Rome and Vatican City: A Whirlwind Day Trip From Milan
A trip to Rome is a journey through history, where ancient ruins, stunning art, and delicious cuisine come together in the Eternal City.
If you are in Milan and itching to experience the magic of Rome and Vatican City, you can pack a lifetime’s worth of memories into a single day. That’s exactly what we did — with a trusty train ticket, a sense of adventure, and comfortable walking shoes, we explored some of the most iconic landmarks in the City of Seven Hills and the Holy See. 😍
Here’s a recap of our whirlwind day trip!
The Journey: Milan to Rome
We hopped on a morning train (past 9am) from Milan to Rome via the Milano Centrale, a journey that’s as scenic as it is efficient. The ticket cost €102. The train ride takes approximately 3 hours, which gives just enough time to enjoy the views. In no time, we arrived in the Eternal City, ready to take on its history-packed streets. But first, we needed to fill our stomach so we headed to a restaurant a few blocks away from the station.
Right outside the train station is the bus terminal, where we caught a bus to Vatican City—the first stop of our adventure.
Vatican City: Small but Mighty
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| St. Angelo Bridge |
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Sights, Photos, and Souvenirs: Vatican City may be the smallest country in the world, but it packs a punch with its monumental beauty. We strolled through Saint Peter’s Square, capturing plenty of photos, but were overwhelmed by the massive crowds, especially at the entrances to St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Instead, we chose to soak in the beauty of the square’s monuments, then browsed the souvenir stalls, picking up postcards and rosaries.
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Outside Saint Peter’s Basilica: We were awestruck by the grandeur of Saint Peter’s Basilica, even though we didn’t venture inside. Since the queue was serpentine, we admired the façade and the sprawling St. Peter’s Square where the Obelisk stood.
Rome: A Treasure Trove of History
Rome’s city centre is a dream for history buffs and romantics alike. While we're neither history buffs nor hopeless romantics, we still loved wandering through its charming streets, stopping by these popular tourist spots. 😂
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Trevi Fountain: Legend has it that tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain guarantees your return to Rome (yikes, forgot to do this). However, the crowds around this Baroque masterpiece made it hard to get close. Still, we managed to snap a few photos, despite the many photobombers. The fountain itself is stunning, with its intricate design and blue waters filled with coins.
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The Pantheon: This nearly 2,000-year-old structure still features the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world. Stepping into its presence would have been a truly humbling experience. Unfortunately, the large crowd outside waiting to get in made us hesitant to linger any longer.
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Piazza Navona, Spanish Steps, and More: Every corner of Rome seemed to hold a piece of art or history. We soaked in the vibrant atmosphere, taking in street performers, gelato stands, and local vendors.
The Colosseum: Stepping up close to this ancient amphitheater felt like traveling back in time. It is a true marvel of engineering and a testament to the grandeur of the Roman Empire. The inside would have been worth exploring, but we opted not to—aside from the crowds, we needed to catch the train back to Milan. Despite only seeing the outside of the Colosseum, it was still a memorable experience to witness its majestic presence up close.
Fun Facts
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Rome wasn’t built in a day, but it sure inspires you to explore it in one! Rome’s history spans over 2,700 years, making it one of the oldest continuously occupied cities in Europe.
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The Colosseum had a retractable roof! Ancient Romans used a system of sails and ropes to provide shade for spectators.
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Vatican City has its own post office. It is said to be one of the most efficient postal systems in the world, and many visitors send postcards stamped with Vatican City’s unique seal.
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The Trevi Fountain collects thousands of euros in coins daily. These funds are donated to charity.
Tips
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Stay hydrated and wear comfortable shoes: Rome’s cobblestone streets and uneven pavements make for a charming but challenging walk.
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Plan ahead for popular spots: Sites like Saint Peter’s Basilica and the Colosseum are always crowded. Booking skip-the-line tickets can save you precious time.
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Mind your tickets on public transport: A gentle reminder — always validate your bus or train ticket at the machine before boarding. We saw some unlucky tourists face hefty fines during random checks. No exemption even if it is your first time.
Despite the crowds and the limited time, our day trip from Milan to Rome and Vatican City was nothing short of magical. It’s amazing how much history, culture, and beauty can be experienced in a single day. Until next time, ciao Roma!
Sep '23