I cannot believe how much we crammed into one day! Rome is absolutely amazing and my mind is currently in a daze as I try to soak in everything I saw today.
Breakfast
From the moment we awoke, it was a go-go-go kind of day. After a 6 a.m. wake up call, we met our tour group for breakfast at the hotel.
Breakfast was served buffet-style, so I grabbed a cup of yogurt and topped it with granola and Nutella.
On the side I also enjoyed a cup of coffee with cream and a baked apple. I was a little skeptical about the apple, but it tasted like apple pie filling, only slightly less sweet. Yum!
Vatican City
Up first on our agenda for the day was Vatican City.
After going through security and giggling with my mom and sister about a guard who looked like Batman (it got awkward because every time we looked back, he totally saw us looking at him), our bags passed the check and we were ready to go!
To try (unsuccessfully?) to avoid looking like tourists, my mom, sister and I kept our headsets in our cross-body bags (seriously love these things for easy travel!) and our earpiece in our ear.
I guess my dad didn’t get the memo. 
The Vatican City is massive. From the museums and the Sistine Chapel to St. Peter’s Square and the Basilica, there was so much to see.
Above picture: The outside of the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Below picture: The inside of the dome.
I think I was most impressed by the ceilings in the Vatican… not just the Sistine Chapel (which was breathtaking), but the ceilings in nearly every room of the museum and the Basilica (all mosaic!) were unreal.
I really hope that the lady that totally photo-bombed this picture of me and my sister is one of your grandmothers because she is awesome.
Oh and I also saw a statue of Sadie!
Scrawny as can be and begging for people food? Sounds about right! 
Colosseum
After our tour of Vatican City concluded, we hopped on a bus to the Colosseum.
We were a bit nervous that we wouldn’t be able to see the inside Colosseum because apparently a bunch of union workers were on strike. As we walked up to the structure, there was even a protest march occurring in the street!
Fortunately the inside of the Colosseum closed at 1:30 p.m., so we had a good 45 minutes inside before we had to leave.
I was enthralled with the Colosseum and its rich history. It was so fascinating to learn about the time of the gladiators (I have to see that movie now!) and I can’t even imagine being a spectator at that time and watching men and wild animals fight to the death. It sent chills up my spine to think about it!
We even saw one of the wild panthers that dominated the fights…
Okay, maybe not, but that cat was adorable and walked all over the Colosseum grounds like it owned the place.
Lunch
After walking around the Colosseum and marveling at the Roman Forum, we took a quick lunch break for some pizza and gelato.
I ordered a zucchini and cheese pizza followed by a cone of tiramisu and crème caramel gelato.
Both were delicious and served as the perfect fuel to get me through an afternoon of sightseeing!
The Spanish Steps
After lunch, the first stop on our list was the Spanish Steps.
They were bustling with people!
Above picture: View from the bottom.
Below picture: View from the middle of the steps.
We arrived at the Spanish Steps at the top and when we walked to the bottom of the steps, we were immediately hit with the smell of roasting chestnuts.
Before I knew it, my parents purchased some for all of us to share.
They were fantastic!
Trevi Fountain
One of my favorite stops on our super-tour of Rome was the Trevi Fountain.
The water was crystal clear and the sculptures in the fountain were ornate and so beautiful. Though the fountain was absolutely jammed, we made our way to the water’s edge to toss in two coins as all tourists do… one to ensure a returned trip to Rome and another to make a wish.
Pantheon
After a short walk, our group found ourselves in front of the Pantheon.
I’ve obviously read all about the Pantheon’s amazing architecture, but seeing it in person really allowed me to fully understand just how magnificent it is that this structure that was created in 27 B.C. is still in such wonderful condition. It’s incredible that such a massive and incredibly complicated structure was built so long ago.
Piazza Navona
Our final stop of the day took us to Piazza Navona, the same square we briefly visited yesterday.
We enjoyed exploring again today and my sister and I loved looking at all of the artwork.
Another thing we love about Italy is the way the Italians decorate their windowsills and balconies.
There are plants and flowers on nearly every one!
To be totally honest, one of the things I am enjoying most about this trip aside from visiting all of the “must see” sights and enjoying the delicious food is simply observing the culture. It’s so interesting to me to see how different people interact, how they dress and how they carry themselves. I love it!
