The Raffa Experience

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Rome · Tuscany · Bologna · Florence — Sept 6–13, 2026Version 2.5

The Raffa
Experience

Wine country, handmade pasta, medieval villages, Renaissance art, and the greatest hits of Rome — paced for a multigenerational group of eight.

Every reservation for the trip is now confirmed, flight home included. Pasta Urbana on Thursday remains a casual takeout plan rather than a booking.

IAD IMPRUNETA BOLOGNA FIRENZE ROMA
8 DaysSept 6 overnight departure to Sept 13 return
2 Home BasesCasa di Miei, Impruneta (3 nights) & central Rome (3 nights)
Group of EightSix adults, kids ages 3 and 5
Trip dashboard

Eight days, two bases, one comfortable pace

Every reservation for the week is confirmed, flight home included. Pasta Urbana on Thursday is a casual takeout plan rather than a booking.

Sun–Mon, Sept 6–7 — IAD → Impruneta
Arrive Italy
Depart IAD on UA 884 at 5:35 PM. Land FCO 8:15 AM; rail to Florence; rental car; explore Impruneta; Casa di Miei; Bellavista.
Tue, Sept 8 — Chianti Countryside
Palagina & Chianti Hills
Palagina at 10:00 AM; lunch; Montefioralle; Greve; Airbnb reset; Piazzale Michelangelo; Hostaria del Bricco.
Wed, Sept 9 — Bologna Food Day
Bologna Food & History
Drive, park at Ex-Staveco, full walking route, recharge stops, Osteria Al 15.
Thu, Sept 10 — Florence to Rome
Accademia & Transfer
Checkout; return car at FLR; Accademia and central Florence; train to Rome around 6:00 PM.
Fri, Sept 11 — Ancient Rome
Colosseum, Forum & Palatine
7:00 AM Spanish Steps walking route; Campo de' Fiori, Torre Argentina and Jewish Ghetto; quick lunch; Walks tour 2:15–5:15 PM; Trastevere; 8:00 PM Ditta Trinchetti.
Sat, Sept 12 — Vatican + Villa Borghese
Vatican, Borghese & Early Dinner
Walks Complete Vatican Tour 10:15 AM–1:15 PM; Scialla takeaway lunch; optional Castel Sant'Angelo exterior; Villa Borghese, lake and Pincio; 6:00 PM Sgarro Bistrot — confirmed.
Sun, Sept 13 — Departure
Early Checkout
UA 885 departs FCO 10:20 AM, arriving IAD 2:15 PM; confirmed 6:00 AM transfer from the Airbnb to FCO.
Family profile & lodging

Two home bases

Family Profile

Six adults and two children ages 3 and 5. Transportation can split into two groups when convenient, but sit-down meals and major reservations should keep all eight together. The itinerary favors authentic experiences, room to move, regular meals, and true recharge periods rather than constant sightseeing.

Base 1 — Tuscany

Casa di Miei

Via delle Sodera, 6
50023 Impruneta, Toscana
airbnb.com/rooms/33757934
Check inMonday, Sept 7 at 4:00 PM
Check outThursday, Sept 10 by 10:00 AM
Rental car recommended for the countryside and Bologna day trip.
Base 2 — Rome

Via Bocca di Leone

Via Bocca di Leone 32
00187 Rome, Lazio, Italy
View on map
Check inThursday evening, after the Florence train
Check outEarly Sunday, Sept 13
An excellent walking base beside the Spanish Steps; use taxis for the Colosseum and Vatican.
Core transportation plan

Getting around

The arrival rail sequence, driving cautions, and day-trip packing list that apply across the whole Tuscany leg.

Arrival Rail Sequence

  • FCO → Roma Termini: Leonardo Express, confirmed — departs 11:08 AM, arrives 11:40 AM.
  • Roma Termini → Firenze Santa Maria Novella: Frecciarossa 9532, confirmed — departs 12:05 PM, arrives 1:46 PM.
  • Firenze SMN → Florence Airport: T2 tram to the airport rental-car area.
  • Use separate contactless payment methods for the paying adults on Florence transit; verify current child-fare rules before travel.
  • Keep generous connection buffers after the overnight flight — the Monday afternoon plan is intentionally flexible.

Driving Cautions

  • Avoid city-center ZTL zones. Navigate directly to named garages and official parking areas.
  • Keep luggage hidden in the trunk before arriving at sightseeing parking lots.
  • Tuscan roads can be narrow and winding. Build more time than the navigation estimate, especially after dark.
  • One adult should remain a designated driver on wine-tour day.

