Rome in a Day: the Colosseum & a Scenic Tour of the Roman Forum

The last few hours of our time in Rome were spent taking a scenic bus ride through the city, making stops at the Colosseum and parts of the Roman Forum area. Some of the photos were taken through the window of the bus, so forgive the smudginess. I have to say, though, that the Colosseum did not disappoint. It was so much bigger in person than I'd imagined it in my head. We didn't get to go inside, but seeing from the exterior was fun enough for me. 

After spending all day exploring Rome, we hopped a train and made the 2 hour journey back to our villa in Carmignano. It was after 8pm, but we were starving. Finding Ristorante La Frugola was a complete god-send. So thankful that Italians eat dinner late! We stuffed our faces with pasta carbonara, sausage pizzas, and calzones as big as your head. And a wine...of course there was wine. To end the evening, our waitress, who was as sweet as pie for tolerating our giant group of non-Italian speaking Americans, sent us over a bottle of Limoncello...for free! Happiness was passed all around. :)

Well, folks...there you have it. Rome in a day! I know we only scratched the surface of all there is to see and do in Rome, so I'm happily counting down the days until we go back. Up next on my family vacation recap...a day soaking up the Tuscan sun. Otherwise known as our "down day," and it was much, much needed!