Leave it to Stead to find another way to explore Europe via bike. Today we ventured out on the cobblestone roads of Rome with Top Bike Tours (recommended by our favorite travel resource, Rick Steves). We started our adventure with our raincoats on as it was raining like Oregon! 😕 When we walked into the bike shop they looked at us with a little bit of surprise – it seems most tourists don’t come prepared for rain.
It was some of the most intense urban bike riding we have done, not because of hills but because the streets of Rome are narrow, short, very old, and full wall to wall with people, scooters and vespas, and taxis. But, similar to when we biked in Paris, you just gotta jump on the bike, look every which way possible, be courageous and go for it!
Our guide’s name was Bruno and he not only grew up in Rome, but he also studied history at the University here. He was very knowledgeable and passionate about Rome’s past and the city was brought to life through his thick accent and rich stories. We started out at the Colosseo, cruised to the Trevi Fountain, numerous piazzas, gazed upon the Pantheon and stood in awe of ruins left behind by Caesar.
Our tour also included a delicious pasta carbonara lunch and gelato! I even got Stead to drink his second Italian café. 😁
It was exciting to see Rome from a bike and with someone who knows the city so well. What a way to end our time here! Tomorrow we will jump a train first thing in the morning and make our way to Florence, Italy. If all goes the way we hope we will make a detour to Lucca for more biking and a little break from the noise and tourism buzz of the city.
Ciao!