Packing for Day Trips

  • Lightweight stroller or compact carrier
  • Refillable water bottles
  • Small snack kit
  • Sun hats and sunscreen
  • Portable charger
  • Photo ID for ticketed tours
  • A small layer for churches and air-conditioned trains
Every stop, one map

Trip map

Every pin from the itinerary in one place. Filter by day, then tap a pin for the time and plan for that stop.

01

Arrival in Tuscany

Monday, September 7 Base: Casa di Miei, Impruneta

Easy first taste of Impruneta before check-in.

Sun, 5:35 PM

Depart Washington (IAD)

United Airlines flight UA 884, overnight nonstop to Rome.

8:15 AM

Arrive FCO

Immigration, baggage claim and walk to the airport rail station.

11:08 AM

Leonardo Express — Confirmed

Nonstop rail to Roma Termini, arriving 11:40 AM.

12:05 PM

Frecciarossa 9532 — Confirmed

Roma Termini to Firenze Santa Maria Novella, arriving 1:46 PM.

Early afternoon

T2 tram

Florence station to Florence Airport for the rental-car pickup.

Target 2:30 PM

Rental car

Collect car, install child seats, load luggage and drive toward Impruneta.

~3:15 PM

Explore Imprunetadirections

Park near Piazza Buondelmonti. See the piazza and Basilica di Santa Maria; browse a terracotta shop and stop for a snack or gelato.

~4:15 PM

Groceriesdirections

Stop at Coop Impruneta for breakfast items, snacks, water and first-night supplies.

~5:00 PM

Check indirections

Arrive at Casa di Miei, unpack and give everyone a real break before dinner.

7:30 PM

Dinner at Ristoro Bellavista — Confirmed

Impruneta town center; confirmed for 8 and request a highchair if needed.

Delay Rule
  • If the rental car is delayed past about 3:00 PM, shorten or skip the Impruneta stroll. Prioritize groceries, Casa di Miei check-in, and the 7:30 PM Bellavista reservation.
Impruneta Arrival Ideas & Parking
  • Piazza Buondelmonti: the main square, an easy first stop and introduction to the town.
  • Basilica di Santa Maria all'Impruneta: step inside if open, or simply enjoy the piazza and facade.
  • Terracotta browsing: look for a local shop; Fornace Agresti is an optional bonus only if timing and opening hours cooperate.
  • Use signed public parking near Piazza Buondelmonti and follow local restrictions — there's no need to drive into Florence on Monday.
  • Keep the stop compact and low-pressure so a flight or rail delay doesn't derail the evening. If everyone is tired, skip sightseeing and go directly to groceries and Casa di Miei.
  • Coop Impruneta is most convenient for the Airbnb and a complete first-night shop. Coop Tavarnuzze is a larger backup if it falls naturally on the route. Forno Zini is an optional bakery add-on for bread and breakfast pastries.
Dinner: Ristoro Bellavista
  • Confirmed for 8 at 7:30 PM. Located beside Piazza Buondelmonti, so dinner keeps the first evening centered on Impruneta.
  • Family-friendly with straightforward pasta, chicken, potatoes and other child-friendly choices.
  • If the family is fading, ask whether takeaway is available or simplify dinner at the Airbnb.
Raffa Tip
  • Monday is about arriving well, not sightseeing hard. A short walk through Impruneta, groceries, time at Casa di Miei, and Bellavista dinner is a successful first day.
02

Palagina & the Chianti Hills

Tuesday, September 8 Base: Casa di Miei

Chianti villages by day, a Florence sunset, and a San Niccolò dinner by night.

View the full day's driving route on Google Maps →

8:15 AM

Breakfast

Unhurried breakfast at Casa di Miei; pack water, hats and a light snack.

8:45 AM

Depart

Allow extra time on winding roads and arrive before the experience begins.

9:30 AM

Arrive Palagina

Park, use restrooms and let the children settle into the farm environment.

10:00 AM

Wine + olive-oil tour

Family-friendly Palagina experience. One adult remains the designated driver.

12:15 PM

Lunch at Palagina — Confirmed

Reserved for all 8 immediately after the tour; request outdoor or garden-adjacent seating if weather permits.

1:45 PM

Depart Palagina

Begin the scenic Chianti loop.

2:15–3:15 PM

Montefioralledirections

Walk the compact medieval village loop and enjoy vineyard views.

