Wednesday Wanderlust ~ One Perfect Day in Rome!

 

I awaken in my suite at the boutique hotel, Margutta 54, after dreaming of Picasso, Stravinsky and Puccini creating their masterpieces in this very space in it's prior incarnation as a studio for aspiring artists and musicians.  My perfect day in Roma is about to begin.  After leaving my hotel room, I stroll the quiet and scenic street where my hotel is located – the Via Margutta, best known for the location in the movie Roman Holiday where Gregory Peck’s character lived, but currently home to many art galleries and boutiques. 

 

My first stop of the day is a few kilometers away, near the Pantheon – Caffe Sant’ Eustachio – for a cup of the finest cappuccino in the world and “un cornetto”, an delicious Italian breakfast pastry filled with cream.  After my breakfast, I head over to visit the Pantheon, the ancient domed monument which is mathematically perfect –  Michaelangelo is to have said it was “designed by angels”. I stop and enjoy the way the light streams in through the oculus. 

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Making my way over to the Campo di Fiore, I enjoy walking through the morning market stopping to see what flowers and produce are in season. This is also where I will meet up with my tour guide for a Walks of Italy “Rome FoodTour”. For the next few hours, I will learn everything I can about Roman food, including making my how to make my own pizza!

Apollo and Daphne by Bernini via Wikimedia

It is time for me to make my way towards the Villa Borghese for my scheduled afternoon entry to the Galleria Borghese. My favorite museum in Rome, I admire the amazing Bernini sculptures at every turn, including my top choice, Apollo and Daphne.  
 

Raphael Rooms at Vatican Museum via Fotopedia

After a little retail therapy along the Via Condotti, I hop in a taxi and head to the Vatican to meet a Context Travel tour guide for a private after hours tour of the Vatican, including the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums (my favorites there – the Raphael rooms and of course, Michaelangelo’s Pieta in St. Peter,s Cathedral.) 
 

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My tour ends just in time for me to make my late reservation at Matricianella, my favorite authentic Roman ristorante. I relax at a table outside with a quartino of the house wine and enjoy Carciofi alla Romana (fried artichokes) and Spaghetti Carbonara.  

Trevi Fountain via Fotopedia

Before heading back to Margutta 54, I make a quick trip to San Crispino to finish my perfect day with a gelato – half zabaglione and half nocciola (hazelnut) – and to toss my coin into the Fontana di Trevi to ensure my return to Roma! Buona Notte, mia cara amici!