And now it’s time for bed! I don’t have the energy to recap tonight’s four-course dinner, but hopefully I’ll be able to pop in to recap our day and special dinner in Florence tomorrow night!
We have a 6 a.m. wake up call again and my pillow is calling my name.
P.S. My dad has a special request for you Paris lovers out there. He’s on a mission to find a must-try local, delicious and “not too expensive” restaurant in Paris that is close to the Pullman Paris Bercy Hotel (1, Rue De Libourne, Paris, 12 F- 75012). He will love you forever if you have any suggestions!
P.P.S. The Fashion page was updated!
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How fun!!! I loved seeing all of these pictures!
The statue of Sadie is the best!
I went to the spanish steps at night and there were barely any people there and the beautiful lights lit up the steps and the fountain in front of the steps. It was gorgeous!
All of these pictures are just simply BREATHTAKING, Julie. No wonder you’re exhausted! That’s a lot of beauty to take in all in one day! 😉
Wow! I’m so excited for your trip knowing I’ll be tons of posts similar to this one =D You look like you’re having a blast! I’m jealous ha!
Hi Julie! Long time reader but my first time commenting. I am in Rome today too and just came from the Spanish Steps! My boyfriend proposed to me this morning and surprised me with a wkend in Rome to celebrate! One of the first things I said after I calmed down was that pbfingers was in Rome! Hope you really enjoy the rest if your trip, you have to bring Ryan here- so romantic!
oh my gosh!!! sarah, that is amazing! congratulations to you!!!
You need to travel more! I love these posts!
One year ago on Monday I was flying to Italy where I would live in Rome for 5ish weeks. I am SO jealous of you right now. I miss Italy to death! You’re going to fall in love with Florence. Aren’t those cross body bags the best ever?
All those pictures around Rome are gorgeous! Glad you’re having fun!
this photos are amazing!! I was jus there 2 years ago!… baked apple sounds amazing! i can only imagine how much those natural sweet flavors come out!
If you can, try to go back to the Trevi Fountain at night. It’s BEAUTIFUL with all of the lights
Am loving the travel posts!!! Everything is so amazing!!!
Maybe try yelp for the restaurant suggestions. Do they use yelp in Paris???
GIRL! these pictures are GORGEOUS! loving the recaps! glad you’re having such a wonderful time!!! italian culture is the greatest right?!
I love this post! I’m going to Europe for my graduation present with my best friend and I’m definitely going to take notes on what to do/what to see from your posts 🙂 have a blast!!
I love steak and frites at Le Relais de l’Entrecote (website here: http://www.relaisentrecote.fr/). They have a few of them around town, so there might be one close to your hotel. They ONLY serve steak and frites and it’s totally worth it!
Also, before I forget, if you have time in Paris, head to the famous bakery of Laduree. They make the most excellent macaroons in so many flavors. Since your sweet tooth is just as massive as mine, I think you’ll love it!
You are some kind of dedicated to give such detailed posts while on vacation. Thanks for sharing with the rest of us.
Nice! I remember seeing the Fountain at night, and everything!
I’m trying to remember about Paris…I ate in a little bistro place that was amazingly fantastic, but I don’t remember the name! I’ll have to ask others if they remember! ALSO there is a fabulous gelato place by Notre Dame!!! They turn the gelato into flowers if you get two flavors! 😀
I must go to Italy!! My friend and I have plans to go and I cannot wait. Looks amazing!
My husband and I JUST came back from Rome not even 2 weeks ago. i just relieved all the amazingness through your pictures. Enjoy every second!
I’m having so much fun reading about all your Rome adventures – it makes me want to go back! I forgot how Nutella is everywhere there… one more thing that’s amazing about Europe 🙂
I feel like I’m getting to re-live my own vacation to Rome a few years ago! I probably have pictures in the same places you do now 🙂 have fun! Loving the update!!!
So excited that you’re getting to see all of these places! I hope you tossed a coin in the fountain, too…then you’ll definitely be coming back!
I love the breakfast buffets in Italy, they’re so amazing!
I can’t get over your awesome trip! I went to the exact places a month ago and it’s so funny to see you there! 🙂 Enjoy!!!