3:30–5:00 PM

Greve in Chianti

Piazza Matteotti, Falorni, local shops, gelato and café time.

5:00 PM

Return to the Airbnb

Drive back to Casa di Miei for a quick reset, shower/change and short rest.

~6:15 PM

Leave for Florencedirections

Drive toward Piazzale Michelangelo; allow parking time and keep Beccaria as the backup garage.

~6:45 PM

Piazzale Michelangelo

Park if space is available, enjoy the panoramic view and sunset atmosphere, then walk downhill to San Niccolò.

7:30 PM

Dinner at Hostaria del Bricco — Confirmed

Via di San Niccolò 8R. Confirmed for 8 at 7:30 PM. After dinner, walk back uphill to the car and return to Impruneta.

Harvest Question
  • September may overlap with vendemmia. Ask Palagina whether the family can observe grape picking, sorting or early winemaking activity during the visit.
Montefioralle & Greve Parking Guide
  • Montefioralle: navigate to signed visitor parking outside the historic village — do not drive through the medieval center. Primary: Piazza Santo Stefano when available. Backup: the signed gravel visitor lot below or outside the village approach. Expect uneven stone paving and slopes; a carrier may be easier than a large stroller.
  • Greve in Chianti: navigate to a lot outside the historic-center ZTL, not directly into Piazza Matteotti. Options: Piazza Resistenza, Piazzale Ferrante Mori, or Piazzale Finetti. Pay at the meter or approved app and keep the receipt visible. ZTL hours can change seasonally — follow current signs.
  • In Greve: walk the arcades around Piazza Matteotti, browse Antica Macelleria Falorni for salumi and cheese, and finish with gelato or coffee rather than another formal tour.
Dinner: Hostaria del Bricco in San Niccolò
  • Confirmed for 8 at 7:30 PM. Leave Greve around 5:00 PM, reset at Casa di Miei, then depart for Florence around 6:15 PM.
  • Primary parking: paid spaces around Piazzale Michelangelo. Backup: Parcheggio Beccaria if the piazzale is full.
  • Enjoy the view before dinner, then walk downhill to Via di San Niccolò. The return walk to Piazzale Michelangelo is uphill.
Raffa Tip
  • Tuesday now has two acts: Chianti countryside by day, then a Florence sunset and San Niccolò dinner. Keep Greve departure close to 5:00 PM so the evening never feels rushed.
03

Bologna Food & History Day

Wednesday, September 9 Base: Casa di Miei

A full city day with two real recharge periods and a traditional dinner.

View the full day's route on Google Maps →

7:00 AM

Leave Impruneta

Breakfast at the Airbnb; bring highway snacks and water.

8:30–8:45 AM

Park at Ex-Stavecodirections

Outside the central ZTL; leave valuables hidden and walk into the center.

9:00–10:15 AM

Santo Stefano route

Piazza Santo Stefano, basilica complex, Corte Isolani and porticoes.

10:15–11:20 AM

Two Towers + Quadrilatero

See the towers from street level and browse Bologna's historic food district.

11:30 AM

Lunch at Sfoglia Rina

Arrive at opening for handmade pasta with the shortest likely wait.

12:30–1:30 PM

Piazza Maggiore

San Petronio, Neptune, Archiginnasio area and the historic center.

1:30–2:30 PM

Salaborsa recharge

Indoor seating, restrooms, children's spaces and the archaeological floor.

2:45–4:30 PM

San Luca Express

Seated sightseeing and optional sanctuary visit; confirm departure times in advance.

4:30–5:30 PM

Flexible hour

Gelato, the Via Piella canal window, shopping, or simply sitting under the porticoes.

5:30–6:45 PM

Giardini Margherita

Outdoor reset, lawns and play time before dinner.

7:00 PM

Osteria Al 15 — Confirmed

Traditional Bolognese dinner; confirmed for 6 at 7:00 PM.

8:45–9:00 PM

Return to car

Walk back to Ex-Staveco and begin the drive to Impruneta.

10:15–10:45 PM

Arrive Casa di Miei

Quiet return and immediate bedtime.

