We arrive in Rome and are picked up by Vincenzio from Rome in Limo at the pier. He drives us to Rome, the traffic is medium at the city beltway. As per our plans, we arrive at the Coliseum and explore this awe inspiring site on our own. Vincenzio suggests some churches with sculpture, but I ask to see the Pantheon and the Plaza Navonna before lunch. The Four Rivers fountain by Bernini is gorgeous, and famous from the Angels and Demons movie recently. I had read about the Pantheon and was thrilled to see this early dome (mother of all domes) in person. Vincenzio navigated Rome expertly, the drivers are a little erratic here, and he took us to the Trevi Fountain. Vincenzo recommended a restaurant off the beaten path, Salad Ricca (sp). A short drive outside the old Roman walls and we were the first ones here for lunch, approx 11:45. We had delicious pizza and pastas here, vino, soda, water, and caprese salad with mozzarella from real buffalos. After lunch, we had prepaid and reserved Vatican reservations at 2, so we met with our guide Cecilia. Isabel and I are provided with paper pants to cover our knees (she also gets a paper shawl for her shoulders) and we head into the Vatican Museum. The children are fascinated by the sculptures featuring nudity in Greek and Roman Gods. We are all amazed at the Sistine chapel, now clean and beautiful. Last time I was here, it was covered in soot and scaffolding. Cecilia explains everything in great detail. We make our way to the Basilica. The Pope was here 2 hours ago and it had been closed to many of our shipmates, we are able to see the Pieta and the Basilica. Finally we are parched due to the high heat and purchase waters and sodas before Vincenzo picks us up and we sail "home"with no traffic to the Brilliance in Civitavecchia by 5:30 as we requested, thank you Vincenzo for a perfect day in Rome!
