After docking in Civitavecchia (civita = "city" / vecchia = "old") we took a tour bus into Rome. We were deposited at the Vatican City just as Easter Mass was beginning. We saw the Pope and his entourage from a distance and relished in the magnificent architecture of St. Peter's Basilica and the sounds of the antiphonal chant choirs. It was truly a unique experience to be in Rome on such a special day.
St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City
the Roman Forum
Left: Constantine's Arch
Below: the Colosseum
Inside the colosseum
From there we hopped a taxi to the Roman forum and Colosseum, then walked the beautiful streets to the Italian Parliament building (nicknamed the "wedding cake" because of it's design).
We paused for a treat at a Gelateria next to the Trevi Fountain where we followed tradition and tossed in a coin. 1 coin = coming back to Rome someday; 2 coins = find a true love (we were too cheap and already in love for this option!)
Finally, we wound our way through the narrow streets and passed several beautiful and delectable cafes before discovering the Pantheon.
From there, we walked across the Piazza de Navona and the St. Angelo bridge before returning to the Vatican for one last taste of this magnificent city. The girls got very tired from all the walking but it was a fabulous day to enjoy the sites of Rome.
This was one of our favourite destinations and we hope to go back sometime soon and explore more of Rome and Italy as a whole - perhaps on a Western Mediterranean cruise someday???
Looks like it was a great trip! And I *love* the Trevi Fountain... ahhhhh... Fantastic! :o)
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