Rome and Vatican City, Italy

Tuesday April 12

We had a very full day touring Rome and Vatican City  (10 1/2 hours).  We started with a  panoramic drive past Rome's important ancient sites:  the Aurelian Walls, the Pyramid of Cestius, Circus Maximus and the very impressive Capitoline Hill.  We also drove past remarkable Roman baths which put all others we have seen so far to shame.  We thoroughly enjoyed our photo stop outside the massive Colosseum where we met our Italian guide, Maria.  With her, we visited the Spanish steps, the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon.   The Trevi Fountain is huge and very impressive.  The inside of the Pantheon was breathtaking.  The concrete dome was fascinating.  She also showed us where to find the expensive designer shops.   At the Piazza Navona we enjoyed free time.

During our free time at Vatican City we stood in line to get through security to visit St Peter's Basilica and again to get into the Basilica.  The place is massive with lots of art, carvings, gorgeous marble floors, decorated ceilings and domes. It's very difficult to describe.  This too was very breathtaking.  Unfortunately, there was no time to visit the Cistine chapel.  

Almost everyone on the ship was out on a full day tour.  The staff must have missed us because when we returned, they were out on the pier greeting us with music, champagne, cheering and clapping.  What fun that was!  They did it for each of the returning buses. 
Tonight, an operatic troupe from Rome entertained us....Accademia Nazionale de Santa Cecilia.  Such powerful voices they have!  They made it fun and even had us singing along a bit.