As Janice and I spent time with our family over the holidays, we had the chance to reminisce on our anniversary trip to Italy in 2013. It was our first (but hopefully not last) trip to a wonderful part of the world and once again, I’d like to summarize so that you too can put this on your bucket list!

Reminiscing on Our Anniversary Trip to Italy

As Janice and I spent time with our family over the holidays, we couldn’t help but reminisce about our unforgettable anniversary trip to Italy in 2013. It was our first (but definitely not our last!) visit to this beautiful part of the world, and I wanted to share a few highlights with you, hoping to inspire you to add Italy to your bucket list!

Exploring the Eternal City: Rome

We arrived in Rome around noon and were immediately swept up in the city’s vibrant energy. There’s no better way to embrace the essence of Rome than to indulge in its culinary delights—after all, there are no calories on vacation, right? We stayed in a cozy hotel, once a Baroque convent, right in the heart of the city. After settling in, we set out with a map to explore some of Rome’s iconic sites.

We marveled at the magnificent Pantheon, wandered through the colorful Piazza Navona, and visited the Church of San Luigi dei Franchesi to admire Caravaggio’s The Calling of Saint Matthew. Our day didn’t stop there—we had the privilege of an after-hours visit to the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums, including rooms typically closed to the public. With no crowds, we stood in awe of Michelangelo’s masterpieces, including The Last Judgment and the iconic ceiling paintings.

A Day of History and Hidden Gems

Rome is teeming with history, and we couldn’t wait to dive deeper. We saw the Colosseum, where gladiators once fought for their lives, and explored the Roman Forum, which dates back 2,000 years to the Roman Empire’s peak. We also visited St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, a site that has been part of the city since 313 AD. Thanks to some insider tips, we skipped the long lines and got up close to these amazing landmarks, making the most of our time in the Eternal City.

On our third day, we strolled along the upscale Via Condotti, visited the ancient catacombs beneath Rome, and ventured out to Tivoli, where Emperor Hadrian built his villa. We also did what every visitor should: tossed a coin into the Trevi Fountain, ensuring our eventual return to Rome!

A Taste of Local Life: Trastevere and Roman Cuisine

For our final day in Rome, we explored the charming Trastevere district, a medieval village that offers a peaceful escape from the crowds. The highlight of the day was visiting the Basilica di Santa Maria, one of the oldest churches in Rome, with its breathtaking mosaics and coffered ceiling. We then joined a food and wine expert for a walking tour of an open-air market, followed by a hands-on cooking demonstration. The chef taught us how to prepare a delicious pasta dish, paired with seasonal wines, of course. Our final dinner was in a former sculpture workshop-turned-restaurant on the artsy Via del Babuino—a perfect end to an incredible trip.

Retirement Goals: Planning for Your Dream Trip

As much as we focus on saving and financial planning, it’s equally important to remember that the goal of that planning is to enjoy life. Retirement should be about experiences—like this trip to Italy—and with the right strategy, we can help you build a plan to achieve your own retirement dreams. Let’s make sure you’re not just planning for tomorrow, but for the adventures you’ve always dreamed of.

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