ZTL Rule
  • Set navigation directly to Parcheggio Ex-Staveco. Do not accept last-minute shortcuts through the historic center, where camera-enforced restrictions operate.
If Timing Slips — Priority Order
  • Protect the Quadrilatero, handmade pasta, Piazza Maggiore, Santo Stefano, and the two recharge stops (Salaborsa and Giardini Margherita).
  • Via Piella canal window and the Archiginnasio Anatomical Theatre are the easiest optional cuts.
Bologna Must-Eat Shortlist
  • Tagliatelle al ragù · Tortellini in brodo · Tortelloni
  • Mortadella · Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • Crescentine or tigelle, when available
  • Traditional balsamic vinegar tasting · a local dessert such as zuppa inglese · artisan gelato
Rain Plan & Dinner Backups
  • Bologna's porticoes make bad weather manageable — extend Salaborsa, browse the Quadrilatero slowly, and shorten Giardini Margherita rather than abandoning the day.
  • Dinner backups if Osteria Al 15 isn't available: Trattoria Amedeo, Trattoria Anna Maria (reserve well ahead), or Trattoria da Me.
04

Florence & Transfer to Rome

Thursday, September 10 Base: Rome (from tonight)

Renaissance highlights without risking the evening train.

View the morning route on Google Maps →

7:00 AM

Leave Casa di Miei

Breakfast at the Airbnb, finish packing, check out and leave with all luggage.

7:30–8:00 AM

Drive to Florence Airport (FLR)directions

Return the rental car at the airport rather than driving into central Florence.

~8:15 AM

T2 to Firenze SMN

Take the T2 tram toward Santa Maria Novella.

~8:45 AM

Store luggage at Stow Your Bagsmap

Via dell'Albero, 22, 50123 Firenze. A short walk from Firenze SMN — book ahead online.

9:00–9:45 AM

Piazza del Duomo

Cathedral exterior, Brunelleschi's Dome, Giotto's Bell Tower and Baptistery. Keep this exterior-focused.

9:45–10:15 AM

Piazza della Repubblica

Walk the piazza; optional antique carousel ride for the kids.

10:15–11:00 AM

Piazza della Signoria

Palazzo Vecchio, Loggia dei Lanzi, Fountain of Neptune and outdoor sculpture.

11:00–11:40 AM

Quick Florentine lunch

Choose I Fratellini near Signoria or La Divina Schiacciata closer to Accademia. Finish by 11:45. View the afternoon route →

12:15–1:30 PM

Galleria dell'Accademia

Confirmed timed entry. Prioritize Michelangelo's David, the Prisoners/Slaves and key galleries.

1:30–2:30 PM

Walk + Ponte Vecchio

Walk south through the historic center, then cross Ponte Vecchio and enjoy the Arno views.

2:30–4:00 PM

Oltrarno + Santo Spirito

Wander artisan streets, small shops and Piazza Santo Spirito at a relaxed pace.

~4:00 PM

Gelato break

Recharge before the walk back toward the station.

4:15–5:15 PM

Ponte Santa Trinita + luggage

Walk back via Ponte Santa Trinita for the Ponte Vecchio view, then retrieve luggage from Stow Your Bags.

~5:20 PM

At Firenze SMN

Be inside the station with a comfortable buffer.

~6:00 PM

Train to Rome

High-speed rail to Roma Termini. Split into taxis with luggage and head to Via Bocca di Leone 32 to check in and settle.

~8:00 PM

Takeout from Pasta Urbana

Via Belsiana 94. Order takeout and bring it back to the Airbnb rather than sitting down — an easy, low-key arrival-night meal after everyone settles in.

Priority Order
  • Duomo and Signoria first, quick lunch, then the 12:15 Accademia. Enjoy Ponte Vecchio and Oltrarno afterward, but begin the walk back toward the station around 4:15 PM, aiming to be at Firenze SMN by about 5:20 PM for the 6:00 PM train.
05

Ancient Rome

Friday, September 11 Base: Rome

A historic-center sunrise walk, the confirmed Ancient Rome tour, and a Trastevere dinner.

View the first half of the morning route →

7:00 AM

Spanish Steps

Start at Fontana della Barcaccia in Piazza di Spagna. Enjoy the steps and take photos before the crowds build.

7:30 AM

Trecaffè

Quick Roman café stop for espresso or cappuccino on the way toward Trevi; the kids can have a small pastry or drink if wanted.

8:00–8:25 AM

Trevi Fountain

Photos and a short visit while the fountain area is still relatively quiet.

8:45–9:05 AM

Pantheon

Enjoy Piazza della Rotonda and the Pantheon exterior; step inside only if the timing is easy.

9:20–9:40 AM

Piazza Navona

See the Fountain of the Four Rivers, Sant'Agnese in Agone and the long Baroque piazza.

