Italy Part 1 (Rome)

If you follow me on FB or Instagram, you would've noticed that Ty & I went on a 15 day European vacation.  We had free data/texting for part of the trip, so I uploaded a few pictures during our adventure.  Today, I uploaded all of our pictures from the trip, and we had a little bit more than 2,000 pictures between the 2 of us.  We were a little camera crazy :) 

To start off, Tyler's mom and Shawn invited us on a European cruise they were going on with Lisa's sister and husband, Ken & Cynthia, and their son Greg, and his wife, Jacqueline.  We were thrilled with the invitation, and arranged for the cruise to take place during Tyler's one week off.  After trying to get an extra week off, so just Tyler and I could explore Italy, on our own (since we'd already be all the way over there), Tyler was successful, and we booked our flights for a week before the cruise started.  We started in Rome, and eventually made our way to Venice, where the boat was taking out of.  We had such a blast, and Tyler did such a phenomenal job planning the trip.  I'm so grateful for all he did to make it so wonderful.  

In the airport, and then in the train station in Rome (we met up with L&S for about 30 min before we all went our own ways :)

As soon as we got to Rome (we got in around noon), we hit the ground running, and tried to see as much as possible, and tried to stay awake as long as possible :)

First stop: The Colosseum 

Next: The Roman Forum...this was one of my favorite places that we visited in Rome.  It was right across the street from the Colosseum, and it was so much less crowded, and there was so much space to just walk around, and plenty of spots that had great views. 

Taking public transportation around (all apart of our Roma Pass)

Next on the list: Spanish Steps (we walked around, got dinner, and ate on the steps)

Last Stop for the Night: We did part of the Rome walking trail, starting with the Trevi Fountain, which was completely empty, and under construction.

Day 2: Started with the Vatican (we reserved our tickets beforehand, thankfully!)

Hiking up to the top of the dome (about 550 steps!)

About halfway up

Made it to the top!

St. Peter's Chapel

The guards

Sent ourselves a postcard

After the Vatican, we walked across the street to our hotel, and took a quick nap (feeling the jet lag), and then finished the Rome walk we started the night before. 

First stop for the night: Piazza del Popolo (another dried up fountain)

After leaving Popolo, we saw a Gap, so, naturally, I had to take a picture, and buy an "Italy" Gap shirt!

Second Stop: The Pantheon (we stopped by the night before, but it was closed)

Next up: Piazza Navona & Four Rivers

 Made our way back to our hotel, and stopped at Castel Sant'Angelo, walked through Vatican City once more, and got gelato.