first to bring a smile…why is it that these spontaneous times become the truly cherished? Another sip of bubbly, cool prosecco before heading back to our apartment to prepare some dinner.

Food Allergy details: Italian wine that is labeled “DOC” or “DOCG” has strict processing. For our food allergies, we drink these safely. Be careful of cafes/bars as many times they have free snacks out that can include peanuts, almonds, chips or other snacks.

Secrets and Dinner with a View

Because we are in Campo de’ Fiori, can easily pickup delicious #foodallergyfriendly homemade pasta, fruit, vegetables…almost anything. Therefore, it is easy to whip up a scrumptious meal to eat on our terrace, overlooking the beautiful Domes of Rome. This is the one secret I will not divulge: this apartment! As we have stayed here many times over the years, this is our Rome home. Sitting outside, glass of wine in hand, we witness 3,000 years of Rome. Even more characteristic as the sun begins its slow descent, Rome is especially magical at night. Above the sounds of laughter and music from the piazza below, the lights of Victor Emmanuel, Dome of the Church of Saint Andrea and a glimpse of St. Peter’s are breathtaking! Now, you see why 3 Days in Rome is not enough. And why a return trip is surely in your future (you did throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain?)! The church bells announce our departure as the vast Vatican museums await.

In Trouble at Vatican Museums/Sistine Chapel

The Vatican Museums deserve an entire article. As there are 1,400 rooms, 9 miles of precious art and antiquities in just the museum. And that doesn’t include seeing St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Gardens, Hidden Chapels, Bramante Staircase or nearby Castel Gandolfo. First of all, don’t panic. Initially, decide what you really want to see during your 3 days in Rome. Then, book a guided tour. Because Rome has a way of bringing you back… and now you know why we are addicted to Rome! Seriously, the Catholic Churches historic pieces and the stories behind them are fascinating. So, did I mention a great place for photos? Except not in the Sistine Chapel. Because you will get in trouble. As family and friends say, never boring when Cindi is around! Especially respectful of art and others culture, the ceiling is simply stunning…

Food Allergy Friendly Rome

Our last day in the Eternal City before flying to the stunning Italian island of Sardinia. Because our friend Luca has generously allowed us a late checkout, we walk thru picturesque Trastevere, stop by the Basilica of St. Peter’s, shop a bit and have a delicious lunch. A truly authentic pasta restaurant, LA Bottega Pasticio Con Cucina was SO food allergy friendly! And so scrumptious, our daughter ate 2 pasta dishes! #eatingoutwithfoodallergies This small homemade pasta shop has a few tables and take away. Always double-check with the chef concerning your specific food allergies.

Bottega Pasticio Con Cucina can be found at Via dei Banchi 48/49, Rome.

As we are flying to the Italian island of Sardinia, we pick up some allergy friendly snacks: fruit from the market and our favorite San Carlo potato chips. We only eat safe foods that we bring onboard. On leaving Rome, we again do not have much difficulty eating out with our food allergies – YEAH!

3 Days In Rome: Day 3, The Eternal City

Although we have been to Rome many times, we always see something new. In fact, Rome is a very walkable city. Turning down a side street is always exciting! There are small artisan shops, bars and cafes that are hundreds of years old. Actually, walking by a trattoria, we see Nonna’s hand-making this afternoon’s pasta (and therefore know exact ingredients!). Passing near Piazza di Spagna, is Fabriano – a lovely Italian paper and leather store. Fabriano’s papermill goes back to 1294 and it’s said that Michelangelo himself was a client. The meaning of The Eternal City is becoming clearer…

The Journey continues: see our Wild Sardinia Adventure!

Update: Starting in 2024, all US citizens (and citizens of many other countries as well), will have to complete an ETIAS visa waiver form prior to their trip to 30 European countries, including Italy. For specific details see: ETIAS Visa form & FAQ.