Rome & Saturnia – Hot, Hot, Hot!
Arrival in Rome
Aussies are back in Italia! As I write this first piece for you I am prendere il sole di Pontine… on the rather out-of-the-way, expensive, yet rustic island of Ponza.
Rather than starting here, it’s necessary to return to the start of our 2025 adventure a week ago. Our flights with Emirates from Brisbane to Rome were pleasant yet long. Unlike previous years, the process at Fiumicino took two hours from landing to taxi. The wait for our luggage was painful, and the taxi fila was un brutto scherzo!
Hotel & Dining in Rome
If only I had paid a couple of extra Euros and taken the now available Uber service. The cost for a standard taxi has also increased to €55 from the airport to the centro. Nevertheless, arriving within true due passi of our hotel was worth it.
We booked Albergo Abruzzi, a delight with a terzo piano Junior Suite overlooking the Pantheon for two nights. Booking Link. The location and service were exceptional — highly recommended.
For a true Roman experience:
- Sit at Giolitti for ice cream in a glass and people watch
- Venture to Alfredo e Ada Ristorante (Link) for authentic meals
Journey to Saturnia
After Rome, we picked up a rental car from Sicily by Car (Peugeot upgraded to MG SUV). Our destination: Terme di Saturnia, a bucket-list site with cascading azzurro blu thermal waters.
We stayed at one of the Leading Hotels of the World, upgraded to a full suite with a balcony overlooking the thermal pool. The thermal water is naturally 37.5ºC, with recommended bathing rules. The walk to Cascate Del Mulino took 20 minutes — breathtaking.
Dining in Saturnia
- Il Cantuccio (Menu Link): rustic Tuscan meals, highly recommend the caprese salad and filet steak
- L’Oste in Piazza (Website): anchovies on crusty bread and crudo manzo are a must
Next Stop: Ponza
Next stop: Ponza, in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Ciao ragazzi!