Leon de Bruxelles is definitely not too expensive – it is a Belgian-themed chain within Paris that deals almost exclusively with mussels and frites. The service usually stinks and it’s full of tourists, but MAN are the mussels delicious! My faves are the moules escargot and the moules provencal. And oh yeah…the fries are BOTTOMLESS! 🙂 They will probably have a branch near you :http://www.leon-de-bruxelles.fr/
Looks like you’re having an amazing time!! I think I have a place for your dad- Le Temps au Temps in the 11e. I just Googled it to make sure it’s still around because I haven’t been there since 2006, but it’s awesome. Little authentic hole in the wall place with a well-priced and AMAZING prix-fixe, but it gets packed so you might want to try going on off hours/seeing if they take reservations!
that sounds awesome!
So beautiful and I’m so jealous! 😉 Keep enjoying your time!!!
My favorite part about when I went to Costa Rica was just observing the culture. It is amazing how different other countries are from America!
Your pictures are beautiful! Thanks for taking us on a tour of your day!
I think it is awesome that Sadie found her way to be with you! 🙂
Everything looks so gorgeous! I love the all of the artwork. And your right about the Pizza, I like how they focus more on the sauces than on globs of cheese.
In Paris, you must dine at Chez Charles Victor!
i’m totally loving the updates 🙂
i think this seals it…i wanna go to europe for my honeymoon!!!!!!
Awesome! It’s so fun following your trip, it must be amazing to be there!
Your pictures are taking me back to when I went to Italy in high school. Nearly every place you have been to (even the fountain from the other day’s post) I was at. BTW did you see a McDonald’s in Rome? I remember we all shouted we wanted to eat there (not my fav., but I’m a sucker for french fries). Did you know they charged us for ketchup?
Enjoy Florence. Can’t wait to see the pictures.
Wow – you seriously got to so many place in one day! I am impressed! On our last day in Rome, we went back to see the Colloseum one last time, and the street was blocked off because the president of Italy was giving a tour to a bunch of other presidents, including Obama!
Oh Julie you are making me miss Roma!:) I stayed in Piazza Navona while there and will never forget it! Enjoy Paris! Wait till you see the Louis Vitton store by Arc de Triumph !
Your vacation looks so incredible! Thank you for sharing!!! I love experiencing Rome vicariously through you! 😀
That is my favorite thing about Japan too! It is just being able to interact with the locals and see all the different ways of life!
Looks like your day was a blast! My parents promised to take my little sister and I there when she finished high school… we will see if that goes down lol! Thanks for all the awesome pictures!!! 🙂
Gorgeous pictures, Julie! I’ve done a lot of traveling but still haven’t been to Rome…this makes me want to go oh-so-badly! Have a fabulous time with your family!
Nutella packets, I love it!
Dear Julie and “Mr Bob”…there are tonnes of restaurants as Libourne is a pedestrian mall-type area.
This page lists the restaurant with links to each restaurant by dbl-clicking their names.
Your hotel’s restaurant is €50+ per dinner entree … Expensive!
Personally I would ask someone at hotel “where they’d take their mom to eat” …that usually gets a good local place!
Bonne chance!
Janet
http://www.gralon.net/restaurants-france/gironde/restaurants-libourne-13260.htm
lol love the “mr. bob” comment! 🙂
I am loving your vacation posts! Glad your are enjoying your amazing vacation! Keep sharing!
LOVE the sunglasses… where are they from?
they’re michael kors from steinmart
I can see the Piazza Navona restaurant where my family had our last night dinner on our amazing trip last year! Ah, memories!
Glad you’re having a good time. There is nothing like traveling abroad — what an education!
It looks like you’re having such a nice time with your family, Julie. Can’t wait to keep reading up on your travels. 🙂
This trip looks SO amazing! Thanks for still taking the time to blog – I loveee hearing all about your travels!
Those pictures look gorgeous Julie!
& yes, you MUST see the movie Gladiator…. it’s such a great movie!
Amazing photos! I love the bit about soaking in the culture- so true!
Ahhh, I wanna go to Europe so bad! At least I can enjoy it through you for right now 🙂
i would love to see the colisseum, so cool! love seeing all your pics.
Great Photos! Enjoy every moment!
Looks like you’re having a blast there Julie! 🙂 Enjoy!!