Rome
A few things initially excited us about going to Rome: the Vatican, the history, and our own family ties. Being raised Roman Catholic to a very Italian family, visiting the Vatican has been on the bucket list for a long time. And going to the Vatican in 2016, we were able to walk through the Holy Doors! These doors open only every twenty-five years or so and are believed to absolve you of all of your sins as you walk through them, no confession necessary. Well, that's definitely handy!
But not even counting the Vatican, Rome itself is a city steeped in so much history that you would need to spend far longer than the three days we had there. Seriously, it's amazing to be standing in the same spots where so much of our world's history was written and shaped. Kim, our resident history teacher and overall history buff, was absolutely in her element. We saw where gladiators fought in the Coliseum, where Julius Caesar took his last breath, and envisioned the fall of this great empire while wandering Rome's winding, seemingly endless roads. And it was here that we said goodbye to Patricia and our fellow tour members.
But not even counting the Vatican, Rome itself is a city steeped in so much history that you would need to spend far longer than the three days we had there. Seriously, it's amazing to be standing in the same spots where so much of our world's history was written and shaped. Kim, our resident history teacher and overall history buff, was absolutely in her element. We saw where gladiators fought in the Coliseum, where Julius Caesar took his last breath, and envisioned the fall of this great empire while wandering Rome's winding, seemingly endless roads. And it was here that we said goodbye to Patricia and our fellow tour members.
Day 12: Umbria Wine Tasting & Welcome to Roma
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Tips
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Tips on how to tackle the VaticanWith four miles of art and artifacts in the Vatican museums and the grandest church in Catholicism, Vatican City is a daunting place to tackle. Here are a few tips!
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Day 13: Vatican and the Museums
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Day 14: Ancient Rome
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Highlights
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Day 15: Goodbyes
Overall, embarking on this Rick Steves' Tour was a life-altering experience. His, and his tour's, travel philosophy helped us become seasoned travelers rather than typical American tourists. And along the way, we met wonderful new people, both American and European, and made some memories that we will all treasure forever. Until next time, Rick!
- Checked out of our hotel. Patricia helped us get a taxi to airport and we were off. Goodbye, Italy.
Overall, embarking on this Rick Steves' Tour was a life-altering experience. His, and his tour's, travel philosophy helped us become seasoned travelers rather than typical American tourists. And along the way, we met wonderful new people, both American and European, and made some memories that we will all treasure forever. Until next time, Rick!