Rome at Christmas: Our Cultural Italy Experience in the Eternal City

Rome at Christmas: Our Cultural Italy Experience in the Eternal City

Our journey officially began on December 3, 2025, when we drove to Atlanta and parked at the DoubleTree Airport Hotel using SpotHero—an absolute steal at just $7 per day. From there, the hotel shuttle took us to the airport, where we boarded Turkish Airlines for our overnight journey to Istanbul and then onward to Rome. Travel days always come with a mix of excitement and exhaustion, but knowing we were headed to Italy made every moment worth it.

We arrived in Rome on December 4, cleared customs, collected our luggage, and were warmly greeted by our private driver, who delivered us straight to Hotel Indigo St. George. From the moment we stepped into the lobby—beautifully decorated for Christmas, complete with cookies waiting at the front desk—we knew this trip was already special. After checking in, we met fellow Travel Society member Melissa Spears, and the three of us walked a couple of blocks for dinner. That evening, we headed to dinner at Polese, a beloved Roman restaurant known for its classic cuisine and warm atmosphere. It was the perfect way to end an incredible couple of days—sharing stories from our adventures, enjoying authentic Italian dishes, and soaking in one last magical Roman evening together before continuing our journey. Wrapped in cozy outdoor tents with heaters glowing, we enjoyed an incredible first Roman meal before heading back to the hotel for a well-earned night’s sleep.

Friday morning, December 5, started with breakfast at the hotel (included in our stay—always a bonus). At 8am, our private driver arrived to take us to The Vatican, where our personal guide was waiting. Both Friday and Saturday’s tours with our local partner Cultural Italy, and truly—wow. Every detail was handled seamlessly, allowing us to simply experience Rome without worrying about logistics.

The Vatican is its own sovereign country, so entering meant showing our tickets and passports before stepping into one of the most extraordinary cultural treasures on Earth. Walking through the Vatican Museums was overwhelming in the best way—from ancient Roman sculptures and Renaissance masterpieces to elaborate galleries filled with tapestries, maps, and centuries of artistic brilliance. Each room revealed another layer of history, faith, and creativity.

One of the most powerful moments of the day was entering the Sistine Chapel. This is the one place in the Vatican where photography is strictly forbidden—and honestly, it doesn’t matter, because no photo could ever do it justice. Standing beneath Michelangelo’s ceiling, gazing up at scenes from Genesis—including the iconic Creation of Adam—was truly breathtaking. Michelangelo painted the ceiling between 1508 and 1512, spending years working high above the floor, often lying on scaffolding, creating one of the most celebrated works of art in human history. Later, he returned to paint The Last Judgment on the altar wall. To be in that space, surrounded by silence and awe, was emotional and unforgettable.

We then made our way into St. Peter’s Basilica, entering through the Jubilee Gates, which made the experience even more meaningful. A service was taking place, allowing us to quietly observe and absorb the spiritual atmosphere. Many people don’t realize that several popes are buried beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, and some tombs are visible. Walking through this sacred space, knowing how much history lives within its walls, was incredibly humbling. Altogether, we spent about 2.5 hours exploring the Vatican complex.

From there, our private driver picked us up and dropped us in a nearby neighborhood for what became one of our favorite experiences of the trip: a home-hosted Roman lunch.

We were welcomed into a private residence where our host prepared a traditional Roman dish right in front of us. Scott captured a video (which we’ll be sharing in short segments online), and she walked us through every step—from choosing Barilla pasta, to crushing fresh cherry tomatoes, to preparing bruschetta and pouring white wine. She also shared the history of her home: originally a blacksmith shop in the 1800s, later an automobile repair shop in the 1950s, and finally remodeled into her peaceful residence in the 2000s. Tucked away from the street, it was remarkably quiet—no traffic noise, no crowds—just authentic Roman hospitality.

It felt intimate, genuine, and unforgettable.

After lunch, we took a golf cart tour of Rome, which turned out to be an incredible way to see the city. Over the next four hours, we explored iconic landmarks like the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and several other historic sites, weaving through charming streets while learning stories only locals tend to know. Seeing Rome this way—up close, personal, and relaxed—gave us a whole new appreciation for the Eternal City.

We were eventually dropped back at Hotel Indigo St. George, where we enjoyed a cocktail to unwind before heading out for dinner—reflecting on a day filled with art, history, faith, food, and unforgettable moments.

Saturday, December 6, 2025: Gladiators, Ancient Rome & Saying Arrivederci

Saturday morning began with another wonderful breakfast at Hotel Indigo St. George before we officially checked out. Since we still had a full day of touring ahead, the hotel kindly stored our luggage for us—yet another example of Italian hospitality done right.

Our private driver arrived at 8:30am, though we had to wait just a few extra minutes for Melissa (who was running fashionably late… and of course we had to give her a hard time 😄). Once everyone was together, we headed straight to one of the most iconic landmarks in the world: the Colosseum.

Our guide was waiting for us with tickets in hand, and soon we were stepping inside this massive piece of living history. Completed in 80 AD, the Colosseum once held over 50,000 spectators who gathered to watch gladiator battles, animal hunts, and elaborate public spectacles. Walking through its towering arches, it’s impossible not to imagine the roar of ancient crowds. Today, it stands as a powerful reminder of Rome’s complex past and the incredible engineering of the Roman Empire.

From there, we crossed directly into the Roman Forum, and the experience was incredible. Important travel tip: the Roman Forum requires its own entrance ticket, so this is something you’ll want to purchase in advance—especially during busy seasons. Thankfully, our partners  handled everything for us seamlessly.

As we walked downhill into the Forum, you could literally see how Rome was built layer by layer over thousands of years. Modern streets gave way to exposed excavation areas, revealing ancient foundations beneath our feet. It truly felt like descending through time.

All around us were the remains of temples, basilicas, arches, and government buildings that once formed the center of Roman life. We walked past crumbling columns, ancient stone pathways, and structures that once housed senators, merchants, and citizens going about their daily routines. Our guide pointed out where emperors once stood, where markets bustled, and where public speeches were delivered. We stood near the spot where Julius Caesar was assassinated and later cremated, a moment that forever changed Roman history.

The Roman Forum was once the beating heart of ancient Rome—this is where politics, commerce, and daily life unfolded. Our guide also explained how many of the original temples, once dedicated to Roman gods, were later converted into Catholic churches, reflecting how Rome evolved while still preserving its ancient foundations. From the street side, you enter these churches at ground level, but from the back—where we stood—you can clearly see how the city has been built upward over centuries, with layers of history stacked one on top of another beneath your feet.

After immersing ourselves in centuries of history, we headed to lunch at Pizza Forum, located directly across from the Colosseum in Rome’s vibrant gayborhood. We chose this restaurant for several reasons: its prime location, spacious interior perfect for groups, and—our personal favorite—stuffed bears decorating the space. Naturally, being the SmokyMtnBears, we felt right at home.

Following lunch, we wrapped up our Rome experience with a hotel inspection at The Glam Hotel, giving us the opportunity to explore another great property for future clients.  It was fantastic.

And just like that, our curated experience in Rome came to an end. Thanks to them, Rome in 36 hours was accomplished with amazing experiences!

From Vatican masterpieces and Sistine Chapel ceilings to ancient ruins, home-hosted meals, golf cart tours, and unforgettable friendships—Rome delivered on every level. These are the kinds of experiences that turn a vacation into a lifelong memory.

Rome doesn’t just show you its beauty—it invites you into it.

And when you’re ready for your own unforgettable journey, The Connected Traveler and our local partners are here for you every step of the way.

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