Rome

Wednesday 27th May 2026

Italian Adventure Day 1

Whilst it only took us 30 minutes to step off the plane, go through security, collect of bags and pass through customs it did take an hour to find our pre-booked taxi. However, it gave us plenty of time to take in the busy sights and sounds, reminding us we were very much in Italy. The day is very hot and the sun certainly has a sting to it.

We are staying in a central location and our room has a lovely (little) balcony overlooking Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore and the Basilica by the same name. It is the largest Catholic Marian Church in Rome. After checking in and taking a much-needed shower, we decided to do what all good Italians do and take a siesta and escape the heat of the afternoon. We emerged at 6pm and wandered around the Piazza where they were setting up for an outdoor mass. The streets were alive with lots of outdoor dining and eventually we found a restaurant to relax and sip on a glass of prosecco and a beer while we checked out the menu. Bruschetta, scaloppine, insalata and a mushroom risotto paired with a shiraz hit the spot.

We returned to our room and relaxed in the cool of the evening and watched the outdoor mass conducted by candlelight.