A wild five days drive from Rome to Genoa
And To Milan By Train
A wild five days drive from Rome to Genoa with the family.
My family and I are embarking on an exciting and adventurous journey: a road trip from Rome, the stunning and historically rich city, to the enchanting coastal town of Genoa.
Each day brings an exhilarating new experience as we drive through breathtaking landscapes, each more stunning than the last, and charming towns, taking in the beauty of the countryside and relishing the joy of spending quality time together.
As we navigate the winding roads, we soak up the Italian sunshine and savour the local cuisine, making pit stops at charming little taverns. The journey is peppered with laughter, mishaps, and beautiful memories that will stay with us forever.
While the journey may have its share of extended drives and challenges, the rewards are plentiful. We are treated to magnificent views, immersed in the rich culture and history of the region, and, most importantly, create enduring memories with each other. This family road trip is truly the adventure of a lifetime that I will always cherish.
It all starts with good planning.
A wild five-day drive from Rome to Genoa started with my son spending almost three weeks planning this trip and making a few changes to the route while discussing it with his brother, who lives in another province.
Despite the challenges, he did an excellent job, and we had a fun but tiring vacation. In the future, we plan to rent a place and explore by car or train. During the trip, my 9-year-old grandson walked 10 miles on the first day without complaining and even enjoyed dessert at an outdoor café when he got tired.
Join us as we share our exciting five-day wild drive from Rome to Genoa through winding Tuscan roads and medieval cities.
Rome Our First Night
After reaching the airport, we travelled to Rome by bus. Upon reaching our destination, we secured a locker to store our suitcases and waited for our accommodations to become available. Regrettably, we had to wait till the next day to get our rental car.
Rome is the capital city.
Rome is the only city in the world that has another country inside it. Nestled on the west bank of the River Tiber, Vatican City is the world’s smallest independent state, covering an area of just 44 hectares. The Pope governs the Vatican and has a population of just over 800. It also has its army, currency, and post office!
Marvel at the Colosseum
Rome’s tenacity is best illustrated in its ancient monuments, which were remarkably intact nearly 2000 years ago. Debuting in 80 AD, the behemoth 50,000-seat Colosseum famously hosted frenzied spectators who would watch gladiators facing off against each other or wild animals.
More than any other monument, this iconic amphitheatre symbolizes the power and drama of ancient Rome, and it’s still an electrifying sight today.
No photograph can prepare you for the thrill of seeing it for the first time. But at night, the lights are spectacular.
Make a wish at Trevi Fountain.
We stop at Rome’s largest and most famous water feature, the flashy Trevi Fountain, at night.
It’s an unforgettable sight any time of the day but is particularly spellbinding after dark when it’s all lit up. It is lovely to see it and not in a movie !!
The Trevi Fountain is a stunning Baroque masterpiece that draws millions of visitors every year to admire its sculptures and throw coins into its waters.
M-Agrippa-L-F Cos-Tertivm-Fecit
The Pantheon is a former Roman temple and, since 609 AD, a Catholic church in Rome, Italy, on the site of an earlier temple commissioned by Marcus Agrippa during the reign of Augustus. It was rebuilt by the emperor Hadrian and probably dedicated to c. 126 AD.
Its date of construction is uncertain because Hadrian chose not to inscribe the new temple but rather to retain the inscription of Agrippa’s older temple, which had burned down.
Built more than 1800 years ago, the magnificent Pantheon remains a reminder of the great Roman Empire. The name Pantheon refers to the building’s original function as a temple for all the gods.
Exceptionally located accommodation in one of Rome’s safest and most prestigious neighbourhoods.
The place is clean and very spacious for six people. The host was polite and helpful at all times.
It is within walking distance of public transportation (5 minutes from Policlinico metro station, 4 minutes from the central bus station Regina Margherita, and 1 minute from the tram stop in Piazza Galeno).
Train Termini Laziali 1.6 km
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Our Second Day In Roma before leaving for Viterbo.