9:45–10:15 AM

Forno Campo de' Fiori

Late bakery breakfast: pizza bianca/rossa, breads and baked sweets. Grab food and eat around the piazza — don't expect one table for eight.

10:15–10:35 AM

Campo de' Fiori

Browse the morning market and surrounding streets. Keep this a short, lively stop rather than a major attraction.

10:35–11:10 AM

Largo di Torre Argentina

Walk over and see the Republican-era ruins and look for the famous cats. The cat sanctuary itself may not be open yet.

11:10–11:50 AM

Jewish Ghetto

Walk Piazza Mattei and the Turtle Fountain, Via della Reginella, Portico d'Ottavia and the Theatre of Marcellus. View the route to lunch →

~11:50 AM

Walk toward Ancient Rome

Continue via the Capitoline/Piazza Venezia area and the Imperial Forums — sightseeing and transportation at the same time.

~12:20 PM

Quick lunch

La Prezzemolina near the Colosseum — pizza al taglio, supplì/fritti, lasagna, salads. Keep lunch quick so the group has plenty of buffer before the 2:15 PM tour.

1:00–1:40 PM

Tour prep

Bathrooms, water, coffee if wanted, then walk to the confirmed Walks meeting point. Aim to be there around 1:40 PM.

2:15–5:15 PM

Walks Ancient Rome tourmap

Confirmed guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. The tour ends at Palatine Hill; carry government-issued ID if required.

5:15–5:45 PM

Exit + taxis to Trastevere

Exit with the guide, regroup, then split into two taxis for Trastevere if that's easiest for the group.

5:45–6:15 PM

Piazza Trilussa + Ponte Sisto

Start the evening along the river and use this as a relaxed reset after the archaeological tour. View the Trastevere route →

6:15–6:45 PM

Trastevere lanes

Wander Via del Moro, Vicolo del Cinque, Via della Scala and nearby lanes without forcing a rigid route.

6:45–7:15 PM

Santa Maria in Trastevere

Enjoy the piazza and step into the basilica if open and convenient.

7:15–7:45 PM

Aperitivo / wander

Keep this flexible: drinks, a short gelato stop, people-watching or simply more wandering before dinner.

8:00 PM

Ditta Trinchetti — Confirmed

Reserved dinner for all 8 at Via della Lungaretta 76. After dinner, enjoy Trastevere after dark, then split into two taxis back to Via Bocca di Leone.

Confirmed Anchors
  • Walks Ancient Rome tour, 2:15–5:15 PM, ending at Palatine Hill; Ditta Trinchetti dinner, 8:00 PM, reserved for all 8. The rest of Friday should protect those two times.
Friday Route Notes
  • Keep the café stop at Trecaffè brief — Forno Campo de' Fiori is the real late breakfast, bakery-style grab-and-go, so the group can eat in or around the piazza rather than expecting one table for eight.
  • Lunch stays intentionally quick: La Prezzemolina is the sole planned Friday lunch stop before the Ancient Rome tour.
  • The Ancient Rome tour ends at Palatine Hill. Regroup after the tour and use two taxis to Trastevere if convenient.
  • Trastevere route: Piazza Trilussa / Ponte Sisto → neighborhood lanes → Santa Maria in Trastevere → dinner.
06

Vatican City, Villa Borghese & Early Farewell Dinner

Saturday, September 12 Base: Rome

Confirmed Vatican tour, Villa Borghese in the afternoon, and Sgarro Bistrot for dinner — lunch is takeaway from Scialla, so seating isn't a concern.

View the first half of the route →

8:00 AM

Breakfast

Relaxed breakfast near Via Bocca di Leone. Keep it simple before the Vatican.

9:15 AM

Taxi to Vatican area

Split into two taxis if easiest. Allow time for traffic, restrooms and finding the Walks meeting point.

9:45 AM

Check in

Arrive approximately 30 minutes before the tour and regroup before entry.

10:15 AM–1:15 PM

Walks Complete Vatican Tourmap

Confirmed: Vatican Museums, major galleries, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica when access conditions allow.

~1:30 PM

Takeaway from Scialla

Scialla the Original Streetfood, Vicolo del Farinone 27 in Borgo. Roman pizza/pinsa, pasta and tiramisù to go — no need to worry about seating for all 8.

~2:20 PM

Optional Castel Sant'Angelo exterior

If timing and energy are good, spend about 20 minutes at Castel Sant'Angelo and Ponte Sant'Angelo for photos only. Skip this without hesitation if lunch runs long.

