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Writer's pictureRachel Velthuisen

Gelato, Gondolas, and Gladiators: Day 2

Updated: Oct 31

Day 2: Rome - Ancient Wonders and Hidden Treasures


After our whirlwind first day in Rome, we were ready to dive deeper into the city's ancient history. Day 2 promised a journey through time, from the mighty Colosseum to hidden underground waters. Buckle up for another action-packed day in the Eternal City!


Morning: Stepping Back in Time


Our day began with the main event: the Colosseum. As we approached this ancient amphitheater, even our teenagers (aged 11, 14, and 15) were impressed. The sheer size and age of the structure are hard to comprehend, even when you're standing right in front of it.


Pro Tip: Traveling with older kids or teens? Consider hiring a guide or getting an audio tour. The detailed history and stories of gladiatorial combat can really captivate this age group.





From the Colosseum, we made our way to Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum. Walking through these ancient ruins, it's amazing to think that this was once the bustling center of the Roman Empire. Our Roman history buff (aka Papa/Emile) was in heaven, while the kids were surprisingly engaged, asking insightful questions about daily life in ancient Rome.





Afternoon: Hidden Gems and Towering Monuments


After a classic Italian lunch and some much-needed downtime at our apartment (even teenagers need a break from sightseeing!), we set off to explore some lesser-known sights.


Our first stop was the Vicus Caprarius, an underground water source just around the corner from our apartment. While it was interesting and easy on the wallet, I'll admit it wasn't quite as impressive as I'd hoped. Still, it offered a cool respite from the afternoon heat and sparked some interesting discussions about Rome's source of water.





Next up was the Victor Emmanuel Monument, affectionately (or perhaps not so affectionately) known as "The Wedding Cake." This massive white marble structure is a stark contrast to the ancient ruins surrounding it. Love it or hate it, you can't deny its impressive scale. I personally loved it! From its steps, we could see Trajan's Market and even the Colosseum in the distance.





As the family rested their feet, I took a quick detour to the nearby Piazza del Campidoglio. Designed by none other than Michelangelo, this elegant square is a hidden gem often overlooked by tourists racing between the big-ticket sights.





Evening: Dinner, Fountains, and (of course) Gelato


We capped off our day with another amazing Italian dinner. I'm starting to worry that pasta withdrawal might be a real issue when we get home!


But the day wasn't over yet. No visit to Rome is complete without seeing the Trevi Fountain lit up at night (again!). Even our usually "cool" teenagers were impressed by the play of light on water, and we all took turns tossing coins over our shoulders. Legend has it that this ensures a return to Rome – though I think the promise of more gelato might be enough to bring us back!


Speaking of gelato, we couldn't resist one last scoop before bedtime. When in Rome, right?





Reflections on Day 2


As we headed back to our apartment, tired but fulfilled, we reflected on another day full of discovery. Rome has a unique way of blending the ancient and the modern, the touristy and the hidden. Every turn brings a new surprise, whether it's a 2000-year-old ruin or the perfect scoop of gelato. It was particularly rewarding to see how our kids, despite being at an age where they might easily get bored, were genuinely interested in the history and culture around them.


Stay tuned for our next Italian adventure. Will the Vatican Museums keep our teenagers engaged? Only time will tell!


Have you visited Rome with older kids or teenagers? What strategies did you use to keep them interested? Share your experiences in the comments below!

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