Italy is a place many people dream of visiting. After all, it offers history, scenery, and incredible food. In September 2024, I swapped the caravan for flights. Then I headed out on our italian adventure in rome with Marc and Amy. It wasn’t our usual setup. However, it was an incredible trip worth sharing.
We started by flying from Gatwick into Rome. Upon landing, a private driver took us to Camping Village Fabulous. It was different from our usual pitches back home. However, it was the perfect base for our italian adventure in rome.
Your Italian Adventure in Rome Starts at Camping Village Fabulous
When you think of a Rome campsite, you might not picture something this large. Yet Camping Village Fabulous felt well-equipped and easy to use. Nestled between the city centre and Ostia, it suits visitors well. It worked brilliantly for our italian adventure in rome.
We booked one of their lodges. It was modern, clean, and very comfortable after long days out. The site has massive pine trees that give welcome shade. If you know UK campsites, the tall pines feel quite different. You can check the site here: Camping Village Fabulous.
For those who travel with a caravan or motorhome, this site still works really well. It has plenty of pitches and great facilities. It also has a huge pool area. However, we spent most days walking rather than swimming. So, it offers city access with a more relaxed resort feel.
Exploring Roman History: Our Italy Trip Highlights
Now, letâs talk about the walking. We knew Rome would mean plenty of steps. However, we weren’t ready for the reality. On average, Marc, Amy and I hit about 30,000 steps each day. By day three, sore feet barely covered it. My pedometer worked overtime. So did my legs. That became a big theme of our italian adventure in rome.
We spent our days exploring Romeâs famous sites. The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon all impressed us. At times, every corner seemed to reveal more history. Walking past a 2,000-year-old monument still feels surreal. đī¸
We also spent time in Vatican City. Whether you’re religious or not, the artistry and architecture are breathtaking. However, be ready for crowds. Even in September, Rome stays very busy.
Beyond the City: Day Trips from your Rome Holiday
One of the best things about staying in Rome is the train network. So, we made the most of it with several day trips. We used high-speed trains to Florence and Naples. They were easy to navigate and very comfortable. Even with those detours, our italian adventure in rome always pulled us back to the capital.
Florence offered a lovely contrast to Rome with its Renaissance charm. Meanwhile, Naples felt lively, noisy, and full of energy. It also served the best pizza Iâve ever tasted. đ But the real highlight was Pompeii.
We booked a guided tour of the ruins. It was the best decision we made. Our guide was fantastic and brought the site to life. Instead of just seeing old walls, we heard real stories. She explained daily life and the events of 79 AD. As a result, the ruins felt far more vivid. If you visit Pompeii, I strongly recommend a guided tour.
A Culinary Journey Through the Streets of Rome
You canât visit Italy and ignore the food. Marc, Amy and I did plenty of “research” into local dishes. We ate at countless restaurants and tried Carbonara, Cacio e Pepe, seafood, and lots of gelato. Food was a huge part of our italian adventure in rome.
One highlight was a guided food tour through Rome. Instead of sticking to the busiest tourist streets, our guide showed us quieter areas. These included the Jewish Ghetto and parts of Trastevere.
We sampled incredible street food, including supplÃŦ and artisanal pizza. It was a great way to learn about Roman food history. Plus, it gave our feet a short break from the main squares.
Italian Adventure in Rome: A Night to Remember (and Regret)
Of course, it wasn’t all history and culture. One evening, we ended up in an Irish bar near the Colosseum. I believe it was the Shamrock. It felt like a little slice of Ireland in Rome.
The atmosphere was brilliant, and the Guinness was flowing. We had a great time chatting with other travellers. However, the Italian heat and long walks caught up with us. Add a few too many pints, and we had “brittle heads” the next morning. So, those 30,000 steps felt much harder that day.
Final Thoughts
Our September 2024 Italy trip was unforgettable. While it was different from our usual caravan travels, it reminded me why I love exploring. Whether you tow a caravan or fly to Rome, the adventure feels the same. Our italian adventure in rome gave us plenty to remember.
Camping Village Fabulous was a fantastic base for our stay. It proved that you can enjoy Rome from the comfort of a campsite. Itâs a trip that Marc, Amy and I will mention for years. You can also browse our Gallery for more travel inspiration.
Italy is a country everyone should experience at least once. And seeing it from a campsite base is a brilliant way to do it.
One Response
đī¸đ Bella Roma!
We had such an incredible time at Camping Village Fabulous! From 30,000 steps a day to that amazing tour of Pompeii (and a few too many pints at the Shamrock! đģ), it was a trip to remember.
Have you ever taken your home-on-wheels down to Italy? đđ¨ Tell us your favorite Italian stories or must-see spots in the comments! đâ¨