Rome, Italy.

Being in the company of other adults and kids we love after months of it being the four of us was just what we needed. Sightseeing Rome with family friends made it more fun. Mostly.

In nearly every circumstance expanding our group had a the-more-the-merrier effect, though we can honestly say we cannot recommend attempting a self-guided tour of the Vatican Museum as an octet. The lines, the hordes of people, one wants to see this, one wants to move on, someone needs to use the toilet and takes 20 minutes.

Doing the Vatican in pairs would be ideal, including the standing in line for two hours for tickets part.

The Colosseum has more room to move, but once you’ve seen it, you’ve seen it. Especially for kids.

Good thing Rome is full of charming streets lined with family-friendly restaurants. After winding up, we wound back down with pizza, pasta, wine, a round of Aperol Spritzes, a roaming accordionist, Romans atop mopeds, romance language in our ears and history in the air.

First night in Rome, friends arrive tomorrow

Train to the airport to fetch the Deicherts

Gull at the Colosseum

Music with friends

360 Colosseum

The Vatican Museum

Patio + music

More Vatican