Rome Tour #1 - Linda

On Saturday we had a great 4 hour tour of the Rome highlights.   Our tour guide, Rahul, was a wealth of knowledge as we toured "The Eternal City".   As our hotel is close to the Colosseum, we began there (just a drive around as we have a Colosseum tour after the cruise).  We then headed towards the Circus Maximus - a long, oval field that once hosted chariot races.   All that remains today is the turf!  We then headed towards our first stop, passing many ruins, monuments and ancient buildings along the way!  The Piazza del Campidoglio was designed by Michelangelo, and is the embodiment of Renaissance architecture.   Guarded at the foot of the many steps are gigantic statues of Castor and Pollux.  

Proceeding up the steps to the church, Santa Maria in Ara Coeli, there is one of the best views of the Forum.  Back in our comfortable van, we proceeded to the Piazza where the Trevi fountain is.   It was VERY crowded so we plan to come back after the cruise to thrown in our three coins, and do some shopping in the many shops along the cobblestone pathways. 

  We then proceeded to the Pantheon - a monumental round temple that is considered the best preserved ancient structure in the city.  It has the largest concrete dome ever built -it is a MOST impressive structure!  From there we walked to the Piazza Navona,

 originally built as a stadium for athletic contests, it now hosts many shops, cages, artisans and vendors selling souvenirs.  We had dinner in a little cafe off the Piazza and then a drive up to the hillside outside of Rome to see the city at night!  It was a great overview of this magnificent city!