My Journey Ends Where It Began.....Rome
Day 7: Martin, our tour guide, warned us that today was going to be a "brutal" day. After the drive from Volterra to Rome we quickly check into our rooms at the Aberdeen Hotel near the Piazza Republica. We then head for the sprawling Vatican Museum for a guided tour through the massive collection of treasures. Next we made our way to view Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel. We then had an orientation to the awe-inspiring St. Peter's Basilica, home to Michelangelo's moving Pietà . From there, we went into St. Peter's Basilica. As a Catholic, I was quite moved to be here. I was even able to attend part of a mass service which was very special. We all met back up at the Obelisk in St. Pete'rs Square before heading back to the hotel. For those of us who still had the energy, we took a optional la dolce vita stroll through the heart of Rome. Rome is so beautiful lite up at night. We stopped for a meal at the classy Piazza Navona and enjoyed the circus-like atmosphere from our ring side table in the piazza. What a great place to just kick back and people watch. After dinner we strolled by the Four Rivers Fountain on our way to the remarkably-preserved, 2,000-year-old Pantheon. The moon was out this evening and it beamed over the roof of the Pantheon which made for great photos. We cap off the evening with a visit to the famous Trevi Fountain and gelato nightcap across the way. I tossed my coins into the fountain with the hope that I would return to Rome and Italy. Back to the hotel where I collapse into bed.
Day 8: Today we visited many of the "big" attractions. First, the Colosseum where we had a fantastic guided tour with Francesca. She was amazing! Her style of speaking kept you engaged and listening the entire time. She continued with us as we walked through the Roman Forum and up the steps to the Capitol Hill. We went back to the Pantheon and went in to see its 142 foot high dome built over 2,000 years ago. It was amazing! Later we visited St. Peter-In-Chains Church and saw the Moses by Micheleangelo. With some free time in the afternoon, I went back for a rest and to pack up for my trip home tomorrow. This evening we had our farewell dinner at a nearby Ristorante and enjoyed food and wine together. We swapped addresses and email before we parted. A small handful of us did not want the eveing to end so we continued at a small bar near our hotel to have one last toast to the great tour, wonderful people, and the memories we take with us as we leave The Eternal City and Italy.
Day 9: A few last goodbyes over breakfast and I'm off to the airport for the flight home. Arrivederci Italia! Until I return again.
Click the "Play" button below for a slideshow.
Day 8: Today we visited many of the "big" attractions. First, the Colosseum where we had a fantastic guided tour with Francesca. She was amazing! Her style of speaking kept you engaged and listening the entire time. She continued with us as we walked through the Roman Forum and up the steps to the Capitol Hill. We went back to the Pantheon and went in to see its 142 foot high dome built over 2,000 years ago. It was amazing! Later we visited St. Peter-In-Chains Church and saw the Moses by Micheleangelo. With some free time in the afternoon, I went back for a rest and to pack up for my trip home tomorrow. This evening we had our farewell dinner at a nearby Ristorante and enjoyed food and wine together. We swapped addresses and email before we parted. A small handful of us did not want the eveing to end so we continued at a small bar near our hotel to have one last toast to the great tour, wonderful people, and the memories we take with us as we leave The Eternal City and Italy.
Day 9: A few last goodbyes over breakfast and I'm off to the airport for the flight home. Arrivederci Italia! Until I return again.
Click the "Play" button below for a slideshow.