Today promises to be another full day in Rome as we set out to explore the Vatican. After clocking nearly 20,000 steps yesterday, we’re considering giving our feet a break and hopping in a taxi to reach the holy city-state. Later this evening, at 7pm, we’ll join a small-group night tour with Drunken History Rome, guided by the ever-entertaining Eni and Mada. The theme? Sex & Love in Ancient Rome—a playful dive into the city’s more scandalous past.
Last night’s adventure began with a simple shopping trip that quickly turned into a 40-minute uphill and downhill trek after we took a wrong turn. What should have been a 20-minute walk doubled in length—but the detour rewarded us with a fantastic coffee stop, which, as any traveler knows, is always essential fuel.
At one shop, we were tipped off about Matricianella, a restaurant famed for its authentic Roman cuisine. Reservations are usually a must, but fortune smiled on us: the staff kindly seated us at a charming café-style table on the street.
Dinner was a treat. We savored a crisp local wine,
Capolemole Bianca (rated 4/5 stars on Vivino), alongside excellent dishes that leaned toward the pricier side. Looking around, it was clear this was a spot favored by well-dressed locals—a sign we’d stumbled into something special.
Adding to the evening’s charm, on the next table were two delightful companions: a young Ryanair flight attendant and a hairdresser close to our age, both from Tuscany and Florence,. Their warmth and conversation made the night even more memorable.
Thankfully, the walk back to our place, taking the direct route, was a breezy 20 minutes this time, rounding off what truly was a delightful Roman evening.
We began the day in a bit of a frenzy. Sleeping in until nine felt indulgent, but after yesterday’s marathon of walking, our bodies clearly demanded rest. The indulgence came at a cost though—our Vatican tour was booked for 11:20, and by the time we were ready to leave just before 10, walking was out of the question. A taxi seemed the only option.
Cue Melissa’s quick thinking: when the taxi number failed us, she cleverly downloaded the local taxi app. We thought we had one booked, but the car that arrived five minutes later turned out to be just passing by. Luckily, the driver was friendly, chatty, and had even spent two years working in Australia. He whisked us to the meeting point with twenty minutes to spare—€20 lighter, but infinitely relieved. Have we been scammed? Don’t care.
Our guide gathered us along with a dozen fellow traveler's from around the world, and together we slipped past the endless queues into the Vatican.
The Sistine Chapel, located within the Apostolic Palace, is perhaps the most famous room in the Vatican. Commissioned by Pope Sixtus IV in the late 15th century, its walls were decorated by Renaissance masters including Botticelli and Perugino. But it was Michelangelo’s ceiling (1508–1512) and The Last Judgment (1536–1541) that transformed the chapel into one of the greatest artistic achievements in history. The ceiling’s iconic Creation of Adam has become a symbol of human creativity and divine inspiration.
The tour took us through the Vatican Museums and into the Sistine Chapel. Words and photos simply cannot capture the scale or beauty of these places. For anyone with even a passing interest in history, art, or religion, the Vatican is a must-see. It’s a country in its own right, complete with its own army—the Swiss Guard—and police force. According to our guide, Italy even helps fund it. While not as warm and personable as Eni, our Rome guide from the day before, he was impressively knowledgeable and managed the group of fourteen with ease.
Afterward, we stepped into the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica. Visiting in the low season was a blessing—the vast, ornate structure felt almost serene. We took the lift partway up the dome (about 15 stories), then climbed another 330 medieval, narrow, and steep steps to reach the top. The outdoor observation platform is the highest point in Rome, and the views were nothing short of spectacular. Descending the stairs was far easier, though still an adventure in itself.
After our awe-inspiring tour of the Vatican, hunger quickly set in. Just beyond St. Peter’s Square we found a small restaurant, the kind that seems to appear exactly when you need it. A crisp Italian pizza and a couple of refreshing drinks were the perfect reward. Honestly, pizzas here are on another level compared to back home in Australia—lighter, fresher, and bursting with flavor.
The staff kindly pointed us toward the nearby taxi stand, and soon we were on our way. At first, our driver seemed curt and all business, which immediately brought to mind the many taxi horror stories we’d heard. Yet appearances can be deceiving. Without fuss or chatter, he navigated the streets efficiently and delivered us safely back to our apartment. The fare? Just €12.50.
It was a reminder of that old saying: don’t judge a book by its cover. Sometimes the most unassuming encounters turn out to be the smoothest part of the journey.
After returning home and freshening up, we set out again for an evening tour with the Roman Guides team, Mada and Eni. We’d already grown fond of this duo—a young, intelligent couple with a real passion for history and for creating memorable experiences.
By 7pm we had strolled to the meeting point, where we joined Eni, Mada, and four of their friends. The tour, intriguingly titled Sex & Love in Ancient Rome, is designed for travelers who enjoy a drink, a good story, and who don’t mind a candid look at history.
With humor and honesty, Eni and Mada guided us through the fascinating world of intimacy, relationships, and social customs in ancient Rome. Nothing was sugar-coated, and that was exactly what made it so engaging. It was equal parts history lesson and lively conversation, blending scholarship with entertainment in a way that felt fresh and unforgettable. We visited 3 locations during the tour and ate pizza followed by cocktails. A wonderful experience certainly memorable and enjoyable to us.
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