Rome

Day 7 - Rome at Night

After arriving in Rome by bus, we settled into our hotel at Hotel San Carlo. Shortly after, we set out for an orientation walk in Rome where we listened to stories and facts about the various landmarks we visited, including the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Largo Argentina Ruins. We ended the evening with a dinner of delicious handmade pasta among other dishes.

Places we visited today:

Spanish Steps & Fontana della Barcaccia – our first stop was the Spanish Steps and the Fountain of the sinking boat
Trevi Fountain – we stopped by this world-famous fountain built in the 1600s for a quick break and gelato
Pantheon – we passed by the Pantheon, a building built during ancient Roman times that has been in continuous use for 2000 years.
Piazza Navona – this public square traces the outline of an ancient Roman racetrack that stood on this site
Sant'Agnese Church – we made a quick stop in this 17th century church to see the impressive frescoes
Temple of Hadrian – see the surviving side colonnade of the temple that dates back to ancient Rome
Column of Marcus Aurelius – ancient Roman column featuring detailed relief carvings and a hollowed out interior staircase
Largo Argentina Ruins – ancient Roman ruins and where it is believed that the assassination of Julius Caesar took place

Day 8 - The Vatican Museums and St. Peter's

Today we had some free time in the morning to explore more of Rome before heading off to a guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. The tour concluded at St. Peter’s Basilica where we were given an introduction to the basilica then able to explore on our own.

Places we visited today:

Trevi Fountain – we returned to the Trevi Fountain in the morning when it was less crowded
Pantheon – we explored the interior of the Pantheon with the help of Rick Steves’ audio guide and map.
Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola – known for its elaborate fresco's and painted dome.
Vatican Museum – contains artwork dating from ancient Rome to Raphael and Michelangelo.
Sistine Chapel – before entering the chapel, the guide explained the history and meaning of the fresco's painted by Michelangelo. Then we were given some time to admire the chapel on our own. We used Rick Steves' audio guide and map since there is no guiding inside.
St. Peter’s Basilica – we were given free time to explore the basilica on our own. It was handy to have Rick Steves’ Audio guide and map.

Day 9 - Monuments of Ancient Rome

We started the day with a guided tour of the San Clemente Church before heading off to the Roman Colosseum and Roman Forum. At the conclusion of the tour, we continued to explore the forum and Palatine Ruins on our own. We then stopped by the nearby Victor Emmanuel II Monument, and then rejoined the group for our farewell dinner.

Places we visited today:

San Clemente Basilica – to see different layers of Rome being built on top of ruins. Pictures are not allowed, but you can see the website link.
Roman Colosseum – marvel at the largest amphitheater in the world at the time it was built.
Roman Forum – Highlights: see the Arch of Titus and Temple of Caesar where Julius Caesar was cremated.
Palatine Ruins – contains the imperial residences of the hill, including the ruins of the residence of Caesar Augustus. Entrance ticket from the Forum includes access to the Palatine Ruins.
Victor Emmanuel II Monument - After exiting the Roman Forum, you will be directly at the Victor Emmanuel II Monument! Enjoy the view!

Farewell Dinner – Wedding feast
Tonight, we met for the last group dinner right by our hotel. Where did all the time go? Julian told us tonight was a typical wedding feast in Rome! (see photos). As a parting souvenir, we each got a magnet calendar to remember our trip for the coming year!

Day 10 – Tour over after breakfast

The buffet breakfast every morning is the best part to start our morning every day! Taxi rides with fellow group members leaving around the same time are easily arranged with the hotel. Luckily, we were heading to Paris for the next leg of our trip and Julian was returning to Paris. He even helped us navigate the transit system in Paris and made sure we were able to get to our hotel! Tour guide extraordinaire!

Conclusion: Rick Steve’s Tour was everything we expected and more, and we would highly recommend it to anyone!