Six days in Italy
- Maria Djoenne
- May 22
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 10
I recently went on a trip to Italy, on a mission for my company, but really made the most out of my journey. In the six days spent away from home we managed to enjoy the beautiful city of Rome, see the ocean and beaches of Pescara and have a two nights stay in a dreamy castle in Abruzzo. Join me as I take you through everything we experienced, an adventure to be recommended.
Day 1
We arrived late in Roma, it was already dark. I had booked a stay at Il Monastero Collection, just across the bridge to Trastevere, and was greeted by a cozy lit courtyard. Instantly feeling the warm, welcoming breeze of Italy. Although late, I ordered a glass of wine, and bottles of water. Arranged on on trey, along with some simple, savoury snacks, I took it with me to bed. In a simple, cozy, clean room, where I could instantly relax and find peace. I felt grateful and warm at heart, falling asleep with ease.
Day 2
Waking up to the view of the same courtyard, now lit by the sun. A renewed, relaxed feeling and state of mind entering. Sometimes life can feel so luxurious in the very simplest of ways.
My travel companion stayed in a hotel in Trastevere, and so I started my day venturing over the bridge to meet her. While waiting I had a coffee in a small café, totally recommendable. Do not allow yourself to be fooled by the outside, Italians are the masters of making simple things the best experiences you ever had. Café 67 serves really good coffee, fresh paninis, juice and croissants.
Dopo, or after, we started walking towards Rome city center. No plans needed, the city provides. We decided to be tourists, and walked past some of the major sites. First the Pantheon, then Fontana di Trevi, Piazza Navona, ending by the Spanish Steps. All very crowded, but worth seeing if you have not been to Rome before. I do love Fontana di Trevi enough to be wanting a visit there every time I go to Rome. It is so majestic.
By the time we reached the Spanish Steps it was time for lunch. We went to Ristorante Nino and got an outside table, without reservation. Nino is an old, traditional restaurant located on a quiet, narrow street. If you do end up at one of their tables, make sure to try the Carciofi alla romana / Artichokes ala Romana. I forgot to take any photos of the food, it was delicious.
After lunch we continued walking, doing some shopping, had gelato which of course is mandatory when in Italy, and slowly made our way back home to freshen up and rest before dinner.
We decided to stay in the neighborhood and went to a restaurant in Trastevere, Fieramosca. The best tables are up on the balcony where old fashioned fire torches are lit above the tables. They serve Roman cuisine based on tradition, in a building with lots of history. I had artichokes for starter and a pizza. The experience was cozy and welcoming, with the staff making us feel part of the family. I am sure you can have better culinary experiences in the area of Trastevere, but this one can also definitely be recommended when all you wish for is good food and nice surroundings. It did not feel particularly crowded with tourists, not during our mid-May stay.
Day 3-4
A quick breakfast and onto the bus! Today we go traveling again. The bus from Roma to Pescara crosses the country and takes you to the sandy beaches on the east coast, in the Abruzzo region. From the city center in Pescara we got a taxi to take us to our final destination, Castello di Semivicoli. A hidden gem in the heights above the city, an old castle from the 1600, now run by the family owned Masciarelli winery. I will let the photos show you the vibe and feeling of this place. Quiet, green, relaxed and luxurious. With a kitchen serving us full breakfast, lunch, and dinners accompanied by the exquisite Masciarelli wines. This place is well worth a visit, either by bus and taxi, or maybe preferably by your own car, to have more freedom. The surrounding area offers places and towns to visit, but we did not get around to do any of it this time.
We stayed here for two nights. My room as shown here, spacious with a high ceiling, open bathroom and bathtub. I could spend many more nights here, with slow days, enjoying the quiet, not really doing much other than read, practice yoga, eat, walk around the property and enjoy life.
Day 5-6
After breakfast day five, we packed up and checked out. The taxi now ready to take us back to Pescara, by the sea. When we reached the city we went for a walk to the beach, though with no time to stay. Only time for a fresh juice and coffee in a nearby café, and then we had to board the bus back to Rome. It took us 2,5 hours, and then we found ourselves back in the beautiful city. With time for a bit more shopping, a simple dinner and more wine.. Before one last night which we spent in the Starhotels Metropole, for the convenience of being close to Termini train station and the direct Leonardo Express Train to the airport next morning. We had an early flight back home to Bergen.
Being away for only six short days, we felt we had experienced so much. Seing new places, and visited a part of Italy I had never explored before. I am writing this blog post to hopefully inspire you to make the most of your next trip to Rome. You don´t have to only stay in the city, Italy has a lot more to offer. Get out there and explore. And maybe you end up in Castello di Semivicoli too? Send my regards. And if you wish to join a special stay here, check out my upcoming yoga and wellbeing retreat at Semivicoli in October. Read everything about it here.