Chiesa di San Alfonso
This church, a rare example of Neo-Gothic architecture in Rome, is significant in history. It is one of the last papal churches in Rome, a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage, even though the Redemptorists owned the church and its related complex.
It was built between 1855 and 1859 and designed by the Scottish architect George Wigley. The facade, made of brick and travertine, features three doors. In the central tympanum of the door, there is a polychrome mosaic.
The interior decorations, rich with marble, were painted by a Bavarian painter at the end of the nineteenth century.
Marble, a common material in Neo-Gothic architecture, adds to the church’s grandeur and beauty.
The church’s exterior is adorned with a charming courtyard, a serene spot that invites you to pause and take in the beauty of the surroundings.
Stroll through Piazza Navona.
For sheer heart-stopping beauty, nowhere in Rome can top Piazza Navona.
Set atop an ancient Roman arena in the heart of the historical center, the piazza is the very picture of elegant baroque styling with its three ornamental fountains, domed church and handsome palazzi (mansions). Adding to the spectacle are the ringside cafes and ever-present street artists. Also, you will find a cute little toy store.
Roma Cat Sanctuary
The Roma Cat Sanctuary is an incredible nonprofit organization dedicated to the welfare of needy felines. It is an outstanding place that offers a safe and loving environment for abandoned, abused, or neglected cats.
With the help of a caring team of volunteers, the Roma Cat Sanctuary provides food, shelter, medical care, and lots of love to cats that would otherwise be left to their own devices. They have created a nurturing atmosphere that allows cats to thrive and gives them the attention and affection they need to recover from past traumas.
The Roma Cat Sanctuary also promotes spaying and neutering to reduce the feral cat population and prevent animal suffering. By supporting this innovative and essential sanctuary, you can help make a difference in the lives of countless needy cats.
Circus Maximus
Circus Maximus is the quintessential ancient Roman arena, where chariot races and various other public spectacles were held.
The arena, which dates back to the 6th century BC, was a massive structure that could accommodate more than 250,000 spectators at its peak.
It was the grandest and largest surviving monument to Rome’s passion for public entertainment, which was used for more than a millennium.
Circus Maximus was not just a racing track but a social hub where the commoners unwound and various entertainers performed to delight the audience.
Walking Around Rome
We're headed to Viterbo for the next part of our journey.
LL Giardino delle Camelia
LL Giardino delle Camelia is a great place to stay! It’s spotless and has three bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom.
It’s perfect for a group of six. The kitchen is well-stocked with food and coffee, and some goodies are available.
The view was amazing.
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We arrived in Viterbo, Italy, late at night and found our way to the B&B. To enter the city’s walled center, one must pass through the ancient gates.
Guided by the dim light, we walked through a tunnel and took an elevator up the hill. Despite the darkness, the charm of the small streets leading to our destination was undeniable.
The entrance to the walled center of the city, through ancient gates, is a gateway to history. The towering wall that encircles the city is a testament to the centuries that have passed.
Visiting this place is like stepping back in time. The intact structures of the medieval districts give a vivid impression of the past.
The Medieval Districts are indeed a sight to behold. As you stroll down this street, you’ll be surrounded by many beautiful medieval buildings.
I am excited to see this place during the day, to witness the city come alive with the hustle and bustle of its inhabitants and the vibrant colours of its historic buildings.
Oh my goodness, those photos are gorgeous. Those photos of Rome at night are really stunning. That is a quite a long trip which I didn’t realise until I checked your map. I would be very much at home in the cat sanctuary. Thanks for sharing!
More blog about this trip coming. The Cat sanctuary was fun ,most of them are rescue or handicap,but they love a good scrach behind the ears lol…
This is a great itinerary! I’ve always wanted to go to Italy and love all your suggestions.
Thanks, I will show more post from this trip later :O)
Looks like such a fun time. I would love to do this kind of trip.
It sure was fun, but a new place everyday was a bit much.
It looks like a fun journey! I love Italy, and I can not wait to visit again. I love your pictures too; very inspirational.
Thank you , I will post more from this trip later .
Wow – those photos are stunning. What a wonderful trip you had. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you , more post from this trip will be up :o)