~2:45 PM

Taxi to Villa Borghese

Split into two taxis and head to the central/eastern side of the park so the afternoon can flow toward Pincio.

3:00–3:40 PM

Piazza di Siena + reset

Unstructured park time: sit, walk, snack and give the kids room to run after the Vatican. View the Villa Borghese route →

3:40–4:30 PM

Lake + Temple of Aesculapius

Walk around the lake and rent rowboats if they are operating and the wait is reasonable.

4:30–5:00 PM

Flexible Villa Borghese hour

Choose shaded avenues, fountains, a pedal/rickshaw rental or simply more free play. Skip Bioparco and Galleria Borghese on this trip.

5:00–5:25 PM

Pincio Terrace

Finish the park at the Pincio overlook for the panorama over Piazza del Popolo and Rome. Don't wait for sunset because of the early dinner.

5:25–5:55 PM

Head toward dinner

Walk toward the Spanish Steps / Via Belsiana area, using taxis only if the group prefers to save energy.

6:00 PM

Sgarro Bistrot — Confirmed

Early dinner at Sgarro Bistrot, Via Belsiana 14, reserved for all 8.

After dinner

Back to the Airbnb + pack

Walk back to Via Bocca di Leone 32. Pack luggage, set out Sunday travel clothes, charge devices and confirm the airport-transfer plan.

Saturday Checkpoints
  • Scialla lunch: takeaway from Vicolo del Farinone 27 around 1:30 PM — no need to worry about seating for all 8.
  • Castel Sant'Angelo is exterior-only and optional; cap it at about 20 minutes so Villa Borghese stays the priority.
  • Villa Borghese priorities: Piazza di Siena, lake/rowboats, free exploration and the Pincio Terrace. Skip Bioparco and Galleria Borghese this afternoon — both deserve more time than this schedule allows.
  • Sgarro Bistrot is confirmed for 6:00 PM at Via Belsiana 14, reserved for all 8.
Tour Note
  • The Sistine Chapel is included. Access from the museums to St. Peter's Basilica can change because of Vatican operations, ceremonies, or security.
07

Early Departure

Sunday, September 13 Base: Rome

Fully locked: UA 885, FCO to IAD, and a confirmed 6:00 AM transfer from the Airbnb to the airport.

~5:30 AM

Wake & final pack

Finish packing, gather passports, medications and chargers.

~5:45 AM

Early checkout

Check out of Via Bocca di Leone 32 and return keys.

6:00 AM

Transfer to FCO — Confirmed

Confirmed departure from the Airbnb at Via Bocca di Leone for all 8 plus luggage and any child-seat arrangements.

~7:00 AM

Arrive FCO

Check in and drop bags for UA 885. Aim to be at the airport about 3 hours before departure.

~7:30 AM

Security & passport control

Move as one group where possible, then find the gate.

10:20 AM

Depart FCO — UA 885

Boeing 777-200, United Economy (W). Nonstop to Washington Dulles.

2:15 PM

Arrive IAD

Washington, DC. Flight time approximately 9h 55m.

Confirmed Flight — UA 885
  • FCO → IAD, Sunday 9/13, departing 10:20 AM and arriving 2:15 PM; duration 9h 55m on a Boeing 777-200, United Economy (W).
  • Seats: 50L, 50K, 50J, 51L, 51K, 51G, 50G, 50F — all 8 travelers together across two adjacent rows.
Departure Checklist
  • Airport transfer confirmed for 6:00 AM departure from Via Bocca di Leone.
  • Ask the accommodation about early checkout and key return.
  • Pack the night before and keep passports, medications and chargers together.
  • Allow additional time for child-seat arrangements if using a private transfer.
Reservation tracker

Where everything stands

A running list of what's locked in, what still needs booking, and what's still open.

Version 2.5 note

The entire trip is now confirmed — every restaurant reservation, the Vatican and Ancient Rome tours, Villa Borghese pacing, and the flight home (UA 885) with its 6:00 AM airport transfer. The only casual item left is Pasta Urbana on Thursday night, which is a takeout plan rather than a sit-down booking.

The Raffa rules of the road

Five things to remember mid-trip

One excellent experience is better than three rushed ones.

Gelato is a legitimate scheduling tool.

Use taxis before everyone is exhausted, not after.

Keep one optional stop every day that can be dropped without regret.

The best family memories may happen between the landmarks.