Always amazing to see a building as famous as the Colosseum!
Inside the breathtaking Pantheon
Tourists toss coins into the Trevi Fountain to ensure their return
St. Peter's Square
You know, I read somewhere that southern Europe is in a financial crisis. You’d never know it, looking at the tourists in Rome. The beautiful city is, as the Brits would say, heaving with them, all nationalities soaking up the sun, the ambience and the history.
We have opted for the Classic Tour of Rome and time is clearly of the essence: as ships dock in the port city of Civitavecchia. About 90 min. away, it makes for a full day. Luckily the itinerary touches on many of the must-sees such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain, into which we dutifully toss a coin over our shoulders to guarantee a return visit to The Eternal City.
Miraculously, our efficient guide keeps us all under her wing as we wander, wide-eyed, past icons of history and past some pretty tempting shops.
Favourite spottings: A “gladiator” - guys in full regalia pose with tourists for money - on his cell phone (perhaps getting interference from his spear?)… a pint-sized accordionist charming the crowds in St. Peters Square… and the moving experience of being in St. Peter’s Basilica. Oh, and the clean, free washrooms at the Colosseum (what can I say?).
And since we are in Rome and lunch is included, we are treated to a 4 course meal, with lashings of wine. As the old saying goes: When in Rome!
Good to know: Churches here (and in Malta) mandate that visitors have their shoulders covered. If your's aren’t, you’ll be given a loaner shawl – men and women. So give sleeveless dresses or T-shirts a miss if churches are on your itinerary.
